Identification & Site Information

• Name: SS Edmund Fitzgerald
• Type: American Great Lakes Freighter
• Tonnage:
• Gross: 13,632 tons
• Net: 8,713 tons
• Dimensions:
• Length: 729 feet (222.2 meters)
• Beam: 75 feet (22.9 meters)
• Depth: 39 feet (11.9 meters)
• Location: Canadian waters of Lake Superior, approximately 17 miles from Whitefish Bay.
• Year of Loss: November 10, 1975
• Coordinates: Approximately 46°59.9’N, 85°06.6’W
• Depth of Wreck: Approximately 530 feet (161.5 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald, launched on June 7, 1958, was a steel-hulled freighter designed to transport taconite iron ore pellets across the Great Lakes. Measuring 729 feet (222.2 meters), it was the largest ship on the Great Lakes at the time of its launch, earning it widespread recognition. Powered by a steam turbine engine and equipped with cutting-edge technology for its era, the Fitzgerald was built for efficiency, durability, and capacity, carrying 26,000 tons of ore in a single trip.

History

Service Life

The Fitzgerald served the Great Lakes shipping trade for 17 years, renowned for its size and record-setting cargo hauls. Owned by Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance and operated by Oglebay Norton Corporation, it transported ore from mines in Minnesota to industrial hubs like Detroit and Toledo. Its size and sleek design made it a favorite among boat watchers and earned it nicknames like the “Pride of the American Flag.”

The Final Voyage

On November 9, 1975, the Fitzgerald departed Superior, Wisconsin, loaded with 26,000 tons of taconite, bound for Detroit. It sailed alongside the SS Arthur M. Anderson, navigating worsening weather. By the evening of November 10, the Fitzgerald faced hurricane-force winds, towering waves over 35 feet (10.7 meters), and heavy snow, impairing Visibility.

Around 7:10 p.m., after reporting, “We are holding our own,” the Fitzgerald vanished from radar without sending a distress signal. Despite a search led by the Anderson and the Coast Guard, the Fitzgerald sank, taking all 29 crew members to their deaths.

Final Disposition

The wreck lies in two main pieces approximately 17 miles northwest of Whitefish Point. The bow section rests upright, while the Stern section is inverted, separated by a debris field of scattered cargo and parts. The exact cause of the sinking remains unclear, with theories ranging from structural failure to large waves swamping the Deck.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

•Legal Protections: The wreck is recognized as a grave site and is protected by U.S. and Canadian laws, discouraging diving or disturbance.

•Maritime Safety Improvements: Following the disaster, regulations were introduced mandating survival suits, enhanced navigation systems, and stricter ship inspections.

Discovery

The wreck was located on November 14, 1975, by a U.S. Navy Lockheed P-3 Orion aircraft using magnetic anomaly detection. Further exploration by manned submersibles in the late 1970s provided detailed imagery of the wreck.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition: The Fitzgerald is largely intact but shows significant damage from the sinking. The bow is upright, while the Stern lies inverted. The surrounding debris field includes hatch covers, lifeboats, and other artifacts.

•Accessibility: At 530 feet (161.5 meters), the wreck is beyond recreational diving limits. It is considered a sacred site, and exploration is limited to non-intrusive methods like ROVs or sonar.

Cultural and Historical Impact

The Fitzgerald remains one of the most well-known Great Lakes shipwrecks, immortalized by Gordon Lightfoot’s 1976 song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” The tragedy highlighted the dangers of Great Lakes shipping and led to lasting improvements in maritime safety protocols.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website

•NOAA Marine Sanctuaries: Website

•Edmund Fitzgerald Historical: Website

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: Website

Conclusion

The loss of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald remains one of the Great Lakes’ most tragic and enduring maritime stories. Its sinking prompted critical safety reforms, ensuring better protection for future sailors. The Fitzgerald’s legacy lives on as a somber reminder of the power of nature and the courage of those who navigate the Great Lakes.

Keywords

#Edmund Fitzgerald #Lake Superior Shipwreck #Great Lakes Freighter #Maritime Disaster #Whitefish Bay #Gordon Lightfoot #Taconite Carrier #1975 Great Lakes Storm