MICHIGAN – November 10 will see the commemoration of the 49th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which occurred during a fierce storm on Lake Superior in 1975. The ship, renowned as the largest freighter on the Great Lakes, went down approximately 17 miles off the coast of Whitefish Point, taking with it the lives of 29 crew members.
Launched in 1958, the Edmund Fitzgerald stretched over 729 feet in length. In a poignant reminder of the ship’s legacy, a 200-pound bell was recovered from the wreckage in 1995 and is presently displayed at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Whitefish Point.
A memorial service will take place on the evening of November 10 at 7 p.m., with the option for attendees to watch the service live through the museum’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
The legendary vessel also inspired the famous song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” written by Gordon Lightfoot, which continues to resonate with audiences today.
As next year approaches, it will mark the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald’s sinking. To honor this significant milestone, plans for the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim are being set in motion, scheduled to begin in late July 2025. This relay swim will start offshore from Whitefish Point, concluding in Detroit with a ceremony at Mariners’ Church. Pending necessary approvals from Canada, the swim might commence over the very site where the Edmund Fitzgerald rests.
Overall, this commemorative period not only reverberates with historical significance but also highlights a strong community spirit, as many come together to remember and honor the lives lost that fateful day. The anticipation for next year’s events promises a meaningful tribute that pays respect to the legacy of the ship and its crew, allowing their memory to live on.