Background Information
The SS Edmund Fitzgerald was a cargo vessel built in 1958 that transported taconite pellets from the mines in Minnesota to the steel mills near Detroit, Michigan. On November 10, 1975, while on its way to a steel mill on the Detroit River, the Edmund Fitzgerald and her crew of 29 men, including Captain Ernest M. McSorley, sank in Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. Though the tragedy was one of the deadliest maritime disasters of the 20th century and resulted in the loss of all hands, the exact cause of the sinking remains unknown.
Relevant Data
The Edmund Fitzgerald departed from Superior, Wisconsin and was headed for Zug Island in Detroit, Michigan on the evening of November 9th. At the time of her departure, the vessel was carrying 26,116 tons of taconite and was in good condition. The Fitzgerald encountered a severe storm with winds of up to 75 mph and waves as high as ten feet. At 7:10 p.m. on November 10th, the Edmund Fitzgerald reported that she had taken on water and was taking on more. Additional distress signals were sent at 7:39 p.m. and the Edmund Fitzgerald was lost between 7:50 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Perspective from Experts
The U.S. Coast Guard investigated the incident and concluded that the most likely cause of the sinking was a combination of factors, such as the wind and waves, the Fitzgerald’s weakened structure due to corrosion, a broken hatch, taconite shifting and altering the ship’s stability, faulty navigation and some kind of mechanical failure. However, the investigation was inconclusive and there are still many theories as to what caused the tragedy. Some experts believe that the Fitzgerald encountered a massive “freak wave” caused by weather conditions typical of the Great Lakes. Others speculate that the crew may have overloaded the cargo hold, making the ship structurally unsound.
Own Insights and Analysis
The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald is a tragedy that has mystified experts for decades. It is clear that the ship was not able to withstand the effects of the November storm she encountered. The Fitzgerald’s hull had been corroding for years and was likely weakened from years of exposure to salt water. It is possible that when faced with the waves and winds, the already weakened hull could not hold. Whatever the cause, the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald and her 29 crew members was a great tragedy that will not be soon forgotten.
Grief and Mourning
The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald left families torn apart and full of grief. The stories of the remaining family members affected by the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald are a powerful reminder of the disaster’s tragic effects. For some, the loss is still deeply felt decades after the tragedy. One family member described the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald as “a black cloud…that hangs over our family”. Others struggle to cope with the tragedy and the ongoing mysterious surrounding the cause of the sinking. Memories of lost loved ones come flooding back as families reflect upon their loss.
Legacy of the Edmund Fitzgerald
The legacy of the Edmund Fitzgerald lives on in the popular consciousness in the form of memorials, memorial services, popular songs and in the cultural stories of both the Great Lakes region and North America as a whole. Every November 10th, the anniversary of the sinking, memorial services are held for the lost crew members in their hometowns. A memorial plaque is also on display in the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Whitefish Point near where the Fitzgerald sank. The song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot brings the story of the sunken ship to a wider audience. All these acts pay tribute to the memory of the Fitzgerald, her crew and the courage they demonstrated in their final moments.
Impact on Maritime Rules and Regulations
The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald resulted in a number of safety changes to maritime rules and regulations across the U.S. and Canada. These regulations were designed in part to prevent similar disasters from occurring. These changes include regulations about limiting cargo loads, stronger hulls for cargo vessels, and improved life-saving equipment like life rafts. Additionally, the U.S. and Canada created a unified system of navigation regulations, which both countries still adhere to today. This system ensures that both countries abide by the same regulations when navigating their respective waters, thus increasing safety and preventing further maritime disasters.
Lack of Closure
Even nearly a half century after the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, there has been no definitive answer to the mystery of what sank the ship. Without a full understanding of what went wrong and what caused the tragedy, many family members and experts continue to be haunted by the sinking and by their inability to bring closure to the disaster. Countless theories and hypotheses have been proposed to solve the mystery, but without definitive evidence, the mystery of the Fitzgerald’s sinking remains unsolved.
Consequences of the Disaster
The consequences of the Edmund Fitzgerlad disaster were felt far and wide. Beyond the devastating effects on the loved ones of the crew members, the sinking of the ship had a major impact on the maritime industry as a whole. The tragedy lead to increased safety regulations and serious changes to standard operating procedures. It also served as a stark reminder of the dangers of the Great Lakes and all the dangers of living on a coast, where storms can hit with devastating effects. Finally, the disaster called attention to the vulnerability of all vessels, vessels of all types, sizes and locations must always be prepared for the worst.
