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The Loss of the |
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The Loss of the |
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Doug
Location: Tampa Bay Florida
Email: doughoffineat vzw.blackberry ne
Date: 5/31/2009
Remote Name: 24.96.184.204
Comments
I grew up in michigan and learned of the Fitzgerald at an early age when i first heard the song on the radio and asked my dad what it was about. as i grew older i did reading about the ship and the wreck, and found all the theories interesting, yet not all seemed to make sense. There was never any evidence that the Fitz bottomed out in the shoals, just because they were in the area. the best cause for the sinking was the Fitz being overtaken from the stern by the same rogue waves that struck the Arthur M. Anderson. these waves would have raised the stern up, dropping the bow, and causing the cargo to shift foreward. this in addition to the ship sliding down the wave would have generated tremendous kenetic energy which railroaded the bow into the hard bedrock floor of the lake, with such force as to disintegrate part of the midsection causing the stern to break away and roll over. remember, the pictures and examinations of the wreck sight show lots of damage to the bow, and the stern rolled upside down. this is just my opinion of the most likely cause. no one will ever be certain. what ever happened, it happened in a flash and with the fore of a kid slapping a toy boat in a bathtub.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: John L. Crumb
Location: PortColborne Ont canada
Email: jcrumb1at cogeco ca
Date: 5/30/2009
Remote Name: 72.38.202.132
Comments
Firstly,stop what you're doing right now for a couple of minutes.Use this time to remember the men,their families,and all of those who felt a huge sense of loss on that November day.Amen. I was four days shy of my 15th birthday. I think about her,nary missing a day.How could this be after 34 yrs? The answer is simple.I live on the North shore of Lake Erie,right where the Welland Ship Canal begins.I feel a sense of kinship with this vessel,and the brave souls that were called to glory.These powerful feelings are the result of many fond memories,that stem from the many,many,times where as a lad,I watched her as she passed right before me on her way to another destination.Being born and raised in PortColborne,not only did I see her,I watched throughout my life,many ships that made their way through the locks to be raised and lowered to the necessity of the Lakes, Erie and Ontario.Pouring salt into the wounds,I saw over time, dozens of Sailors,who were waiting to ship out,or on a shore leave whilst loading or refuelling. Not an uncommon sight,but very emotional when these tattooed,musclebound men sat together and wept.People in here "vote" on which scenario most likely was the cause of her demise. I won't. Simply because it can't change what's already happened.All we can do from then till now,and from now to whenever,is remember and pray.I saw my home town struck silent amid the tears that flowed like the water that could nevermore keep her afloat.We can never forget,but we can turn our dismay into thoughts of happier times,when all of us were together,and the bonds that were formed over the times when we were.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: william steele
Location:
Email:
Date: 5/20/2009
Remote Name: 67.160.79.159
Comments
i think how the boat went down was a leaky hatch. i am sorry about the boat and its crew. bless them.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Shirley Olinger
Location: Evans City, Pa.
Email: solingerat zoominternet ne
Date: 5/11/2009
Remote Name: 24.101.98.117
Comments
This was my husband's "favorite subject". He's been gone now for a long while, but it stays within my heart, so very much! Will we ever know?
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Paula
Location: Muskegon, MI
Email: paulahallorabat comcast ne
Date: 5/6/2009
Remote Name: 198.110.32.2
Comments
My dad's boat was the funeral boat (the first boat to pass over the site). They had a ceremony. Does anyone have pictures of this?
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Willie Clark
Location: Munising, Mi
Email: jwclark07at yahoo co
Date: 4/25/2009
Remote Name: 66.7.167.43
Comments
I saw the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1972 sailing on the Benjamin F. Fairless when we were going thru the soo locks. Never in my life would I have thought something like that would happen. Going through a couple storms on lake superior in November I can only imagine what was going thru the crews mind. I think one or more of the hatches failed and the ship took on water to the point of the bow going under and never coming back up. I quit sailing in 73 and remember the storm in 75.I was glad to be on land.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: George Beegle
Location: Houston, Tx.
Email: bang333at sbcglobal ne
Date: 4/3/2009
Remote Name: 69.151.219.0
Comments
My father retired off the Anderson in 72. 47 years on Great Lakes....The coast guard had warned the company about having several plates loose and needed to be in dry dock for repairs that lay-up season....at dinner time (evening) she was taking in water from her deck hatches.she never broke into until her stern went down and then it broke into when the stern hit the bottom.My father Capitain Harold Beegle retired off the Anderson the year before. Capt. Berney Cooper was master of the Anderson the night the FitZ. went down
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: glen moore
Location: johnson city, tn.
Email: n/a
Date: 4/1/2009
Remote Name: 74.4.23.129
Comments
As a historian of the great lakes and a true lover of the ships that sail the lakes especially superior, I appreciate any information on them. God rest their souls, and families.
Subject: Water Depth and Length of ship
From: Dan Sullivan
Location: Durham NC
Email: accountingat brighterideas co
Date: 3/27/2009
Remote Name: 66.57.229.116
Comments
I became interested in the wreck of the Fitz while living in Marquette Michigan in 1988-93. I lived on Lake Superior and was a regular at the museum there. As much as I liked the museum, their display that attempted to show water depth to scale, which it did not. I'm convinced that the ship nose-dived on a rogue wave in the following seas, broke its back, instantly submerging all hands fore. The separated stern rolled over and plunged with all aft hands. A 729' ship in 160' of water is hard to visualize, given that the ship would be sticking up vertically over 600' - or higher than the Washington Monument. A simple trig problem indicates that the ship would have to dive at 45 degrees to hit bottom if it slid down a wave trough. Though that seems odd, if the waves were sufficiently spaced to cause a rhythmic pitching, the ship couldn't gone down in seconds, struck bottom, twisted and broken, and disappeared almost instantly. If they were already nose-heavy from leaks in the bilge or the hatches, the process would've been faster. I'm just thinking this is an equally plausible solution. Best wishes to all family and friends.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Brian
Location: Eau Claire, WI 54701
Email: lima_trade_centerat yahoo co
Date: 3/24/2009
Remote Name: 205.213.166.68
Comments
May the Edmund Fitzgerald and its crew along the guost of the Edmund Fitzgerald remain forever in eternal peace. and may the Coast Guard be struck down by God if it ever fabricates the report of another lost ship!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Susan Justice
Location: Amherst
Email: dakotasue05at YAHOO co
Date: 3/23/2009
Remote Name: 76.188.157.53
Comments
wave swells opened up causing the Edmund Fitzgerald to hit the bottom of the lake bed and break in half
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: ansley
Location:
Email:
Date: 3/13/2009
Remote Name: 173.108.53.70
Comments
i think that the ship broke in two it is most likely. God bless the 29 men on that ship.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Paula Pearson
Location: Plymouth, IN
Email: ppearsonat plymouth.k12.in.us
Date: 2/23/2009
Remote Name: 165.139.83.2
Comments
I am a Media Clerk at an Elementary school and I wish someone would write a book appropriate for grades K-4 on the Edmund Fitzgerald. My husband and I went to the lighthouse near Whitefish Bay and witnessed the memorial service there. It is beautiful that so many people still feel so strongly.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dana
Location: Michigan
Email: none
Date: 2/19/2009
Remote Name: 198.110.50.253
Comments
I am doing a project on the Edmund Fitzgerald and i can't get over the fact that so many people died. It was such a terrable thing that happened. I wish everyone a long and happy life and God bless the crew and their familys
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: michael
Location: athens ohio
Email: mikecain06at yahoo co
Date: 2/12/2009
Remote Name: 98.115.235.88
Comments
i keep those men an there families in thought it was a terrible thing to happen i couldn't imagine going through a thing like that god bless
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Gene
Location: Waterville, OH
Email: efph0555at roadrunner co
Date: 2/12/2009
Remote Name: 12.129.115.68
Comments
A subject of sincere interest to me, I may choose to do my thesis on this great vessel. There are several reasons why she did not make Whitefish Point. While I respect the Coast Guards official report, I strongly disagree with their conclusion. I suspect they overlooked the structural integrity of a ship of that size. May the good men of that great vessel be waiting with Jesus to welcome their family members to Heaven.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Danii
Location: Culpeper
Email: gzusfreak4everat gmail co
Date: 2/9/2009
Remote Name: 12.20.146.126
Comments
im so sorry for the families may the lord comfort them
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Timothy Shifflett
Location: Winchester, Virginia
Email: timwin_vaat verizon ne
Date: 2/5/2009
Remote Name: 72.73.37.128
Comments
hello everyone. i saw images of the edmund fitzgerald and saw some of the boats as well that go in and out of the great lakes, i pray for all on those ships and vessels. just remember when duty calls . god has plans for all of us, god bless keep in good minds on high seas and stay alert.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: matt
Location: minnesota mn
Email:
Date: 2/3/2009
Remote Name: 206.131.108.4
Comments
god bless the fizgerald family
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: pam johnson
Location: kansas
Email: jwhodyat sbcglobal ne
Date: 2/1/2009
Remote Name: 66.142.211.221
Comments
It is so good to see such a large love of the FITZ. My dad was the last cook on the FITZ when she sank. Also thank you for all the well wishes and good thoughts. It is still like it was yesterday for me. I so miss my dad. Robert Rafferty Temp. Steward
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Marissa
Location: Arlington, TX
Email: brennanmat ymail co
Date: 1/28/2009
Remote Name: 76.186.168.12
Comments
this is amazing I am researching about it for a school report and i really got interested and best of all i get a grade on it! although this was a tragic accident it fascinates me that it just vanished. Lord please bless all the families and friends who knew the passengers on the ss edmund fitzgerald.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: A Seaman
Location: Wisconsin
Email: nutrition4lifeat dtldigit co
Date: 1/26/2009
Remote Name: 69.179.13.41
Comments
I have been riding self-unloaders on the Great Lakes for over 35 years. And I still do. I'm certain the "Fitz" broke on the surface of the Lake before it sunk. The hull, I believe, was damaged long before that fateful trip. If you knew what I knew you would understand why I say this. For instance; How much can you bend the hull of a ship before the steel gives out somewhere in it? There are a lot of incompetent Mates loading these ships and stressing the heck out of them in ways you can't even imagine. Especially with Iron Ore, (taconite) pellets! Also, there certainly are "Rogue" waves. I know because I've seen them. The Edmund Fitzgerald sank because of too much stress on it's hull. Plain and simple. Because if you take a ship into heavy seas that has been bent and stressed as many times as the Fitz had been, there's a good chance it'll go down. Anyone who has rode on these type of ships as long as I have will say the same thing I'm saying. The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald probably took place from many incidences of stress long before her last trip. And you want to know something else? It's going to happen again.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Burke Beyer
Location: Metairie, LA.
