50 Facts About SS Edmund Fitzgerald

The Launch and Naming of SS Edmund Fitzgerald

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald, often called the "Mighty Fitz," has a storied history that begins with its launch and naming. Let's dive into the early days of this iconic ship.

1. Launch Date and Location: The SS Edmund Fitzgerald was launched on June 8, 1958, at River Rouge, Michigan. Built by Great Lakes Engineering Works of Ecorse, Michigan, it was commissioned by the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

2. Name and Inspiration: Named after Edmund Fitzgerald, the President and Chairman of Northwestern Mutual, the ship's name reflected the company's commitment to excellence and safety.

Size, Capacity, and Operations

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald was a marvel of engineering, known for its impressive size and cargo capacity. Here’s a closer look at its specifications and operations.

3. Size and Capacity: Measuring 729 feet in length and 13,632 gross tons, it was the largest ship on the Great Lakes when launched, holding this title until 1971.

4. Cargo Capacity: Designed to carry massive loads, it could transport up to 26,116 long tons of taconite pellets, which are processed iron ore formed into marble-sized balls.

5. Route and Operations: Operating primarily between Silver Bay, Minnesota, and steel mills in Detroit and Toledo, it typically returned empty to Silver Bay.

The Final Voyage

The final voyage of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald is a tale of tragedy and mystery. Here are the key details of that fateful journey.

6. Final Voyage: The ship's last journey began on November 9, 1975, from the Burlington Northern Railroad Dock No.1 in Superior, Wisconsin, captained by Ernest M. McSorley.

7. Weather Conditions: A severe storm was brewing, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a gale warning for Lake Superior at 7 pm on November 9, which was upgraded to a storm warning early the next morning.

8. Storm Severity: The storm brought winds gusting up to 50 knots and waves reaching 12 to 16 feet, making navigation extremely challenging.

9. Communication and Coordination: The SS Edmund Fitzgerald and the SS Arthur M. Anderson, captained by Bernie Cooper, were in constant radio contact. Despite worsening conditions, no distress signals were sent from the Fitzgerald before it sank.

10. Last Message: Captain McSorley's last message to the SS Arthur M. Anderson at 7:10 pm on November 10, 1975, was, "We are holding our own." This would be the final communication from the Fitzgerald.

The Sinking and Aftermath

The sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald remains shrouded in mystery. Here are the facts surrounding its tragic end and the subsequent investigations.

11. Sinking Sequence: The exact cause remains unknown, but theories include swamping, structural failure, or topside damage. The most accepted theory is that the ship took on water due to earlier storm damage and then plunged headfirst into a large wave.

12. Depth of Sinking: The ship sank in Canadian waters approximately 17 miles north-northwest of Whitefish Point, Michigan, at a depth of about 530 feet (160 meters).

13. Lifeboats and Safety Equipment: Recovered lifeboats suggest no attempts were made to leave the ship. The lifeboats were severely damaged, indicating the crew had no time to prepare for evacuation.

14. Crew and Casualties: All 29 crew members perished, and no bodies were recovered, making it one of the worst shipping disasters on the Great Lakes in recent history.

15. Discovery of the Wreck: Located on November 14, 1975, by a U.S. Navy aircraft detecting magnetic anomalies, the wreck was found in two large pieces on the lake floor.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The story of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald has left a lasting impact on culture and history. Here’s how it continues to be remembered.

16. Artistic and Cultural Impact: The sinking inspired numerous works, including Gordon Lightfoot's famous ballad "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," which has significantly contributed to the ship's enduring fame.

17. Historical Significance: Often referred to as the "Titanic of the Great Lakes," the ship's size, luxury, and tragic fate draw comparisons to the infamous ocean liner.

18. Ship's Design and Construction: Designed with advanced technology, it had three central cargo holds loaded through 21 watertight cargo hatches, each measuring 11 by 48 feet of 5/16-inch-thick steel. Originally coal-fired, it was converted to burn oil during the 1971-72 winter layup.

19. Safety Record: Despite its tragic end, the ship had an impressive safety record, receiving an award for eight years of operation without a single time-off worker injury. However, it was involved in several incidents during its career.

20. Maneuverability Improvements: In 1969, its maneuverability was improved by installing a diesel-powered bow thruster, aiding navigation through tight spaces.

Accidents and Incidents

Throughout its operational life, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald experienced several minor accidents. Here’s a look at some of those incidents.

21. Accidents and Incidents: The ship ran aground in 1969, collided with the SS Hochelaga in 1970, and struck the wall of a lock in 1973 and 1974. These incidents highlighted the need for continuous maintenance and safety checks.

22. Original Bow Anchor Loss: In 1974, the ship lost its original bow anchor in the Detroit River, part of a series of minor mishaps that underscored the importance of regular maintenance.

Luxury and Comfort

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald was not just a workhorse; it was also known for its luxurious amenities. Here’s what made it stand out.

