Background Information
The Edmund Fitzgerald is one of the most famous ships to have ever existed in Lake Superior, a lake known to be one of the deepest and most dangerous in the world. It was a giant ore carrier that operated throughout the Great Lakes and carried taconite from Superior, Wisconsin, to Detroit, Michigan. On November 10, 1975, the ship disappeared without a trace in a vicious storm. To this day, the mystery of what caused the Edmund Fitzgerald to sink has yet to be solved.
What Led to the Tragedy?
It is believed that a combination of factors may have been responsible for the tragedy. The first was the reports of major storms in the Great Lakes region that day. The ship received orders to seek shelter, but ultimately chose to remain on course. This could have been because the crew felt they could handle the storm or they simply wanted to get to its destination as soon as possible. It is also important to note that the crew knew they were sailing into an area that was particularly dangerous due to the shallow depths and reefs surrounding the area. This may have been why the ship was travelling at a greatly reduced speed of 12 mph, the minimum speed required to keep the ship afloat.
Effect of Weather on the Ship’s Sinking
The weather on the day of the ship’s sinking was also believed to have played a major role in the tragedy. The waves were reported to be over 30 feet high and the wind was blowing at around 65 mph. The ship’s decks were reported to have been swamped with water more than once. According to reports, the waves caused the ship to list to one side with its hull cracking against the pressure. This weakened the ship’s structural integrity and eventually caused it to break apart.
The Theory of Disorientation
Another theory put forward to explain the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald is the Theory of Disorientation. This suggests that the combination of bad weather and the shallow nature of the lake disorientated the crew. In addition, the waves and low visibility may have forced the ship further from the safe area and towards the shore which was much closer. The disorientation of the crew would also explain why the crew did not take advantage of a nearby lighthouse which may have provided some protection.
Expert Analysis
Experts also point towards the possibility of a mechanical failure that could have contributed to the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. There are some suggestions that the ship may have taken on more water than the pumps could handle. This could have caused the ship to sink quicker than expected and prevent the crew from taking any evasive action to save the ship. Some also suggest that the ship may have had some kind of design fault that made it more prone to sinking in adverse conditions.
Technical Fault Possible Cause?
The cause of the disaster is further compounded by the lack of evidence on the ship and its condition at the time of the sinkings. It was reported that both the ship and its crew were in good condition prior to the accident. This leaves the possibility of a technical fault or malfunction as an explanation for the sinkings, although no evidence has been found to date to support this theory.
Investigation
In the forty-five years since the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, there have been numerous investigations and theories suggested as to what caused the tragedy. Despite this, the cause of the disaster is still unknown. While some speculate that the combination of bad weather and an unconventional design fault could have been to blame, others suggest the crew’s disorientation could have been a factor.
The Effects of the Edmund Fitzgerald Sinking
The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald has had far-reaching consequences for the Great Lakes region. It has been regarded by many as one of the worst maritime disasters in the region and has caused a great tragedy for the families of the lost crew members. The disaster has also resulted in many safety improvements in the shipping industry, including more robust designs and more stringent safety procedures.
Ongoing Debate
The mystery of what caused the Edmund Fitzgerald to sink has continued to be the subject of much debate among historians, experts and the public. Some believe that a combination of factors could be to blame, while others still cling to the possibility of a technical fault. Whatever the cause, the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald remains one of the most tragic disasters in the history of the Great Lakes.
Maintenence and Administration
The tragedy of the Edmund Fitzgerald has brought to light the importance of proper maintenance and administration in the shipping industry. The disaster has highlighted how important it is for ships to be correctly maintained, particularly in an area with unpredictable weather. Ship owners have also been urged to ensure that their vessels are seaworthy at all times and that proper protocols are followed to ensure the safety of the crew.
Intense Regulations After the Tragedy
Following the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, the international maritime community has implemented more stringent regulations to prevent similar accidents from happening. Some of these measures include the implementation of stricter inspections of vessels, as well as better training for crews and better communication between ships and authorities. The United States Coast Guard has also increased their presence in the Great Lakes and has implemented more thorough standards for all vessels in the area.
Awareness of Lake Superior’s Dangers
The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald has also raised awareness of Lake Superior’s dangers and has led to improved safety measures for vessels travelling in its waters. Ships now have to adhere to stricter navigation protocols and must always be prepared for emergencies. There is also more emphasis placed on the importance of properly maintaining any ships travelling in the lake.
The Legacy Of The Edmund Fitzgerald
The tragedy of the Edmund Fitzgerald remains an important part of the Great Lakes’ history, and its sinking has had a lasting impact on the maritime industry. The story of the Edmund Fitzgerald has become ingrained in the collective consciousness and will likely continue to be the subject of speculation and debate for many years to come.