Email: burkebeyerat yahoo co
Date: 1/23/2009
Remote Name: 70.171.68.128
Comments
Hello, I'm looking for Deborah Gomez-Felder. I have a message. I am by no means a psychic, however, I recently saw a documentary about the Edmund Fitzgerald, a topic I have always been inexplicably drawn to. During an interview, she commented that she expected her father to show up at her graduation because he would never miss it. During that segment, I heard as clear as day (though not out loud, sort of like the way you experience a bell tolling) "I didn't." I realize this sounds insane but, I felt compelled to tell her that her dad was most assuredly there. I can't explain this very well and am currently struggling to understand this myself but, if anyone one on this site knows her, please tell her. I think she needs to know. Dad was there. Thanks, Burke
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: nicole brabon
Location: kalamazoo,MI
Email: nicole_braboat yahoo co
Date: 1/18/2009
Remote Name: 69.214.18.87
Comments
I am the granddaughter of blaine wilhelm oiler on the fitz when it went down. it has always been a big part of my life. to me it doesn't matter so much how it went down put the people that went down with it. i have only heard stories of my grandfather and he was a wonderful man, i could only imagine how wonderful the rest of the crew was. i think about the fitz all the time we have pictures of it hanging on our wall. i thank everyone who prays for the crew and families, my thoughts and prayers go out to anyone else who has lost a loved one one the lakes.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: big d
Location: mn
Email:
Date: 1/10/2009
Remote Name: 74.47.83.220
Comments
our town elementary school's cook had a father on there. he was Nolan F Church
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Hans Noetzel
Location: vernon Michigan
Email: hnoetzelat chartermi ne
Date: 1/4/2009
Remote Name: 68.188.169.226
Comments
I believe the Edmund hatches are the Key elements,she had taken on Water and due to the added weight she was at the mercy of the storm . she broke up due to high swells and went down in two parts ,because the weight was shifting in all direction that was to much for any structure
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Susan Fenlon Koenraads
Location: Netherlands
Email: jeppsueat ziggo.nl
Date: 12/29/2008
Remote Name: 94.209.119.93
Comments
After so many years, I was reading this site and came across a comment that my brother Emmett Fenlon (now living in australia) wrote, I shed a tear the way he wrote with pride about our father and those 29 men. May god be with their families, and with our father and mother
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: j.storrs
Location: upstate new york
Email: dlerkinsstorrs1at rochester.rr co
Date: 12/20/2008
Remote Name: 66.66.96.212
Comments
As an army stevedore serving a ten year period working on fast sea lift vessels.I believe that the fitzgerald fractured her hull passing carabou island,but succumbed to the two large seas berie cooper reported incountering on the anderson.The crew of the fitz by all accounts never knew what hit them.I do feel a tremendous sense of empathy for the surviors of the lost crew,but cant help but to think with the new advances in salvage recovery. Permission would be granted to quell the unanswered questions of why, thus maybe preventing such an occurrence from repeating. All who work or have worked in the Great Lakes are people that are sorely missed in our present times.Selfless individuals undertaking an adherent risk for American Industry.As American as it gets.Ill close by wishing all a safe and happy holiday season,God Bless. J.Storrs.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: John
Location: Germantown, WI
Email: jculver227at yahoo co
Date: 12/14/2008
Remote Name: 76.229.155.184
Comments
God bless the 29 brave souls who lost their lives when she went down, and their families. I believe she went down after being suspended between two massive waves and breaking in half. The official reports of the investigation blame the crew for not securing the hatches properly, thus allowing water to enter the holds...I wish we knew, but I did see a program illustrating a theory that the bow and stern rode on two 70+ foot waves with nothing supporting the middle of the vessel, causing it to break in half. The Gordon Lightfoot song does stir emotions indeed.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dan
Location: Mi
Email: dn_aroat yahoo co
Date: 12/11/2008
Remote Name: 69.14.109.155
Comments
As a person who lived close to Superior, I felt the loss of those men. To this day I always remember that day. The big lake still scares me, and will never venture too far from land. So many have been lost to that lake.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Bailey
Location: Ohio
Email:
Date: 12/3/2008
Remote Name: 76.241.114.49
Comments
I think it's sad that all those sailors lost their lives. In the future I hope to study and design ways to make sure boats are safe and reliable.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Roderick Kehlenbeck
Location: Springfield NE
Email: rodkpkrfanatthegameat 2-mail co
Date: 12/1/2008
Remote Name: 166.166.20.11
Comments
I was stationed at the Marquette MI Coast Guard station in late 1967 to mid 1968. I remember having radio contact with the Fitz, while standing the mid watch. I also remember seeing it afloat in the upper Presque Isle harbor ore dock. I can always get a lot of conversation with folks when I mention this. It does date me though for sure.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Carl Mottern
Location: Kenmore , New York
Email: aw1cfmotternat yahoo co
Date: 11/21/2008
Remote Name: 76.180.118.137
Comments
I was in Navy basic training at Great Lakes (Waukeegan) Illinois at the time of her loss. I had graduated the previous Friday 11-7, and was looking forward to going home after final out processing a few days later. I recall hearing of the loss of the FITZ, and also recall the lousy cold Wintry weather that hit that weekend. It was all part of the same upper midwest storm system. I will never forget the connection of these personally memorable events for me, and so tragic for the FITZ.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: george
Location: plymouth pa usa
Email:
Date: 11/17/2008
Remote Name: 98.111.1.127
Comments
my uncle francis clark sailed for oglebay norton from the mid 1950's until he was taken ill and had to retire in 1979. he started aboard the ss ben e tate,and worked with and was very good friends with eugene o'brien, wheelsman on the big fitz when it went down.he was to report to the fitzgerald that year 1975, and whatever happened he ended up going to work on the jr sensibar.the loss of the big fitz was very hard for him to take. when he would lay up and come home for the winter, he would talk about it often and always speak highly of his friendship with eugene o'brien.he died in 1981 at the age of 59 and i know he left this world with fond memories of eugene o'brien and all of his brother seafares on the fitzgerald and on the entire great lakes. may all the merchant seamen on the fitzgerald rest in peace.they are all home with god.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Sheri
Location: Ohio
Email:
Date: 11/11/2008
Remote Name: 64.18.33.150
Comments
33 years now and still we miss our friend. I wish I could know the man he might have been. Nov 10 1975 will always be fresh in my mind.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Cap
Location:
Email:
Date: 11/11/2008
Remote Name: 24.247.88.4
Comments
I pray that every one of the people's famaly's aboard the Edmund Fitzgerald are safe at home. By the way... I have heard the song over a thousand times, and the song goes like this... from Gordon Lightfoot: The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald ©1976 by Gordon Lightfoot and Moose Music, Ltd. Lyrics: The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down of the big lake they called "Gitche Gumee." The lake, it is said, never gives up her dead when the skies of November turn gloomy. With a load of iron ore twenty-six thousand tons more than the Edmund Fitzgerald weighed empty, that good ship and true was a bone to be chewed when the "Gales of November" came early. The ship was the pride of the American side coming back from some mill in Wisconsin. As the big freighters go, it was bigger than most with a crew and good captain well seasoned, concluding some terms with a couple of steel firms when they left fully loaded for Cleveland. And later that night when the ship's bell rang, could it be the north wind they'd been feelin'? The wind in the wires made a tattle-tale sound and a wave broke over the railing. And ev'ry man knew, as the captain did too 'twas the witch of November come stealin'. The dawn came late and the breakfast had to wait when the Gales of November came slashin'. When afternoon came it was freezin' rain in the face of a hurricane west wind. When suppertime came the old cook came on deck sayin'. "Fellas, it's too rough t'feed ya." At seven P.M. a main hatchway caved in; he said, "Fellas, it's bin good t'know ya!" The captain wired in he had water comin' in and the good ship and crew was in peril. And later that night when 'is lights went outta sight came the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Does any one know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours? The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay if they'd put fifteen more miles behind 'er. They might have split up or they might have capsized; they may have broke deep and took water. And all that remains is the faces and the names of the wives and the sons and the daughters. Lake Huron rolls, Superior sings in the rooms of her ice-water mansion. Old Michigan steams like a young man's dreams; the islands and bays are for sportsmen. And farther below Lake Ontario takes in what Lake Erie can send her, And the iron boats go as the mariners all know with the Gales of November remembered. In a musty old hall in Detroit they prayed, in the "Maritime Sailors' Cathedral." The church bell chimed 'til it rang twenty-nine times for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald. The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down of the big lake they call "Gitche Gumee." "Superior," they said, "never gives up her dead when the gales of November come early!"
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Ian Lambert
Location: United kingdom
Email: ianjayne05at hotmail.co.uk
Date: 11/11/2008
Remote Name: 82.17.114.84
Comments
33 years since the edmund fitzgerald and crew perished at this anniversary thinking of the families that left behind, may god rest there souls.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Gary
Location: Buffalo New York
Email:
Date: 11/10/2008
Remote Name: 205.188.116.20
Comments
Having grown up on Lake Erie - and knowing the mighty power of November gales on the Lakes - my thoughts prayers go to all those souls involved in this tragic event
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Scott Rice
Location: Indiana
Email: dan_wesson_357
Date: 11/10/2008
Remote Name: 12.177.15.218
Comments
I think the cause of the sinking goes somewhat deeper. I have read reports of re-occuring problems with the keel. Looking at lay-up logs there seem to be more instances of keel work being done than one would expect to see on a boat of the age of the Fitz. A broken keel would cause a hull failure 2/3 back from the stern. This is approximately one of the break points of the Fitz. This type of failure would also explain some of the behavior of the boat in the '75 storm and before. I don't think that the sinking can be attributed 100% to any one cause but normally there are several contributing causes, the boat could probably handle one factor but not multiple factors.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Henry Fayant
Location: Denver,Colorado
Email: denverhankat comcast ne
Date: 11/10/2008
Remote Name: 75.70.102.102
Comments
Let us continue to remember this sad day in history. Legend will forever be remembered for the best ship that ever sailed the Lakes. May God continue also to bless the survivors and peace to the souls of the lost ones on that day. GL song will be played here today in memory.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Ed Minnoe
Location: Hastings Mn.
Email: twcaso7at yahoo co
Date: 11/10/2008
Remote Name: 216.70.54.200
Comments
Let us never forget that on this date 33 years ago,God took home 29 of his children.We may never know the reason why.Maybe it was to show how vulnerable ships were and changes needed to be made.Changes were made to make shipping safer after this tradgedy, so their lives were not lost in vain.I can't begin to imagine the terror that must have been happening that night to each crew member.At what point did they each realize this was it, that they would never see their family and friends again.If you stop and think about it,you realise life is so short and we could be gone at a moments notice.So be sure to love one another and love those of the Edmond Fitzgerald and their familys.And never forget all those that have lost their lives too soon.I will never forget....