23. Luxury and Comfort: Known for its luxurious interior, it featured air-conditioned quarters and two dining rooms, making it a comfortable vessel for its crew.

24. Captain Peter Pulcer: Captain Peter Pulcer was famous for playing music over the ship’s intercom, adding to its charm and making the ship feel more like a home than a workplace.

Preservation and Education

Efforts to preserve the history of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald continue to this day. Here’s how its story is being kept alive.

25. Cultural Legacy: The ship has inspired numerous books, plays, and musicals, ensuring its place in maritime history and folklore.

26. Shipwreck Museum: The Whitefish Point Light Station and Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum are dedicated to preserving its history, housing artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the ship and its crew.

27. Great Lakes Shipwrecks: The SS Edmund Fitzgerald is part of a larger narrative of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes, with over 240 ships lost in the Whitefish Point area alone.

28. Maritime Investigations: The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation suggested the ship took on water due to storm damage and then sank abruptly after being swamped by a large wave.

29. Theories on Sinking: Several theories have been proposed, including structural failure, topside damage, and grounding on a shoal. Despite extensive investigations, the exact cause remains unknown.

30. Artifacts and Exhibits: The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum houses various artifacts from the ship, including personal belongings of the crew and parts of the ship itself.

Educational Value and Tourism

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald serves as a valuable educational tool and a significant tourist attraction. Here’s how it continues to educate and attract visitors.

31. Educational Value: The story serves as a valuable educational tool for understanding maritime safety, ship design, and the importance of regular maintenance.

32. Tourism and Visitor Interest: The ship has become a significant tourist attraction. Visitors to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum can learn about its history, see artifacts, and pay respects to the crew.

33. Gordon Lightfoot’s Ballad: Gordon Lightfoot’s ballad "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" has contributed significantly to its cultural significance and remains a popular choice for those interested in maritime history.

34. Historical Context: The ship was part of a critical period in Great Lakes shipping, operating during a time of rapid industry evolution with new technologies and safety measures being implemented.

35. Maritime Industry Impact: The sinking led to renewed focus on safety protocols and emergency preparedness, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and inspections.

Legacy and Remembrance

The legacy of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and its crew continues to inspire and educate. Here’s how they are remembered.

36. Crew Legacy: The crew is remembered for their bravery and dedication. Their story serves as a reminder of the risks involved in shipping and the importance of safety.

37. Ship’s Maneuverability: Known for its maneuverability, thanks to the installation of a diesel-powered bow thruster in 1969, which improved handling in tight spaces.

38. Cargo Holds and Hatches: The ship had three central cargo holds loaded through 21 watertight cargo hatches, ensuring the cargo was securely stored and protected during transit.

39. Safety Awards: The ship received an award for eight years of operation without a single time-off worker injury, reflecting the high standards of safety maintained by the crew.

40. Historical Preservation: Efforts are ongoing to preserve its history, with the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum dedicated to this cause.

41. Maritime Education: The story serves as a valuable educational tool for maritime students, providing insights into ship design, safety protocols, and the importance of regular maintenance.

42. Tourist Attractions: The ship has become a significant tourist attraction, contributing to the economic and cultural significance of the Great Lakes region.

43. Cultural Significance: Beyond its maritime history, the ship has inspired numerous artistic works, ensuring its place in popular culture.

44. Maritime Legacy: The ship leaves behind a lasting legacy in the maritime industry, serving as a reminder of the importance of safety, regular maintenance, and emergency preparedness.

45. Ship’s Size and Luxury: Known for its size and luxury, at 729 feet long, it was one of the largest ships on the Great Lakes, featuring air-conditioned quarters and two dining rooms.

46. Captain McSorley’s Leadership: Captain Ernest M. McSorley was at the helm during the final voyage, his leadership and experience crucial in navigating the challenging weather conditions.

47. Crew’s Sacrifice: The crew made the ultimate sacrifice, their bravery and dedication remembered and honored through various tributes and memorials.

48. Maritime Investigations and Reports: The sinking was extensively investigated by maritime authorities, providing valuable insights into the circumstances surrounding the sinking.

49. Artifacts and Personal Belongings: The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum houses various artifacts from the ship, including personal belongings of the crew.

50. Enduring Legacy: The SS Edmund Fitzgerald has left an enduring legacy in maritime history, its story continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.

The Enduring Legacy of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald remains a powerful symbol of maritime history and tragedy. Launched in 1958, this massive freighter was a marvel of its time, known for its size, luxury, and advanced technology. Its tragic sinking on November 10, 1975, during a severe storm on Lake Superior, resulted in the loss of all 29 crew members, leaving a lasting impact on the Great Lakes shipping community.

The ship's story has inspired countless artistic works, including Gordon Lightfoot's famous ballad, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." The wreck's discovery and subsequent investigations have provided valuable insights into maritime safety and ship design, though the exact cause of the sinking remains a mystery.

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by sailors and the importance of continuous improvements in maritime safety. Its legacy endures, captivating the imagination of those who hear its tale.