**Edmund Fitzgerald Tragedy: 49th Anniversary**

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Post on Nov 11, 2024

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Edmund Fitzgerald Tragedy: 49th Anniversary - Remembering the "Mighty Fitz"

The 10th of November, 1975, etched itself into maritime history as a day of tragedy. The Edmund Fitzgerald, a massive ore carrier affectionately known as the "Mighty Fitz," vanished beneath the unforgiving waves of Lake Superior, taking the lives of all 29 crew members.

This year marks the 49th anniversary of this catastrophic event, prompting us to reflect on the events that led to the ship's demise and remember the courageous men who lost their lives.

The Storm That Swallowed the Fitzgerald

The Edmund Fitzgerald set sail from Superior, Wisconsin, bound for a steel mill in Zug Island, Michigan. The ship, carrying over 26,000 tons of taconite pellets, encountered a fierce storm on Lake Superior, with winds exceeding 60 mph and waves reaching heights of 30 feet.

The captain, Ernest McSorley, reported heavy seas and the ship taking on water. The crew, despite the increasingly dangerous conditions, battled to keep the vessel afloat. However, the storm's relentless fury proved too much for the Edmund Fitzgerald.

A Silent Loss

The final communication from the Edmund Fitzgerald was a simple message from Captain McSorley: "We are taking on water. We are down to 12 feet in the stern." Tragically, this was the last anyone heard from the ship.

The US Coast Guard, despite deploying multiple aircraft and vessels, was unable to locate the Edmund Fitzgerald. It was only days later, on November 12th, that the wreck was discovered, lying in two pieces on the bottom of Lake Superior, more than 500 feet below the surface.

Unanswered Questions and Enduring Legacy

The loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald remains a mystery to this day. While the official investigation concluded that the vessel capsized due to a combination of factors including heavy seas and the ship's design flaws, many questions remain unanswered.

This tragedy continues to fascinate and intrigue, and the Edmund Fitzgerald's legacy lives on through the music, poetry, and countless stories dedicated to the ship and its crew. The "Mighty Fitz" serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers inherent in maritime work and the unwavering courage of those who risk their lives at sea.

Remembering the Crew

As we mark the 49th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald's sinking, we remember the 29 brave souls who perished that day. Their names, etched into the annals of maritime history, will forever be associated with the "Mighty Fitz," reminding us of the enduring human spirit and the sacrifices made in the face of adversity.

Remembering the Crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald:

• Ernest McSorley: Captain
• Russell A. "Russ" Bragg: First Mate
• Thomas A. Radtke: Second Mate
• Robert J. "Bob" Harris: Third Mate
• John P. "Jack" Clark: Chief Engineer
• William W. "Bill" Fitch: First Assistant Engineer
• Walter E. "Wally" Holm: Second Assistant Engineer
• Richard L. "Dick" Johnson: Electrician
• Gordon W. "Gord" Smith: Able Seaman
• Paul P. "Paul" Skovira: Able Seaman
• Thomas A. "Tom" McQueeney: Able Seaman
• William A. "Bill" Perrin: Able Seaman
• Charles W. "Chuck" Salonen: Able Seaman
• Roland J. "Rolly" Swidorski: Able Seaman
• Dennis D. "Denny" Reiche: Able Seaman
• Richard A. "Rick" S. Olson: Able Seaman
• Edward R. "Ed" O'Connell: Able Seaman
• Thomas J. "Tom" Koss: Able Seaman
• Douglas W. "Doug" D. Johnson: Able Seaman
• Joseph M. "Joe" Williams: Able Seaman
• Stephen A. "Steve" Sottos: Able Seaman
• John A. "Jack" Wachowski: Able Seaman
• James S. "Jim" L. McHugh: Able Seaman
• Michael J. "Mike" O’Connell: Able Seaman
• Bruce H. "Bruce" Kish: Able Seaman
• William J. "Bill" Davis: Able Seaman
• Richard P. "Rick" McSorley: Able Seaman
• John W. "Jack" Dickson: Able Seaman

We remember their dedication, their courage, and their sacrifice.

Remembering the Edmund Fitzgerald

The Edmund Fitzgerald remains a powerful symbol of the unpredictable forces of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. May her memory continue to inspire us all.