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Selena
Location: detroit
Email:
Date: 11/6/2008
Remote Name: 66.227.167.55
Comments
i was at work right next to where the ship sank that day and when i heard what had happened i was devastated by the news i started to cry when i heard the 29 bells of the men that had died and i also like the song of the edmund fitzgerald.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: tyman
Location: bay city mi saginaw
Email: alixlocat yahoo co
Date: 11/4/2008
Remote Name: 207.118.233.88
Comments
it was a stormy night that night so thats how it sank. In memory of the brave ones who lost there lives that night of the sinking
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Cheryl
Location: North Tonawanda, NY
Email: cabsab5560at verizon ne
Date: 10/31/2008
Remote Name: 72.65.19.88
Comments
Its been almost 38 years and my heart goes out to the families of all the 29 crew. Thank you Gordon Lightfoot - no one will ever forget.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: John Kumparak
Location: Roosevelt Lake Arizona
Email: homerepair007at tds ne
Date: 10/26/2008
Remote Name: 69.128.161.66
Comments
I always think of the fitz this time of year! To the families I express my deepest sorrow! They have been remembered!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Barry
Location: Idaho Falls,Idaho
Email: whitson4at msn co
Date: 10/15/2008
Remote Name: 63.239.240.97
Comments
"I wonder" who could ever have the right answer, if you were not there. it is a great loss and a great story to one's that have a great imagining, science is good but first hand experience would be helpful would it not? I as a flatlander went through the perals of the great lakes with nights in a green bay hospital. with no experience with the large water who is to know but the 29 sailors Aboard. were a product of god to make a point. i loved every moment on the lakes but am happy to be in Idaho again.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: David
Location: Manchester, NH
Email: calico6791at comcast ne
Date: 10/12/2008
Remote Name: 24.62.170.222
Comments
As we approach the anniversary of this tragedy, let us not forget the 29 brave souls who lost their lives to the witch of November. To those who still make the sea their home I say: May tranquil winds and calm seas be always at your back.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: nick
Location: maine
Email: cookieladytooat yahoo co
Date: 10/3/2008
Remote Name: 72.12.65.132
Comments
the story of the fitz is worse than the titanc
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: john sutton
Location: auckland, new zealand
Email: john sutton1at live co
Date: 9/19/2008
Remote Name: 121.72.172.27
Comments
the fitz was not an old ship, so faulty parts i dont think was the problem, braking in half possibly! maybe cargo shift caused by bad weather caused this. this is my theory, god be with the men and there families
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Gina
Location: Ar
Email:
Date: 9/17/2008
Remote Name: 206.196.254.40
Comments
I was eight at the time, although I knew no one on the ship or the families, my heart goes to them. Whatever caused the sinking, it was a tragic event. Gordon Lightfoot just keeps it alive in his song, so noone will ever forget. God speed
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Scott Terrien
Location: Green Bay, WI
Email: sterrien002at new.rr co
Date: 9/11/2008
Remote Name: 72.129.154.175
Comments
I am now 40 years old. I remember the song from the 3rd grade and always thought it was the most haunting and picturesque song. I too feel strongly connected to this incident even though I don't remember it happening when I was young. I read all I can about the sinking while listening to the song for the 14th time in a row and it still sends chills every time I hear it. I don't know why. Maybe because we all think that it might be the worst way to die. Even my eight year old son is drawn to the incident. Strange.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: joe
Location: cleveland
Email: spider01at cox ne
Date: 9/8/2008
Remote Name: 24.252.246.160
Comments
After seeing pictures from the bottom and trying to visualize all possibilities I offer this suggestion: She had taken on water, faulty hatch or breached hull or both. She was bow heavy, pushed from behind by a large wave, the bow did not rise, the stern did, wave and weight driving the bow into the bottom and as the wave still pushing the stern and lifting it, broke the keel and flung the stern over the submerged portion. This would explain the stern being inverted beyond the bow and the rapidity with which she went down. My sympathies still to the families. May God hold them dear and comfort them always.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: landon
Location: luverne,mn
Email: landocammando34at yahoo co
Date: 9/3/2008
Remote Name: 216.254.253.177
Comments
i would like to give grace to my uncle who died on the edmund fitzergald and no that every time i hear the song i will always think of.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: tiara
Location:
Email:
Date: 9/1/2008
Remote Name: 122.161.121.242
Comments
the lord blesses and watch over the families 29 lost may the families find comfort in the king words of strangers, strength
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Sam Danigelis
Location: Kansas City, MO
Email: sam_danigelisat yahoo co
Date: 8/13/2008
Remote Name: 12.219.199.79
Comments
As I write, I'm listening to Gordon Lightfoot's haunting tribute to these 29 brave men of so long ago (33 years now). I was in high school in Muskegon, MI at the time. We knew what terrible fury the lakes could hold, and I well remember that night. We could hardly believe it. After years of reading reports, I believe that the rogue wave (we now know they do exist) that the Anderson encountered just minutes earlier came from behind in the dark. The Fitz was already barely afloat from taking on water, and the wave drove her under within seconds. I do believe a contributing cause to be faulty hatch covers. They are large and numerous enough to allow tons of lake water in.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: john
Location: rochester ny
Email: jel2309at yahoo co
Date: 8/12/2008
Remote Name: 66.66.107.15
Comments
My godbless all 29 crew members and the families of the edmund fitzgerald-she is on 1 last run to heaven-gods speed to the big fitz and her crew for she is now sailing in the calm waters of heaven where jesus christ our lord and savior rains true forever
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Howard C. Dobbins
Location: bay City, MI 48706
Email: ddj-451110at sbcglobal ne
Date: 8/10/2008
Remote Name: 75.51.102.167
Comments
I believe it was a combination of events. (1) The stormy weather on her up-bound voyage on Lake Superior. (2) The storm on her down-bound voyage of 11/10/75. (3)30 to 35 foot seas caused her to strike an unmarked shoal off of Caribou, which eventually caused her hull to frature & thus the untimely sinking of the Fitzgerald took place. But only god knows the the whole story.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: ed donaldson
Location: dixon
Email: em-donat hotmail co
Date: 7/30/2008
Remote Name: 75.44.132.182
Comments
i was 5 years old on vacation with my family. we stopped at a little town called two harbours and saw the andersen leaving its moorings , little did i know what that ship would be involved in as far as the storm and being that close to the fitz. god take care of those sailors and the ones who were left behind.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Tom G
Location: Honesdale PA
Email:
Date: 7/26/2008
Remote Name: 71.173.4.209
Comments
My heart goes out to the families of this tragic shipwreck. God bless you all and God Bless America
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Michael
Location: Bad Axe,Mi
Email: tank75mat yahoo co
Date: 7/24/2008
Remote Name: 71.238.226.4
Comments
The loss of this great ship still touches all of us today. I remember when I was in the Navy, during bootcamp one of the instructers talked about the Edmund Fitzgerald. What he told us that his dad was on the Author Anderson, the rest his history, may the 29 lost rest in peace.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Rich Rose
Location: Illinois
Email: richieroseat yahoo co
Date: 7/2/2008
Remote Name: 70.215.154.227
Comments
The ballad by Gordon Lightfoot is the most incredible tribute to the lost sailors of the good ship Edmund Fitzgerald. May they all RIP
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Eddie
Location: Los Angeles
Email: petitioner98at hotmail co
Date: 7/1/2008
Remote Name: 66.213.36.2
Comments
Gordon Lightfoot so wonderfully told the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald like no other and in the process buoyed our sense of national pride in the face of this profound loss - on the heels of Vietnam. Our hearts embrace the families of the heroes of that great ship.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Eddie Logan
Location: Graniteville , SC
Email: eddlg3at aol co
Date: 6/26/2008
Remote Name: 64.12.116.20
Comments
As for what I think caused the sinking was more than one factor. It was grossly overload. It was taking on water so this means that the hatchs was loss or it was bottom out over a shallow reef , or both .Now the extra water was just extra weight .As for it breaking in two , if it was lifted on both ends with the weight in the middle .
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Robert Mortonson
Location: Kent, WA
Email: robertmortonsonat earthlink ne
Date: 6/19/2008
Remote Name: 65.102.119.55
Comments
Originally from Chicago, I knew an Engineer who worked on building these ships. So I followed the story. I think every one has it correct and wrong. It is a combination of events. The wave action may have shifted the cargo, causing a list that would have made the clearance to the shoal less than ideal. Then in a standing wave, a higher than normal peaks and lows because of the storm and the narrowing channel, allowed the Fitzgerald in the trough to bottom hard. This caused a leak in the hull. I assume the clamps were still properly set. With the heaver load from the water leak, it rode the next wave crest and slammed into the bottom harder. The hydrostatic pressure in the ruptured hull was sufficient with cold conditions to stretch the clamps, by fatiguing the metal. Some of the clamps fall away, letting the compressable air out of the hold. With the hold effectively flooded to the weather deck the next down thrust even with or without another bottoming would blow the hatch off and the ship would never see daylight again. I have found every scenario followed with the hmm?, that should not have done it, and then not connect the dots. The nice thing about combining the theory and assuming the clamps broke by the hydrostatic forces is no one is at fault. It is a tragic accident to a competent crew doing the correct things. And the ship was sound. It is reasonable navigation error for type of navigation used, a shoal that in the most sever storms probably moves with the standing wave type action I previously mentioned. Like having that funny wind pattern that drops the leaves along line across the drive way. Another big storm would move the bottom again.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: joey lee ''dutch'' verbruggen
Location: appleton,wi
Email:
Date: 6/16/2008
Remote Name: 209.103.213.254
Comments
i was 7 yrs old when the ''big fitz'' sank on 11-10-75 my dad told me joey study about this big ship and don't let her memory die so now i'm doing what i can to keep her going to the next generation don't let her memory die keep her inthe back of your mind forever love the ''big fitz''
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Daniel Paul
Location: geneva,ala
Email:
Date: 6/12/2008
Remote Name: 75.120.94.4
Comments
I think she hit bottom and a hatch cover emploded and she began takeing on water faster than the crew could pump it out. I hope those brave men rest on peace god bless their souls.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Mary
Location: Toledo, OH
Email: frogoladyat aol co
Date: 6/10/2008
Remote Name: 205.188.112.170
Comments
We just saw Gordon Lightfoot tonite and as he sang Edmund Fitzgerald, it reminded us of the tragedy. Captain McSorley was from Toledo. God rest the souls of these men...after almost 33 years. they more than deserve peace. They will always be in our prayers.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: August
Location: Michigan
Email:
Date: 6/9/2008
Remote Name: 69.14.143.65
Comments
I am a great lakes sailor. There are several Lake Superior professoanl fishermen who believe the Fitz was the victim of the "Three Sisters." This is a term used to describe three large waves in succesion that overwhelm the vessel. Before the first sea can wash off the deck, the second comes on, then the third. All this weight on the bow causes it to pitch-pole, and go straight down. That explains why there was no SOS or no attempt at lifeboats. It all happened too fast. At the time, these fisherman predicted that when it would be found, it would be bow first, buried in the sand, And that's exactly how they found it. Just sharing another theory.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Eric
Location: Virginia
Email: bluridge29at hotmail co
Date: 6/3/2008
Remote Name: 206.248.220.181
Comments
I still remember watching Harry Reasoner's newscast about the "Fitz". As a young boy it fascinated me, as a man, it reminds me that there are some storms in life we can't weather alone or sometimes at all. We can discuss the cause of her sinking from now till Posideion comes, I don't think the reason will matter. I suspect her loss was immediately catastrophic, I am sure her master played fate's cards as best he could, but in the end neither McSorley, the Anderson, or anyone else can undo the fate God destines us to. That being said, I prefer to remember the brave men who sailed her, those who risked their own lives to find her, and the families they leave behind. Psalms 127:23-30
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Steve Rathbun
Location: El Paso,Tx.
Email: landofnod04at yahoo co
Date: 5/29/2008
Remote Name: 72.191.184.81
Comments
I grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan,and shipped out for afew years on the Lakers(I capitolize for love and respect of these great ships)before I enlisted(Navy,of course).The Big Fitz went on eternal patrol on my birthday.It was the worst birthday ever.I cried all day capt.McSorley and the men of the Big Fitz live on in my heart.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: ed
Location: lexington mo.
