MICHIGAN — Sunday, November 10, marks the 49th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald during a fierce storm on Lake Superior. This notable freighter, recognized as the largest vessel on the Great Lakes, went down approximately 17 miles off the coast of Whitefish Point in 1975, claiming the lives of all 29 crew members on board.
The Edmund Fitzgerald embarked on its maiden voyage in 1958, measuring over 729 feet in length. A significant artifact from this historical maritime event, the ship’s 200-pound bell, was salvaged from the wreck site in 1995 and is now displayed at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum located in Whitefish Point.
In honor of this somber anniversary, a memorial service is scheduled for Sunday at 7 p.m., which can be viewed via the museum’s social media platforms.
The legacy of the Edmund Fitzgerald continues to resonate, notably inspiring the famous song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot. Looking ahead, next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking, and to commemorate this milestone, an Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim will take place starting in late July 2025. This relay swim aims to begin at Whitefish Point, concluding with a ceremony at Detroit’s Mariners’ Church, with plans to start near the shipwreck site, pending necessary permissions from Canadian authorities.
In summary, the enduring memory of the Edmund Fitzgerald serves as a poignant reminder of maritime history and the fragility of life at sea. The upcoming memorial swim not only pays tribute to the lost crew but also fosters a spirit of community and remembrance among those connected to the Great Lakes.