The Lake That Never Gives Up Her Dead

Recent questions

• Why is Lake Superior considered powerful?

  Because it defies calm lake stereotypes, demanding respect. Lake Superior holds a historical archive beneath its surface, including sunken ships and human remains, showcasing its formidable nature. The tragic shipwrecks of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975 and the SS Kamloops in 1927 highlight the lake's power and the risks it poses to sailors. The cold temperatures of Lake Superior preserve bodies, creating a haunting reminder of its strength and the dangers it presents to those who traverse its waters.

• What is the significance of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald?

  The SS Edmund Fitzgerald, known as the "Titanic of the Great Lakes," sank in 1975 with a crew of 29, tragically losing their lives in a storm on Lake Superior. The experienced crew, familiar with the lake's power, faced challenges as the ship encountered severe weather conditions, ultimately leading to its sinking without sending a distress signal. The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald remains a controversial site, with debates surrounding diving to the wreckage, respecting it as a graveyard, and differing opinions on ownership and exploration. Families of the crew were upset by actions that they considered desecration of a grave, leading to efforts to protect the site and restrict access to unauthorized divers.

• How are bodies preserved in Lake Superior?

  Bodies in Lake Superior remain preserved due to the cold temperatures of the water and the process of adipocere formation. The lake's frigid conditions slow down decomposition, allowing for the bodies of those lost in tragic shipwrecks, such as the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and the SS Kamloops, to be remarkably well-preserved. This preservation serves as a haunting reminder of the dangers and power of Lake Superior, as well as the tragic history that lies beneath its surface.

• What led to the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald?

  The SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in 1975 with a crew of 29 due to severe weather conditions on Lake Superior. As the ship encountered winds of 55 miles per hour and swells up to 18 feet high, it faced challenges with a bad list, pumps struggling to keep up with water, and waves as high as 25 feet. Despite the worsening conditions, Captain McSorley of the Fitz remained calm and in communication with other ships, ultimately leading to the tragic sinking of the vessel without sending a distress signal. The storm's intensity and the ship's struggles in the rough waters contributed to the devastating loss of the crew.

• How did families of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald crew react to the wreck?

  Families of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald crew were upset by actions they considered desecration of a grave, leading them to petition the Canadian government to protect the wreck and make publishing photos of the bodies illegal. Fred Shannon's controversial actions sparked outrage among the families, prompting efforts to safeguard the site and restrict access to unauthorized divers. Colleague turned rival Farnquist supported the families' cause, resulting in the wreck being declared an official grave site and Michigan passing a law prohibiting the display of human remains in its waters without next of kin permission. The families' efforts led to the consecration of the site in 1999, urging the Canadian government to impose restrictions on access to adventurers and enforce penalties for unauthorized diving.