Email: sailorman10452003at
Date: 5/23/2008
Remote Name: 64.85.223.229
Comments
the night the fitz went missing was one of the worst i saw on the lakes. we were downbound on the anderson 10 miles behind her when she was lost.and theres no way the hatch covers were the cause. shew hit bottom on the shoals on our radar bshe was just to close to six fathom shoals. i lost a good friend bruce hudson that night. so to the crew of the fitzgerald . may you have calm seas and fair winds . you will always be in my thoughts and prayers good bye and may god bless you all.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Roscoe
Location: Michigan
Email: helpat pwf co
Date: 5/18/2008
Remote Name: 98.209.87.206
Comments
"Celebrating the launch of the S. S. Edmund Fitzgerald" It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon on June 7th, 1958, as more than 10,000 people lined the banks of the Detroit River. They had come to witness the launching of Hull 301 at the Great Lakes Engineering Works of River Rouge, Michigan. Mrs. Edmund Fitzgerald, wife of the president of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company for which the ship was named, christened the brand new ship and at 12:34 p.m. the 729 ft. "Edmund Fitzgerald" slid gracefully into the basin amid cheers, salutes, and well wishers. For many of those in attendance, it was a spectacle that they would never forget. The shipyard workers who constructed "Big Fitz" felt a deep sense of satisfaction as they anxiously watched the launch of this marvelous vessel. Being a prideful lot, they often endured long hours and harsh conditions. This was their "crowning achievement" and the beauty of their craftsmanship was truly evident to all those present. This year marks the 50th anniversary of that memorable event. It is an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate a joyous time in our lives. It is also a chance to recall the great pride and cherished memories experienced by the ship workers, the community, and all who had the opportunity to witness the launching of the Edmund Fitzgerald. On this historic occasion, let us joyously share our personal stories, renew old friendships, and fondly remember the day when the "Queen Of The Lakes" was born.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dan Wiltse
Location: Lake St.Clair/ Detroit
Email: danat wetowdetroit co
Date: 5/17/2008
Remote Name: 68.43.105.21
Comments
Just My Thoughts I have read and followed the theory's of the sinking since I was a young boy. The Fitz was taking on water and listing , that's a fact. The cause of this is speculation. I have footage of similar but modern ship "Selkirk Settler" in similar conditions that shows a modern ship of similar size with no buoyancy problem "stuffing" the bow into a large wave. I think the Fitz was near the sinking point, near a neutral buoyant state when a large wave approached and overtook her from the stern as reported the Anderson. Her forward momentum combined with the propeller thrust drove the Fitz to the bottom, braking in two upon impact with the lake bottom. I think The Fitz at a near neutrally buoyant state could have easily nosed into the water, the relatively flat surface deck would the act as a giant plaining surface guiding the hull to the lake bottom. She lies in 530' of water and at 712' ft in length the water depth is only 71% of her length. If she were standing on end at the bottom of the lake in 530' of water 182' of the ship would be visible above the surface. This mental picture leads me to believe she struck the bottom of the lake with forward momentum and probably still under power causing the ship to break in two upon impact and leaving the debris field between the tow half's. I often think of the ship & crew and wonder what exactly did happen. Every time I saw the Anderson on lake St.Clair I would take time to follow her a way's and reflect on her sister ship and crew. They will always be in my mind Thank You Dan
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Harold
Location: lexington
Email: jennie.jvat hotmail co
Date: 5/11/2008
Remote Name: 69.216.125.168
Comments
I have heard facts about the Edmund Fitzgerald and i feel very sorry for those who had lost loved ones and for the ones that died. God be with you.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: mike wesolowski
Location: lambertville,michigan
Email: mywezoat verizon ne
Date: 5/5/2008
Remote Name: 71.124.52.95
Comments
I hope peace has come to all those affected by the tragic sinking of the FITZ. I pray for all of you and for all those who have lost their lives on these dangerous lakes. The memory of the Edmund Fitzgerald will be with me always. God bless
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: David Gunderson
Location: Garnd Rapids Mn
Email: gunderson40at msn co
Date: 5/4/2008
Remote Name: 75.163.17.240
Comments
rest in peace my friend of the Great lakes seas.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: David Gunderson
Location: Grand Rapids Minnesota
Email: gunderson40at msn co
Date: 5/4/2008
Remote Name: 75.163.17.240
Comments
I see a lot of posts here and I am overjoyed that so many take an Interest in this disaster. Here are some good books I suggest. the night the fits went down. the Mighty fitz and the white huricane, about the 1913 storm that took about 275 men down with there ships, through out the great lakes. read on the Daniel J. Morrell on the web, she too broke in two at the surface. but each section sank miles a part from each other. strange anyhow.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Paul
Location: McHenry,Il
Email: severstormat yahoo co
Date: 4/15/2008
Remote Name: 98.206.48.74
Comments
Reading the reports of that day I believe that it ran aground. Also the High waves caused it to sink. God Bless all the 29 sailors and familys!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Guy
Location: Brantford,Ont canada
Email: mylilzooat rogers co
Date: 4/7/2008
Remote Name: 99.247.192.50
Comments
as we approach the anniversary of the fitz wreck to the families left behind your our thoughts and prayers are with you. I was not even aware of this disaster untill today i herd gordon lightfoots song.wow very sad song, really puts into prospective the risk's our father's took to pave the way for our future. those were the real men of yesterday.the people closly affected by this u should be proud of the men who died on that greatlake, i'm filled with a sense of pride and i just herd about it. ahoy and fairwell to the 29 men who died building a life for all of us.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: m e kaine
Location: Weymouth MA
Email: mekaineat yahoo co
Date: 4/4/2008
Remote Name: 24.34.123.121
Comments
I cannot read a book, watch it on TV or listen to Mr. Lightfoot's beautiful song without crying. Blessings to all on the crew and to all who have lost their lives at sea.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: maddie vb
Location: usa
Email:
Date: 3/14/2008
Remote Name: 66.255.194.140
Comments
i think it's very sad that the edmund fitzgerald sunk.its sad that almost 30 people were lost.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Peter Gross
Location: Thousand Oaks,CA
Email: gm4spdat oadrunner co
Date: 3/10/2008
Remote Name: 75.82.192.24
Comments
I was born and raised in Maine.I have been going to sea since 1967, graduated Maine Maritime 1971.I had forgotten until I heard Gordon Lightfoot recently. I raised eight children and can't imagine the loss of one. My heart felt condolences to the families who lost loved ones. With deepest respect,Peter Gross/Thousand Oaks,CA
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Greg
Location: Ohio
Email:
Date: 3/10/2008
Remote Name: 72.2.81.5
Comments
Never gave a lot of thought until 7 years ago, my wife and I bought a home from a family that had lost a son aboard. During the tour of the home, the previous owner had their sons personal belongings that they had boxed up and put in the basement under an old pool table. Of course, the family removed these items before we took possession. Some nights, while walking the halls of the home, I sometimes have a feeling .
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Steve
Location: USA
Email:
Date: 3/3/2008
Remote Name: 192.35.35.35
Comments
These hatches broke under pressure and lead to large amounts of water to be taken in by the ship. The second error was the captain went into shallow waters, where with rough seas, the ship tossing up and down hit a shoal sticking up from the sea floor, thus punching a large hole in the bottom of the ship which set the Edmund Fitzgerald's doom.(these shoals could have been sticking up and only 25 to 50 feet from the seas surface.) If the captain would have stuck to the deeper waters, the ship would have still been able to take on water, but it would have made it's destination.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: David Cancel
Location: Manchester, NH
Email: calico6791at comcast ne
Date: 3/1/2008
Remote Name: 24.62.170.222
Comments
As a former sea going Sailor, I salute the brave souls of the mighty Fitz. You have always been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. When I was at sea and in severe stormy weather, I would listen to Lightfoots tribute to you, and for a moment I would be with you. I've felt your fear and I've kissed the face of the "Witch". May gentle winds and calm seas be always at your back. God bless you and may you rest in peace.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dale Hammer
Location: Klamath Falls, Oregon
Email: Dgermanstat aol co
Date: 3/1/2008
Remote Name: 207.200.116.133
Comments
The waters and the weather on "The Lakes" that time of year are deadly,as any Captain or crewman can tell you. Sad though it is,the iron ore seems more important to the big companies than mens' lives. Peace and Prayers for the crew and captain of the Edmund Fitzgerald and for all others making a living on board.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Mary
Location: NYC
Email:
Date: 2/16/2008
Remote Name: 24.236.241.61
Comments
I think I know what happened but first Lord take care of the families that losts the love of their lives. okay now i think what happened with all of the cargo on the ship is it all shifted and hit the side hard enough to make a crack in the side and with the pressure of the water is it made a leak then it damaged the shoal and broke in two
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Scott Menirald
Location: Morristown, New Jersey
Email: badgersrule56at gmail co
Date: 2/13/2008
Remote Name: 71.187.168.97
Comments
The worst thing about the sinking is the death toll. If just 1 person survived, we might be able to do something about future accidents like that.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Richard
Location: Ft Lauderdale Beach Fl.
Email: JetBlueMusicat aol co
Date: 2/12/2008
Remote Name: 64.12.116.20
Comments
She got caught at the top of two gigantic waves with nothing to support her midship and she broke in half God Bless The Officers and Crew...
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Patrick
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Email:
Date: 2/9/2008
Remote Name: 75.162.76.185
Comments
Gods Speed
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Ryan Parry
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Email: ryanp83at hotmail co
Date: 2/5/2008
Remote Name: 99.240.72.142
Comments
I recently had a dream about the Edmund Fitzgerland and was deeply touched with the loss. It was big ship lost in the Great Lakes and my condolences go out to the families of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: caleb sullivan
Location:
Email: motorboy87at yahoo co
Date: 1/29/2008
Remote Name: 168.9.42.206
Comments
it was very tragic
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: noah
Location: princeville illinois
Email: 385 1980
Date: 1/28/2008
Remote Name: 66.99.64.66
Comments
bless the well seasoned crew for that one dreadful night
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Kathy Spillman-Richey
Location: Wendover, UT
Email: richeykmat yahoo co
Date: 1/28/2008
Remote Name: 208.66.10.217
Comments
The loss of the "Fitz" and it's crew was such a tragedy for everyone . God Bless all those left behind.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jim Metzger
Location: Yucca Valley, CA
Email:
Date: 1/26/2008
Remote Name: 71.102.14.40
Comments
Does any one know where the love of God goes, When the waves turn the minutes to hours? The searches all say they'd have made whitefish bay, If they'd put fifteen more miles behind her. They might have split up or they might have capsized; May have broke deep and took water. But all that remains is the faces and the names, Are the wives and the sons and the daughters.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: brian
Location: san fransico bay area
Email:
Date: 1/25/2008
Remote Name: 24.5.130.155
Comments
i think the lady ' o the lake got her when she was lifted up by 2 huge swells at either end and snapped amidships considering all that weight she was carrying & the many years of stress & strain from the seas battering her. the captain & crew were tough, fine men. a shame to lose them. god rest their souls at the bottom ' o the lake.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Bree
Location: Jamestown, MI
Email:
Date: 1/21/2008
Remote Name: 69.221.231.21
Comments
I had to do a presentation on this topic for school it was very hard for me to talk about it up front when I knew so much about it and it was very close to my heart. May God bless the families who lost loved ones remember that they are happier in heaven!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: John Barton
Location: Washington, D.C.
