Michigan will commemorate the 49th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Sunday, November 10. This incident occurred during a fierce storm on Lake Superior in 1975, when the largest freighter on the Great Lakes went down approximately 17 miles offshore from Whitefish Point. There were 29 crew members aboard at the time of the sinking.
The Edmund Fitzgerald, which first entered service in 1958, measured over 729 feet in length. A significant artifact from the ship, a 200-pound bell, was recovered from the wreckage in 1995 and is currently displayed at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Whitefish Point.
To honor the lives lost, a memorial service is scheduled for Sunday at 7 p.m., which can be viewed online through the museum’s social media pages.
The story of the Edmund Fitzgerald has continued to resonate over the years, most notably through the iconic song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot. As the 50th anniversary of the sinking approaches next year, plans are underway for the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim. This relay swim will begin in late July 2025 at Whitefish Point and conclude with a ceremony in Detroit at Mariners’ Church. If approved by Canadian authorities, the swim will commence over the wreck site itself.
This year’s memorial serves as a poignant reminder to reflect on the maritime history and the sacrifices made by those at sea, instilling hope for future generations to remember and honor these moments.
Summary: The article details the upcoming 49th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a tragic maritime event that claimed the lives of 29 men. It highlights a memorial service, the historical significance of the ship, and upcoming events connected to its legacy, including a planned swim in 2025.