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6 Theories of the Edmund Fitzgerald

Waterline Stories・24 minutes read

The Edmund Fitzgerald sinks on Lake Superior in 1975, with questions remaining about the cause despite various theories. The ship's lavish interior and advanced equipment mark a legendary reputation, with the weather being a primary factor in its sinking.

Insights

  • The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior in 1975 remains shrouded in mystery, with no definitive cause agreed upon despite multiple theories proposed, emphasizing the complexity of maritime disasters and the challenges of investigating such incidents.
  • The Edmund Fitzgerald's construction and operational history, including its innovative design, luxurious features, and record-setting voyages, underscore the vessel's significance in Great Lakes shipping and the tragic loss of the crew, highlighting the rich maritime heritage and risks associated with navigating these vast freshwater bodies.

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Recent questions

  • What caused the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald?

    Multiple theories proposed, weather conditions and cargo distribution risks.

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Summary

00:00

"Edmund Fitzgerald: Great Lakes Shipwreck Mystery"

  • On November 10, 1975, the largest ship to sink on the Great Lakes, the Edmund Fitzgerald, goes down with its 29 crew members 15 nautical miles Northwest of Whitefish Bay on Lake Superior.
  • The investigation following the sinking raises more questions than answers, with multiple theories proposed but no unanimous agreement on the cause.
  • A video released in November 2023 about the Edmund Fitzgerald's sinking is mentioned, highlighting the need for further information and individual judgment on the most plausible explanation.
  • Ernest McSorley, born in Canada, moves to the US at 11 and later joins the shipping industry, starting his career on the Great Lakes at 23.
  • The Great Lakes, the largest freshwater system globally, carry 120 million tons of cargo annually, with a history of around 6,000 shipwrecks and 30,000 sailors' graves.
  • The construction of the Edmund Fitzgerald, launched on June 7, 1958, deviates from traditional methods, using bulkhead segments joined together, setting a new industry standard.
  • The ship, named after Edmund Fitzgerald, CEO of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, boasts lavish interior fittings, advanced navigational equipment, and a crew of 29.
  • The Edmund Fitzgerald's maiden voyage in September 1958 sets a Great Lakes tonnage record, marking the beginning of its legendary reputation akin to SpaceX today.
  • In 1971, the ship is refitted from coal to oil firing, enhancing its speed and endurance, with Ernest McSorley taking command in 1972.
  • On November 9, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald loads over 26,000 tons of tonite pellets in Superior, Wisconsin, setting sail for Detroit, facing potential risks due to cargo distribution and weather conditions.

16:02

Tragic Sinking of the Fitzgerald: Weather's Wrath

  • The Anderson's Captain Cooper changes course at 1500 to avoid a shallow area, while the Fitzgerald's Captain Maxy does not follow suit.
  • The depth of the six-fathom Shaw is crucial, with the Anderson's draft at 26 ft and the Fitzgerald's at 25 ft, making avoiding shallow areas vital, especially in bad weather.
  • At 1530, the Fitzgerald reports taking on water and losing equipment, leading to theories about the sinking, with experts agreeing that contact with the Shaw would have caused a quick sinking.
  • The Fitzgerald's radar malfunctions, leading to navigation challenges, and the ship continues into deeper waters despite potential issues.
  • The weather worsens with high winds and waves, including rogue waves, impacting both the Anderson and the Fitzgerald.
  • The Anderson loses contact with the Fitzgerald, initiating a search after concerns about the missing ship's safety.
  • Pieces of the Fitzgerald are found, but none of the 29 crew members are located, with the wreck eventually identified on the lake bed in two sections.
  • Blame is debated among various parties, but the weather is highlighted as the primary factor in the Fitzgerald's sinking, with the site declared a burial ground, preventing further exploration.
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