Email: bartonjaat erols co
Date: 1/20/2008
Remote Name: 216.15.47.167
Comments
May the souls of all those who died rest in peace and their families be consoled. The sinking is yet another reminder of the power of nature in general and Lake Superior in particular.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: patsy
Location: louisville,ky
Email:
Date: 1/19/2008
Remote Name: 74.130.140.20
Comments
Ive heard about this story since I was 16.It always saddens my heart when I remember about it or hear Gordan Lightfoots song. I used to live in the next town from ST. Joseph called Stephensville in Michigan when I was 16.My heart goes out to all the loved ones of the crew. God bless you all.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Phil & Lou
Location: Wgtn. NZ
Email: philouat paradise ne.nz
Date: 1/13/2008
Remote Name: 121.73.83.217
Comments
We are sorry for the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald and her crew. We are fans of Gordon Lightfoot and became interested in the journey of the great ship because of his song. "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." As we are surrounded , as a country by sea, ships and our fascination of Shipwrecks we have a serious interest of The Great Ship Edmund Fitzgerald!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jill and Callie
Location: Glenwood,MN
Email:
Date: 1/11/2008
Remote Name: 64.8.175.105
Comments
We think that the ship was so over loaded with supplies that the ship got caught in a big storm and the waves filled it with so much water that the ship sank with all the weight
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Erik
Location: Bloomington MN
Email:
Date: 1/6/2008
Remote Name: 64.12.116.20
Comments
May God bless the Edmund Fitzgerald in it's final resting place and bless the families who lost a loved one as a result of this tragedy.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Joseph Woodcock
Location: South Shields England
Email: joseppieat hotmail.co.uk
Date: 1/6/2008
Remote Name: 77.101.205.201
Comments
I was so moved and tearful by what i've seen and read about that terrible night. I've often read or been told stories of heroism, but those men were the epitome of what heroism is all about. One cannot imagine what it was like on that fateful night for those people. I can only imagine that the Edmund Fitzgerald possibly, took in water and then eventually, that great ship broke in two. God rest their souls and they will all be immortalized, for what they had to endure. Regards Joseph
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Xanadu
Location: Detroit, MI
Email: anymousat aol co
Date: 1/5/2008
Remote Name: 69.14.173.12
Comments
My father spent his life working on the Great Lakes and always insisted from the beginning that she bottomed out. A guy came out with a compelling video, the final chapter. The cause of this disaster must be determined because it may save lives. That is just my humble opinion but if the loved ones and survivng members wish to stop further dives and explorations, then we must honor that. That could have been my father. If that were the case, I would want to know what caused the tragedy in the hopes that another one may be prevented.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Nick Arlinghaus
Location: Burlington Ky
Email: nick.narlinghausat gmail co
Date: 12/31/2007
Remote Name: 67.109.183.25
Comments
The sad story of the fitzgerald is very true. I am a fan of shipwrecks and lots of them sunk for a reason. But some of them just sunk for no reason like the Brittanic. So the song by Gordan Lightfoot tells a sad and true story.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: dona
Location: austin
Email: minisuperdonaat hotmail co
Date: 12/26/2007
Remote Name: 68.240.145.48
Comments
the cook said it's been nice to know ya
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Paul Robinette
Location: Granville ND
Email: paulat robinette co
Date: 12/24/2007
Remote Name: 216.221.120.241
Comments
I still remember the night she went down. I was stationed at Kincheloe AFB and I was in Sault Ste. Marie to pick up my wife from work. The streets were flooded, the wind howling and the temperature dropping like a rock. Then on the way home we heard on the radio that there was a ship reported to be in trouble. A bad night. God rest their souls.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: John Altemus
Location: Excelsior, Minnesota
Email: altemusjat msn co
Date: 12/22/2007
Remote Name: 71.220.11.218
Comments
I believe the cargo shifted. I also believe that the fitz bow and stern were riding up on waves with no support in the mid ship. I worked on the Roger Blough and the Cason J Calloway back in the early 90s. My Son Jake also believes that she broke in two. Bless those 29 brave sailors.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Paul Johnson
Location: Fincastle VA
Email: mrmajest1kat aol co
Date: 12/20/2007
Remote Name: 205.188.116.20
Comments
did not realize she was that old--was under the impression she was newer. served in the USN on destroyers, doubt the collisions with the docks etc contributed. rogue wave yep hatches yep, have seen recent studies on super waves interesting/saddening.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Chris
Location: Montreal,Qc,Canada
Email: FiddlinFiddlerat hotmail co
Date: 12/19/2007
Remote Name: 67.212.12.85
Comments
In late summer of 1998, my brother and I did a cross Canada road trip.We spent about a week and a half exploring the Canadian shores of lake Superior,as we were fascinated and energized by what we were looking at.At one point we just had to see the famous Indian paintings at Lake Superior Provincial Park.So,there we were in the parking lot, when a park ranger approached us to tell us not to go down to the shoreline as the waters were unusually rough,and that someone had been swept away and drowned 2 days before we had arrived. Being the fearless young men that we were,we brushed off the warning with a shrug and waited until he had left,then we set off for the shoreline and the paintings.Well,the ranger was right,the waters were very rough and the swells were bigger than anything i had seen with my own eyes.Being fearless(naive) young men,we went down to the paintings.We thought"What the heck!",the waters are not coming within 150 feet of the rock face where the paintings are.We'll be OK,so we thought.We spent about 2 hours down there enjoying the clear sunny day without incident.At some point my brother took off up the shoreline while i stayed at the paingings examing them close up.With my back to the lake,i decided to ignore the big sign that says,"Do not touch the paintings!".So what do i do,i put my hand out and touch one of the paintings.At that very moment i faintly hear my name on the wind.It was my brother 100 or so meters away, screaming my name and waiving his arms gesturing for me to look behind me.Talk about adrenaline overdose!What i saw was a wall of water coming straight for me.You've never seen a man go from 0 to 60 like i did.I was able to get out of the way of the worst of it,but i knew that i was gonna take some of it.Impact was imminent!I dug my fingers into a crack in the stone rock face and prayed.Wham!i was smashed up against the wall and then the lake tried to take me back out into the swells.Luckily it only got me up to my waist.Had my dear brother not gotten my attention,i would have been hit by a wall of water the same height as me and i never would have seen it coming.When i got back up to where the placards were describing the meaning of each of the paintings,i immediately read the one for the painting that i had touched.That particular painting represented the spirit of lake Superior.Just my luck!I had a newfound respect. A few years later i heard Gordon Lightfoots tribute to the Edmund Fitsgerald,and i got all choked up as i listened to him describing the events of that evening.As i listened,i remembered how that same lake almost took me to her ice water mansion. My uncle,who is now retired,was a fairly high ranking officer in the Canadian navy.Long ago,he told me"Regardless of a mans religious beliefs or lack of,on dry land,you will never find an atheist on your ship when the seas are angry."I now fully understand what he meant.May god be with all of you brave sailors!God bless the men of the Edmund Fitzgerald and their loved ones.Godspeed!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Rickie McKee
Location: College Park , GA. 30349
Email: truevine28at yahoo co
Date: 12/19/2007
Remote Name: 149.101.1.132
Comments
I had heard the song when i was in high school little did I know what the source of it was. I have a new meaning for the song and the loss of these brave men and their families. I have faith that God has touched and will continue to touch and bless the families of these great seamen.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jean Marc Pierpont
Location: Ontario
Email: redtail1at canada co
Date: 12/17/2007
Remote Name: 68.179.111.197
Comments
Lake Superior they say never gives up her dead when the storms of November come early. Death came fast that night as efg power dove for the bottom, driven by a raging great lake. Why leave port with a weather report like that?
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Guillermo Garron
Location: Santa Cruz / Bolivia (South America)
Email:
Date: 12/15/2007
Remote Name: 200.87.59.2
Comments
May these men be with God, and Rest in peace.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: edward hale
Location: pearl river la
Email: edwardwesleyhale1977at excite co
Date: 12/15/2007
Remote Name: 68.114.105.42
Comments
i feel as if maybe the ship broke in half due to what is known on the atlantic ocean as a rouge wave it is possible considering the night it went down it was storming and the waves on the great lakes do get pretty big during a storm and all ships particulary tankers are weaker in the middle or midships the ship was longer than the lake was deep at that spot and just by chance that it did hit bottom of the lake in the storm it would have caused so much stress in the center that she would have snapped in the way that she did giving no soul a chance to escape therefore the reason as to why there was no survivors. ship builders need to find a way to strengthen the midships better then ships like the edmund fitzgerald would take such a loss as they do currently
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: James M Jackson
Location: St. Clair Shores, Michigan
Email: klaatubarataniktohat yahoo co
Date: 12/14/2007
Remote Name: 67.149.180.130
Comments
I've always been fascinated by this tragic mystery and being I've snowmobiled to Whitefish Point on numerous occasions and looked out into Lake Superior it's makes you wonder about the circumstances that caused the "Fitz" to sink. I would be very useful if someone could possible show a diagram/anatomy of the ships structure, such as where the vents, radar and crane are located. Sectional views of the ship to show ballast tanks, holding areas, pumps and where the hatch combings & covers, pilot house, fly bridge, life boats, etc are located. What was the distance from the waterline to the hatch covers? I feel this would be very helpful for the general public to understand what, where and how these features may have played into the Edmund Fitzgeralds chain of events that led to her sinking. To some of us starboard is port and port is starboard. Hope to hear from ya and thanks. James
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: tom gibbon
Location: apollo,pa
Email:
Date: 12/14/2007
Remote Name: 71.60.70.120
Comments
I am an avid fisherman and everytime I go out on my boat I can't help but think of the those brave men who lost their lives.To the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald-R.I.P.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Ellen
Location:
Email:
Date: 12/12/2007
Remote Name: 12.176.239.98
Comments
Nobody really knows what happened to the Fitzgerald, but I think it might have been a leak in the storm on Lake Superior.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Shelly
Location: QCA, Iowa
Email: pvswimmer007at yahoo co
Date: 12/5/2007
Remote Name: 12.202.38.59
Comments
I hope that the ship is one day found and I am very sorry about the men. One day I want to figure out the mystery of the Edmund Fitzgerald! I will find out
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Larry W.
Location: Alma, Michigan
Email:
Date: 12/3/2007
Remote Name: 68.188.226.79
Comments
I was only 8 the night the mighty "Fitz" went down, but I do remember the newscast, and the terrible loss of life. I think the 2 huge rogue waves are what did her in. We all know the Fitz was having alot of problems all throughout that day and into the evening. When Cpt. Cooper of the Anderson reported that those 2 huge waves hit his ship 35 feet above the waterline, put water over the top of his pilothouse, and hit with enough force to damage his lifeboats, I figure those waves rolled down the lake and struck the already damaged Fitz, who was also running blind and with a bad list to port. Those brave crewmen never had a chance. And to be so close to the relative safety of Whitefish Bay, only to have the ship bust apart and take them to he bottom, that in itself is a tragedy. May they all R.I.P.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: caroline
Location: glendale wisconsin,
Email: cpj170065at yahoo co
Date: 11/26/2007
Remote Name: 199.233.86.254
Comments
this was quite the tragedy. whitefish bay village erected a monument to this famous ship. it can be read if you go to atwater park in milwaukee,wisconsin . to get their it is at the end of capital drive going east. p.s. the son of this ship is one of my favorites. caroline
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Destiny
Location: Ironwood Mi,
Email: destiny_miller4797at yahoo co
Date: 11/25/2007
Remote Name: 24.213.6.48
Comments
I feel so bad for the people on the ship. It is so weird how none of the bodies were fond and I am sorry for the reliteves and freinds who lost them in there lives.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Michael Quigley
Location: Willoughby, OH
Email: poitinmfqat yahoo co
Date: 11/23/2007
Remote Name: 76.188.196.32
Comments
My Dad worked as a mechanic for Ohio Machinery (now Ohio CAT) back in 1975. He and a co-worker were on their way up to meet the Fitz before they sailed to work on her bow thrusters before she laid up for the winter. Because of the storms, they decided to wait in Toledo and meet her in Detroit when she docked. Of course, she never arrived. Dad is still a bit shook about it even after 32 years. But for the grace of God, there would have been 31 souls lost instead of 29 that night.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: John Blaze
Location: Madison, WI
Email:
Date: 11/15/2007
Remote Name: 205.213.111.51
Comments
32 years ago! I can't believe it. RIP
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Richard Hemingway
Location: United Kingdom
Email: richyhemat aol co
Date: 11/15/2007
Remote Name: 195.93.21.100
Comments
God rest those 29 souls and God bless their families. I developed an affinity with the Edmund Fitzgerald after hearing Gordon Lightfoot's song in 1979. The haunting lyrics grabbed me. I only found out a few years later that it was a true story. The E.F. went down 2 years after I went to sea myself. I have now been a captain of small vessels for 23 years. I reckon she went down due to metal fatigue causing her to break up. Due to low temperatures, the age of the vessel, stresses over the years of loading and unloading and finally the period of the waves, all conspiring on that fateful night.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: junye
Location: Lansing
Email:
Date: 11/14/2007
Remote Name: 216.157.206.209
Comments
It's so sad
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Pete
Location: Iron, MN
Email: pjramfjordat yahoo co
Date: 11/12/2007
Remote Name: 75.104.96.39
Comments
I have read just about all the facts and reports about the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. I think the Coast Guards hatch cover theory is not justified. I don't think she shoaled by Caribou Island on Six Fathom Shoal. I would have to agree with Capt. Dudley Paquette, a vet of the Great Lakes with Inland Steels Fleet, he was out on the lake that night on the Sykes. He thinks the Fitz had a structural problem in the hinge area just fore of the aft superstructure( Right were the Fitz split in half), possibly due to a loose keel, that had been fixed twice in Fraser Shipyards and was due to be taken care of during the winter layup of that year when the boat was supposed to be lengthened. The keel is the backbone and gives it most of it's strength. If the boat was working (twisting) to much due to the heavy load and the storm throwing it around, the hinge area may have had to much stress and broke. This would cause the boat to break in two, the stern would have rolled over due to the torque of the spinning propeller, the bow section would fill with water and make it nose dive like it did. With the stern section (engineering) severed from the ship, the fore section would have been without power. Thats why there was not a distress call. It is a very sad thing that happened, none of us will ever know exactly what happened that night.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: ben
Location: minnasota
Email:
Date: 11/12/2007
Remote Name: 64.131.35.197
Comments
I think it was a very big loss for the United States and Minnesota.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Sheri
Location: Youngstown
Email: Youn_cxrat access-k12 co
Date: 11/12/2007
Remote Name: 64.18.33.150
Comments
Another year has come and gone and it is still so fresh in my mind. I remember seeing the ship for the last time when it was docked in the Ashtabula Harbor just days before she sank. It was such a big and impressive boat. In my minds eye I still see it sitting there . The sinking of this ship was probably the most memorable event in my life. The young friend we lost will be remembered always. I named my son after him and I saved all of the newpaper clippings and books and articles for him. It hurts even today
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: lily
Location: Richmond, MI
Email: buddyboo95at hotmail co
Date: 11/12/2007
Remote Name: 68.61.186.47
Comments
I feel really bad for the people who had died on the ship. God bless them.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Marty
Location: Illinois
Email: badgwisat yahoo co
Date: 11/12/2007
Remote Name: 68.72.125.24
Comments
I am a proud uncle, who has a nephew that was born on the aniversary of the date. God bless the 29 souls of the Fitzgearld
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Susan
Location: St. Louis
Email: girlcat830at yahoo co
Date: 11/11/2007
Remote Name: 69.153.170.124
Comments
I was 12 when she sank; I've always been haunted and fascinated by the Fitz. It was the first contemporary shipwreck I knew about in my lifetime. I remembered she sank in November, but not the exact date. Today, November 11, 2007, five cargo ships have sunk on the Black and Azov seas. Environmental disaster has occurred--they carried oil and sulphur. At least two sailors have died. my thoughts turned to the Fitz, and I was shocked to be reminded she sank 32 years ago yesterday. We have pirates in the Mediterranean and elsewhere. We have huge ships sinking on a massive scale due to weather. It is a humbling reminder that the sea is still in charge.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: C Goodspeed
Location: Buffalo NY
Email: acaciavetat aol co
Date: 11/11/2007
Remote Name: 205.188.116.20
Comments
God bless may the angels watch over all the ones left behind.I was stationed on the CGC Acacia in Port Huron 1967 to 1971,used to sit on the ship and watch her roll by.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Andrew J.
Location: Texarkana,Tx
Email: johnmann404at yahoo co
Date: 11/10/2007
Remote Name: 24.117.229.221
Comments
Godspeed to all the crew and to the friends and families. This is such an interesting and fascinating story.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dave
Location: Prospect Heights IL
Email:
Date: 11/10/2007
Remote Name: 75.4.141.108
Comments
These men are heros. They did not give up the ship. As a sailor that is drilled into your head. Never give up. These men died at their posts. Doing what they could to keep her going under impossible odds. Thats a hero to me. God bless the brave men of Fitzgerald their families and all who have fallen before them. Rest in peace shipmates.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Rev. Vern Holton
Location: New Boston, MI
Email: farmallat chartermi ne
Date: 11/10/2007
Remote Name: 24.231.216.72
Comments
May all the lost rest-in-peace. My whole family works on the Great Lakes. "Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours."
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: ed
Location: lexington mo
Email:
Date: 11/10/2007
Remote Name: 150.199.112.57
Comments
its been 32 years since the big Fitz was lost. i was on the lake that night.we were 10 miles behind the Fitz. and there was not one of us. who didnt have tears in their eyes. there was no way we could have helped the the brave crew. till this day the thoughts and prayers are with the crew and families of the Fitz. and i will always remember my good friend Bruce Hudson. my the crew always have calm seas and fair winds.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dan Miller
Location: Long Beach, CA
Email: saljd4meat yahoo co
Date: 11/10/2007
Remote Name: 71.189.201.135
Comments
G.. Bless all lost their lives on the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Todd Johnson
Location: Eau Claire,Wi
Email: cheesehead032067at yahoo co
Date: 11/10/2007
Remote Name: 68.187.92.242
Comments
I remember the night the Edmund Fitzgerald sunk because i was 8 years old at the time and my family and I were driving back from the minn airport after taking my cousin to catch a flight. I remember we were driving east on I-94 and my dad was going about 5 mph because he couldnt see the road and all of us kids (4)kids were really scared. My mom was trying to calm us down so my dad could drive. what is about a 1hour 30 min. trip turned into about a 6 hour trip home that night.The song the wreck of the Edmund fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot has alot of meaning to me just because my family was also in danger that night, not as much as the men that lost there lives but still really scary. may them men rest in peace and may God be with there familys. I will never forget them.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jeff Klein
Location: Gettysburg, PA
Email:
Date: 11/10/2007
Remote Name: 71.58.137.124
Comments
It's been 32years to the day that we lost the Big Fitz. Though not related to any crew members aboard the ship, I have always felt a connection to it in some small way. As a little kid, my Grandfather and I would sit along the St. Clair River at Port Huron and watch the freighters go by. I know that one of those passing ship had to have been the Fitzgerald. When we go to Michigan to visit relatives and friends this tragic event never leaves my mind. In the past few years I was able to visit Whitefish Point to to see the Soo Locks. Late this summer I finally laid eyes on the Arthur M. Anderson. Have we learned our lessons, saftey should always come first. I believe the sailors of today understand this and won't forget what this day means to them. Now when I get back to MI, I realize that life may go on and that memories never float away thanks to my Grandfather.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Speedy
Location: New Orleans
Email:
Date: 11/10/2007
Remote Name: 70.171.64.165
Comments
Lord please be with all there families and friends as they are now watching over us.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Maria
Location: aurora, il
Email: avemaria47at hotmail co
Date: 11/10/2007
Remote Name: 76.203.10.81
Comments
Can't believe this happened! God bless the families of the crew.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: john
Location: jacksonville fl.
Email: jrbfla55at yahoo co
Date: 11/9/2007
Remote Name: 72.154.75.44
Comments
I lived on lake Erie for 19 years, and when i moved to Florida, all i heard was "you sailed on those little puddles?" Well i took one of them sailing on a "puddle" called Lake Erie, on a moderately rough day, and he was scared so badly, he wont get on another boat. God Bless the Crew and families on this anniv.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Adrianna
Location: Michigan
Email: amj1026at comcast ne
Date: 11/9/2007
Remote Name: 69.246.24.114
Comments
It is so sad that some kids lost their fathers in this horrible wreck. But it is also very interesting that the ship sunk in less than 10 seconds! I found the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald very interesting and the 29 crew mates to be brave people!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jai
Location: Grand Blanc, MI
Email: shylildarlin68yah
Date: 11/9/2007
Remote Name: 216.138.152.254
Comments
The Lord Bless and watch over the families of those 29 lost. May the families find comfort in the kind words of strangers, strength in the arms of family and may they be at peace as the anniversary again approaches. GL created an amazing song about a powerful boat so that she'd be remembered in the way she deserved. We should appreciate the waters of the Great Lakes and be aware of their power. May those that lost their lives on other ships be remembered as well.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Valery
Location: Riverside, CA
Email: vknightmvusd.k12.
Date: 11/7/2007
Remote Name: 76.175.199.104
Comments
I was stationed in MI at the time and this was one of the saddest times I can remember. I often want to go back to visit and see the memorial bell. God Bless the families of the lost ones and may they rest in piece.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jason Hewad
Location: Augusta Maine
Email: gangster kid 246
Date: 11/6/2007
Remote Name: 216.161.120.237
Comments
God bless All of the men and families of the Fitz
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Chris Conforte
Location: Grosse Pt Woods ,Mi
Email: cconfor1vist
Date: 11/6/2007
Remote Name: 12.153.240.74
Comments
The sinking of the E.F. I think had a combination of problems 1. overloaded 2. Hatches leaking and 3.hitting the shoals. To all the brave men on that ship RIP.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: David
Location: Antioch, illinois
Email: bluebikerboy06yah
Date: 11/6/2007
Remote Name: 66.240.57.87
Comments
I just heard about it and it sounds like a terrible thing that happened and I'm sorry to those who lost love ones and for there suffering.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: julie
Location: albany,n.y.
Email: gmiller17nycap.rr
Date: 11/5/2007
Remote Name: 74.76.221.2
Comments
A terrible tragedy and our prayers go out to the men on the big fitz. I feel a structural defect along with the stress which was created by this tremendous storm lead to the ship breaking in two.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Kennedy Dixon
Location: Westland' Michigan
Email: noflybird123yahoo.com
Date: 11/5/2007
Remote Name: 69.14.104
Comments
God bless the workers & the captin. I give my love out to the people that were on the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Sean
Location: Holland,MI
Email: ssmurraysbcglobal.net
Date: 11/5/2007
Remote Name: 76.235.218
Comments
This by far as a little boy was my favorite ship and still is today. Upon hearing it sank I was deeply sadden. The most current theory of the wreck may be attributed to a Rogue Wave; a phenomenon only recently understood and studied by scientists. May the Captain and Crew rest in peace.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: John
Location: Michigan
Email:
Date: 11/3/2007
Remote Name: 75.193.19.180
Comments
I remember that day well. I lived in Marquette, MI at that time, and earlier in the day everyone was driving down to the upper harbor to watch the huge Lk Superior waves crashing over the breakwall. I believe there were 3 ships hiding in port. That night, at the same time the ship went down, I was at the movies with a date. The next day I heard on the news that the ship had gone missing, and the following day I got a call from one of my friends that another friend of mine, Tom Bentsen, had been onboard the Fitz. I have been sailing for 27 years now, on oceans and the Lakes, and I know well the power of the sea. God rest all the souls of sailors lost.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Nicholas Arlinghaus
Location: bulington,ky 41005
Email: momto2fuse
Date: 10/27/2007
Remote Name: 74.129.14.152
Comments
My dad was three months old when she sank. God bless those who died on the Edmund and their families.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: bill
Location: camden sc
Email: merlyngray yahoo
Date: 10/25/2007
Remote Name: 165.166.152.182
Comments
the fitz was one of the ships i worked on, now that most of the people are dead, i can now tell what i know. i worked on the fitz in the ship yard. i know something was done to the frams that should have not been done, check the frames look to see if the frames were welded or rivits were replaced, the frames were cut and then welded, they did not sister frame them, they were cut out and new ones welded in i was young at the time and did not have a good idea of ship building, now i know what i saw and did caused the ship to break in hhalf., by the way when the fitz lost both radars , thats when the power from aft of the boat was pulled apart, if you look up where the power cable were ran you will know she broke up from bottom to top. radio's would have a backup power supply
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: will
Location: madoc.on
Email: grizzlt-boi hotmail
Date: 10/22/2007
Remote Name: 64.228.220.13
Comments
I truly think that the main hatchway gave way we are studying this and the blueprint for this boat have me thinking this may god have peace on their souls!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Captain Jamie DesRuisseau
Location: Barnegat Light, NJ
Email: sales jscsportscollectibles
Date: 10/20/2007
Remote Name: 68.37.124.61
Comments
From a man who Capatins a vessel a fraction of the size Godspeed mates the sea can be violent and unforgiving. As many before ye gone but never forgotten.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Wm Andrews
Location: Rochester, IN
Email: Profwmandrews yahoo
Date: 10/19/2007
Remote Name: 216.223.173.45
Comments
These comments are intended to give some better, rest in peace for family members. The results are my findings and answer from the accident, and offer a 80% better conclusion to it. I strongly feel the ship builders were not at fault in the accident by design...The over all length of the ship in extreme weather is what twisted the ship to start leaking and adding liquid volume mass. ( The long heavy ship in a extreme wavy water, caused a twisting Hydraulic water waves on the haul ) After hours of this kind of extreme twisting pressure waves led to tragic...( Out of the ordinary weather ) Here is something to think about. If you take a hollow mass and fill with heavy object and float it in water, you are creating a Hydraulic mass pressure on water.( Hydraulic pressure is one of the greatest types of energy )
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Mike S.
Location: Salisbury, NC
Email: mshue salisbury
Date: 10/14/2007
Remote Name: 166.82.136.204
Comments
I am a US Navy vet, joining 3 years after the loss of the Fitz. Every time I hear the haunting, eerie ballad, I think back to my days at sea and to other tragedies; Titanic, Andrea Dorea, Thresher, Scorpion, and many, many others. To lose one's life while merely trying to make a living is indeed tragic. To all those men and women who go down to the sea at some point in their lives, a great big Bravo Zulu to one and all. And whether or not you believe in an Almighty, I recall the last lines of the Navy Hymn- "Oh hear us when we cry to thee, for those in peril on the sea." God bless to each and every crew member and their families on the Fitz.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: tim yates
Location: aberdeen
Email: tim_yates11 yahoo
Date: 10/3/2007
Remote Name: 67.170.125.125
Comments
I can see the hatches more likley than any other.I am also an engineer on an alaskan vessel and it takes just the smallest leak. it also could have took a good hit flexing the hull and then springing the hatches but any way you look at it the hatches had to leak and as many hatches as she has it only takes one leak and its pretty much over in rough seas. then im sure it broke in half.my regards to the familys. tim
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Shelby
Location: MD
Email: johbie269 aol
Date: 9/25/2007
Remote Name: 71.179.25.6
Comments
I learned the song a long time ago when I was in school. Every time I hear this song I almost cry. God bless the men who died, God bless their families.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Terri
Location: Northern Wisconsin
Email: enchanted_princess1 yahoo
Date: 9/17/2007
Remote Name: 204.10.46.254
Comments
There are defining moments in time where you remember where you were and what you were doing when something occurred. The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald is one of those for me. I often think of that night as I sat glued to the TV, baby-sitting a sleeping toddler. I was mesmerized at the news reports as they rolled in covering the story. Even today, I hear the Gordon Lightfoot song and shiver.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Bob Smith
Location: Northeast PA.
Email: Pasmitty2000 yahoo
Date: 9/11/2007
Remote Name: 162.66.50.2
Comments
I just read a story about a ship named The Cyprus which was very similar(to a fault) that also sunk in Lake Superior. I can't beleive with all I have read about the 'The Fitz' that a comparsion has never been done and published. The two ships even have a similar appearance. The faulty hatch theory was applied along with the bottoming out theory. The final theory was that the Cyprus doomed by a faulty rudder an inability to stay out of deep troughs.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Rob Jefferson
Location: Stevensville, Maryland 21666
Email: wrjcpa friend.ly
Date: 9/4/2007
Remote Name: 69.72.2.71
Comments
I do not know the reason that the tragedy of the Edmund Fitzgerald has fascinated me...but it has and continues to do so. One of my personal goals is to visit the memorial site to pay my ribute to the EF's 29 men and all sailors that have been lost at sea.My thanks to Gordon Lightfoot for memorializing the event with his electrifying ballad "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzerald" so that the ship and its legend will never be forgotten. I keep the picture "Every Man Knew" over my desk and the Edmund Fitzgerald commemorative knife on display on top of my filing cabinet...and these things I keep to remind me of that tragic night of November 10, 1975 and, also that, in the struggle of man against nature, nature always wins in the end. God bless those 29 brave sailors and those who love them. May they forever rest in peace.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: andrew eaton
Location: muskegon mi
Email: johneaton2006 comcast
Date: 8/29/2007
Remote Name: 71.205.233.254
Comments
Why does a song of a sinking ship haunt a 7 year old a the time. Now 40 I embrase the song of and stories that surround a terrific loss. Why god would need this ships contents is a true mystery? It would be an honor to capture this story of true courage to a visual memorial someday. A first time writter but always get goosepumps when I hear Gordons tribute. A lost is an item misplaced, a loss love will continue to be misplaced and never forgotten.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Debra Miller
Location: Poulsbo, WA
Email: myrattie embarqmail
Date: 8/18/2007
Remote Name: 71.54.199.228
Comments
I just recently heard the Gordon Lightfoots song about the ship, and I my thoughts and Prayers are with the families.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Ray Vanark
Location: Milwaukee WI
Email: rvanark charter
Date: 8/18/2007
Remote Name: 68.191.177.152
Comments
I was just a boy when the fitz went down, however, I remember it well. My mother was a good friend of one of the officers (Armogust). My parents ate breakfast on that ship. I have done a lot of research on this great ship and like so many others I have always felt a connection to her and the families left behind. The cook that went down with the Fitz was not the cook that was supposed to be on her. The original cook had to stay home with stomach ulcers. This was a fascinating freighter and for many years, she was the largest to sail our beloved great lakes. 10 minutes before she went down, she told the Anderson that she was holding her own, however, with no radar, they could not tell how close they were to six fathom shoals. I believe the ship wrecked in those shoals, however, whats done is done. It is really no longer important to know why she went down, it doesn't change the fact that we should never forget the brave men who we lost on that cold Nov. day and the families today that we need to continue to pray for. I am grateful that Gordon Lightfoot recorded a song on her to help expose her glory and that our good neighbors and friends in Canada have just as much passion for her birth and loss as we do. God Bless the families of the Fitz and mat her crew always rest in peace. Ray
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Suzanne W Hinderliter
Location: Mount Carmel, IL
Email: suz_hin918 msn
Date: 8/18/2007
Remote Name: 68.238.4.161
Comments
As a young teen, I was instantly attracted to the beautiful, yet eerie song by Gordon Lightfoot. A couple of years later, my Dad and Mom took us on a vacation through Michigan and through the Locks and Dams, and on into Canada. I got the privilege to go thru a model of The Edmund Fitzgerald (I guess it had to be the Shipwreck Museum...I really don't remember that part), but I do remember feeling that same eerie feeling; a sadness that is hard to describe. God Bless All the Crew and the Families of The Edmund Fitzgerald.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Bobijo Speerstra
Location: leavittsburg ohio
Email: drownrat aol
Date: 8/13/2007
Remote Name: 65.41.206.55
Comments
I have often thought that the loss of the edmund fitzgerald was do to a combination of things. Overloading of the ship, inattentive crew, loss of radar, and plain rotten luck. I think the ship broke deep with an oncoming wave and was then struck by another wave, twisting the ship, obliterating the mid section and plunging the ship to the bottom.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: jason stringfellow
Location: mobile,Al
Email: gascap01 gmail
Date: 8/11/2007
Remote Name: 66.60.232.230
Comments
I was born in dec. of 1969, I was just a boy when the "FITZ" went down. I often think of the sailors in all oceans, lakes, seas and rivers who have lost their lives doing what they loved. I work offshore 150 miles out in the gulf of mexico and I see ships of all kinds and I pray they all make it to safe harbour,and I pray for the ones who were lost. God bless you all and may find peace and safe harbour in the arms of the Lord.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: David Gunderson
Location: Grand rapids Minnesota
Email: gunderson40
Date: 7/21/2007
Remote Name: 71.214.146.33
Comments
I had an uncle on the lakes on the Wilfred Sykes. He told me the lake can be very unforgiving. although he was not out the night this happened, the ship he was stationed on was, It had turned around and headed for taconite harbor for safe refuge. the crew though heard the radio transmissions between the U.S.C.G the Fitz and the anderson. I bought a large print of the Fitz and hangs in My bedroom today. I am Entranced by this story because it went down so quick and with out a sound of mayday. I don't wonder how she went down or why? but seeing Superior and her waves I can now belive that this lake demands respect. My prayers forever go with the lost crew and the families. God bless the crews of all great lakes ships sailing today and everyday.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: LJ & CB
Location: Lower Michigan
Email:
Date: 7/16/2007
Remote Name: 198.109.198.2
Comments
My husband and I were visiting the Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point this weekend. How amazing There is so much history available there and now we both have a better understanding of what happened to the Edmund Fitzgerald. We are both heartbroken for the families left behind, but continue to be positive of the continuous education & safety for the future.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: saen
Location: london ont can
Email: roadhammer70 yahoo.ca
Date: 7/15/2007
Remote Name: 74.110.211.52
Comments
the big fitz has been a part of my life ever since she went down on my 5th birth day there are a few new books that are out that i havent had a chance to read but she will always be the big fitz to me and even now when i go out to the soo i have to go to the shores out superior and touch the water god bless to all the families who lost there sons husbands brothers sean norris
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Meyer family
Location: cincinnati
Email: fuzzy71310 aol
Date: 7/14/2007
Remote Name: 72.49.224.128
Comments
A person of my ancesory died on the Edmund Fitzgerald we never really got to meet him and that is a shame we leave our thoughts and prayers to the 29 men who died on the ship and the familys that lost loved ones on the ship
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Al
Location: Yuba City CA
Email: red67vette comcast
Date: 7/12/2007
Remote Name: 24.23.52.190
Comments
I often think about how those brave men had to feel knowing their doom. I always have a heavy heart whenever I hear their song and a feeling of loss. My heart and prayers go out to their familes. Remember they will live on forever!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Rob
Location: Vestal, NY
Email: rphelps44 stny.rr
Date: 7/8/2007
Remote Name: 66.24.18.87
Comments
I think this is one of the most moving pieces I have ever heard. There is something about the tribute to these men that I never had the privilege to know. May the song ever keep them in our minds. Thanks to Gordon Lightfoot.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Christopher Dube
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Email: christopherfloyd_1 msn
Date: 7/7/2007
Remote Name: 74.98.6.153
Comments
The bravest men to ever sail the Great Lakes.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Sandra Lea Eddy
Location: Dorchester, MA
Email: pumpkin1955 earthlink
Date: 7/6/2007
Remote Name: 4.154.251.37
Comments
Since the first day I heard about the sinking and then everytime I hear that song I get chills. I don't know why. I knew no one on crew. Sometimes when I hear the song and am alone I cry, why I don't know. It just gets to me.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dahlia
Location: Baltimore, MD
Email: Dahlia72 comcast
Date: 6/21/2007
Remote Name: 69.139.235.73
Comments
I was only 3 years old when "Big Fitz" was lost. I remembered hearing (and liking) Gordon Lightfoot's song as a child, but never paid much attention to the lyrics until I grew up. It wasn't until I was in my twenties that I caught a worst-songs-ever-written radio show and, by God, they played Gordon Lightfoot's Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I was heartbroken that people could be so callous. Not only did I love the song, but after listening to it as a teenager, I came to respect all that it reperesented in commemoration of the men who died doing their jobs. Since then, I have collected as much information as I could and have it all neatly stored in a binder. Although I knew know one involved and have never even visited the Great Lakes area (a trip I do plan to take before my demise), I have such a deep respect for the 29 men who lost their lives that night. Their story is not only compelling, it is inspiring. It should be a reminder to us all to live our lives every day as fully as we can. For it is the greatest gift there is! And to the gentlemen who have gone down with their vessels, "May You All Rest Well."
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: maddaddy
Location: menard,tx
Email: jay999 ktc
Date: 6/18/2007
Remote Name: 207.71.36.7
Comments
red burghner, the regular steward, had left the ship at its loading point and the steward, rafferty, who was aboard at the disaster, was a relief steward.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: maddaddy
Location: menard,tx
Email: jay999 ktc
Date: 6/18/2007
Remote Name: 207.71.36.7
Comments
i believe also that it broke in two on the surface, as cousteau's crew, who found it, suggested. there are many newpaper reports on it at the vermillion, ohio museum that tell of its flexing problem before the actual wreck. it was probably weak at the point where it broke in two. The Great Lakes Historical Society is the name of the museum at vermillion, ohio.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: dean
Location: lewisville, tx.
Email: dmj71761 aol
Date: 6/13/2007
Remote Name: 205.188.117.20
Comments
i have followed the story and have seen every show about the Great ship and the Brave crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I do however have a problem with a theory. I do believe the ship broke on the surface. Some experts say there is no way because of the location of the parts, their opinion is that if it did the parts would be farther apart. My problem is if it did break on the surface both parts are in the same currant, would that not put that pieces close together? Please don't think I'm cold on this subject- it was a magnificent vessel and the crew were very brave- (to only have 29 on a ship that large). My prayers go to the families and always have, i just beleive that is the best possibility.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dave Tomlin
Location: Waycross,Ga.
Email: dltomlin wayxcable
Date: 6/8/2007
Remote Name: 68.16.13.109
Comments
I came here trying to remember which lake it was. I leave here crying.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Mike Nowak
Location: Racine Wisconsin
Email: mikeexcaliber yahoo
Date: 6/6/2007
Remote Name: 65.30.142.106
Comments
Now nearly 31 years later, those of us who never knew the ship, the crew or the families still weep at the loss of the 29 brave souls, may Gods grace be with you. You will Never be forgotten.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: michael
Location: st.thomas usvi
Email:
Date: 6/5/2007
Remote Name: 208.49.176.71
Comments
coast guard is to be blame how can you keep raising the waterline of a vessel she was originally designed for a couple thousand tons and she sank with over 26 that means she sat deeper in the water than she would normally with the heavy sees beating on her bow it is obvios that one day she would not have been able to lift her head above them being overweight she isnt the first nor last vessel to sink due to coast guard passing ships with raised waterlines to please owners and capacity
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Brittany
Location: Stratford
Email:
Date: 5/25/2007
Remote Name: 206.130.211.35
Comments
Hello everyone, i am telling you that i really enjoy the song the Edmond Fitzgerald and it's one of my favourites.Also i think that this website is a great thing to look at Brittany
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Gordon Edwards
Location: Ansley Nebraska
Email: Bettyedwards14 hotmail
Date: 5/21/2007
Remote Name: 75.88.99.130
Comments
I have loved this song since i was 2 and we have all the Gordon Lightfoot songs but this is are favorite i know how it feels to lose someone you love so i say this for all who had loved someone on board the Edmund Fitzgerald we will keep everyone in our hearts. may god bless those who are lost. Amen.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Leana Jo Hover
Location: Prescott Valley, Az.
Email: Hovercom aol
Date: 5/18/2007
Remote Name: 207.200.116.133
Comments
This is one of the greatest mysteries ever. I first heard about it, about 14 years ago, when a school friend of mine had a book about it on him. I was very curious and he let me borrow it for a few weeks. I read the whole thing and I was hooked on this famous mystery. What really happened that night? It is very bizarre. I feel bad for the families and friends of these lost souls. May God bless them and hopefully one day we will find them and know what happened...
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: loggie
Location: kentucky
Email: long on memory aol
Date: 5/15/2007
Remote Name: 64.12.116.202
Comments
i worked on the edmund fitzgerald as a welder helper and it was a beautiful ship . i wish other former workers from that time period ( 1957 to 1958 ,would email me that helped build this great ship , i would love to talk to some of them . ( the sinking of the big fitz was so sad and i send my thoughts and prayers to the familes of the 29 sailors who went down on her that stormy night ) may god bless you one and all .loggie formerly of river rouge michigan .
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Adrian
Location: Houston
Email:
Date: 5/14/2007
Remote Name: 198.62.217.2
Comments
I am so sorry for the families of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I love hearing Gordon Lightfoot's song about the tragedy. That is my favorite Folk song of all time I send my love to the families of the 29 brave men who perished.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: braden
Location: michigain
Email: 180052987654321
Date: 4/30/2007
Remote Name: 69.54.196.200
Comments
I am working on a school project. I chose the Edmund Fitzgerald and i am glad I did.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Bill Reed
Location: Laurence Harbor, New Jersey
Email: wjn725 msn
Date: 4/29/2007
Remote Name: 72.76.164.135
Comments
I am a native of Cleveland, Ohio and often saw the Fitzgerald and the Arthur Anderson docked at one of the piers downtown. Living about half mile from the shore of Lake Erie, we would observe the anniversary of her sinking with a group of friends around a bonfire on the beach. Our discussions focused on the probable cause of the sinking being her being over-loaded for last trip of the shipping season. With record-setting waves in excess of 30', her stem and stern may have ridden a wave leaving her middle relatively un-supported. Combined with the excessive weight, that may have caused her to break in two. Another contributing factor may have been the collapse of one or more hatchways, allowing water into her hold. This would have exacerbated the over-loading situation causing the breaking of the hull. This theory is also supported by the fact that she sank so quickly. There were no shoals in the area as the Arthur Anderson had successfully navigated the same course only minutes before. Gordon Lightfoot captured the saga of that fateful voyage in his song "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald". In addition to the account of the incident based on extensive research, the musical scoring captures the eerieness and emotion of what transpired. Students of "the wreck" should listen to this haunting ballad and focus not only on the lyrics, but the music and how it reflects the drama playing out.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: John V.
Location: Green Bay, WI
Email: john_voight bonasaflats
Date: 4/26/2007
Remote Name: 75.87.205.151
Comments
My office faces the Port of Green Bay near the East River turning basin across from the Western Lime dock. I will always take a break from work to watch one of the big boats make its way through. I love watching them now as a 40-year-old man as much as when I was a 5th grader watching the Algosoo go through the Soo way back when. It never ceases to stir my imagination. Every now & then the Arthur M. Anderson passes by my window. And though the Anderson was lengthened to eventually make her longer than the Fitz, it still makes me wonder what kind of Hell the men on both those ships must have endured on that November evening. It's impossible for me to comprehend what it must have been like on Superior aboard those two seemingly indestructible vessels. I've witnessed those wind-whipped storms of November well inland, but only God knows what the fury is like on the big lake. It is truly humbling. God bless the men of the Fitz & all working men of the Lakes.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Bill Snyder
Location: Oswego New York USA
Email: WildBillWatcher aol
Date: 4/24/2007
Remote Name: 205.188.117.20
Comments
I grew up on the Great Lakes . I was in high school when The Fitz sank . God rest the crew and their souls . Now sailing on the Great Lakes in a Gale is a lot harder then it is the oceans . The Atlantic or the Pacific ocean can throw heavy weight blows one at a time at a ship . The Great Lakes can and will throw a dozen good jabs from all sides on a ship at the same time . November on the Great Lakes is the last month when even the Nimitz or the Iowa could sail there with safety . March is the first month when sailing can be done by large ships .
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Mike
Location: New Castle, IN
Email:
Date: 4/14/2007
Remote Name: 74.140.68.90
Comments
great tragedy the men sadly missed
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Robert
Location: Tennessee
Email: cro7rb aol
Date: 4/13/2007
Remote Name: 205.188.117.20
Comments
it was a terrible loss, I was born in Cleveland Ohio, and I must say god bless you all who had to endure that sort of thing
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: jJames Wilson
Location: North Olmsted, OH
Email: polmarine1 sbcglobal
Date: 4/10/2007
Remote Name: 75.35.242.125
Comments
I was on the USCG Marine Board. A computer model was created and the conditions of the sinking entered. Taking water through ineffective hatch closures was supported by the model--others theories were not.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Vic
Location: Chicago, Il
Email:
Date: 4/10/2007
Remote Name: 68.238.101.131
Comments
I was about 14 when this happened living in Chicago and remember it very well as well as when the song came out. God bless there souls.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: John Mattox
Location: Holts Summit, Missouri
Email: jfmattox tribmail
Date: 4/9/2007
Remote Name: 76.2.166.195
Comments
My Great Grandmother had a cottege on Lake Ontario in Three Mile Bay. I can remeber as a child around six, visiting her. Often hearing the song on the local am station. Looking out into Three Mile Bay as a child it looked endless. I can only imagine how the captain and crew felt that fateful night. How helpless they must have felt. I can also remember going fishing with my then youthful granfather. In a little vee bottom aluminum boat with a 7 1/2 Hp Elgin outboard. We would crash the waves of Three Mile bay and get quite a ride. I memorized the song, and used to sing it as we made our way to and from. Funny, how the one thing that really takes us back in time is song. And every time I hear Gordon Lightfoot's sad song of the Fitz, it takes me back to my childhood and a very interesting story. My prayers go out to the families of the captain and crew.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Ryan McNeil
Location: Wallaceburg Ontario
Email: systemofdamn79 hotmail
Date: 4/5/2007
Remote Name: 24.36.141.39
Comments
Living just 5 km's from the st. clair I was I love with these big ships at a young age. I remember sitting along the river watching freighters all day. At one time they actually came through my town to dock and turn around. but my being only 28 years old, This came to an end to short in my time. I have only seen one come through town, Which was the last wallaceburg would ever see. We can still see them just outside of town, But the one i never got to see is the one that has won my heart. The Edmund Fitzgerald means so much to me and the fact that it may have even docked in town here. I love the song and often find myself singing it but I didn't know it when I first did a school report on the ship. I have only been up close to one (actually went on it) being the Chi Cheemaun. I would love so much to one day ride a freighter from one great lake to another. I will this summer for the first time ever go to the docks and get up closer to my dream ships and maybe just realize a little bit more of what that grand ship we lost, Really was.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Erik Fréchette
Location: Timmins, Ont,
Email:
Date: 3/31/2007
Remote Name: 208.101.103.149
Comments
I did a speech on the edmund fitzgerald and when I made it to the finals, I almost burst into tears at the part when the families had lost their loved ones. I look up to the stars every once in awhile and I say god be with you!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dave Dziki
Location: Antioch, IL
Email: ddziki2002 yahoo
Date: 3/22/2007
Remote Name: 67.133.85.130Comments
I agree with the Lake Carriers Association's report that it was a combination of scraping bottom on Six Fathom Shoal and ballast tank damage that caused the Fitz to sink. She simply lost her ability to float. The "Big Fitz" will always live in my memory. May god bless the crew and their family.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: peter
Location: niantic ct 06357
Email: pdawghaus258 comcast
Date: 3/16/2007
Remote Name: 71.234.247.196Comments
No greater is the connection between sailors and their ships. May their souls find smooth passage and their memory never forgotten.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jim
Location: Newport, RI
Email:
Date: 3/16/2007
Remote Name: 75.193.243.20Comments
I grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. I studied the Fitzgerald and the sinking surrounding it for many years. I even wrote a college term paper on the sinking. To the bes t of my knowledge through in-depth research, I feel that the Fitzgerald did take a nose dive to the bottom as the weight of her load shifted to the front. May God bless the family members of this ship.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: John loar
Location: redford michigan
Email: johnjloar yahoo
Date: 3/4/2007
Remote Name: 69.81.182.62Comments
I was in the fifth grade when it sank we were in class when we heard about the ship sinking this day has always in my heart I think about them often
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: paul
Location: crawley
Email:
Date: 3/4/2007
Remote Name: 80.41.114.33Comments
just spent hours reading the comments i also heard gordons song as a young boy. i will vist white fish bay. respect to those 29 families
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: susan estelle
Location: Cranston, RI 02905
Email: susan36 cox
Date: 3/2/2007
Remote Name: 72.195.130.208Comments
I just saw a documentary on this tragic event and will always feel sad for those who lost loved ones. We wonder at the reasons or failings as if there is someone to blame. I believe in God's plan for us all. These poor men are part of history and loved by us all.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Julie
Location: Indianpolis, IN
Email: julie_ann_morris Hotmail
Date: 3/1/2007
Remote Name: 69.219.238.204Comments
I was a girl of 12 when this terrible tradgedy happened. Unfortunately, at that age, the news didn't interest me terribly, so I 'missed' it, after a fashion. But I always listened with great interest and sadness to the song which immortalized it. I couldn't ever understand why anyone would put 26K pounds of iron ore in a ship on the water and sail into deep water, but that's the way industry made it's money, I guess. I'm so glad they got the bell from the site. Much sorrow for all of your losses. It should never have happened. Vaya con dios.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Michael Conklin
Location: Manistee
Email: mikey_ray77 hotmail
Date: 2/28/2007
Remote Name: 24.247.139.238Comments
The Sinking of The Edmund Fitzgerald is in my opinion the worst maritime disaster in Great Lakes history i am currently researching on the fitz for a speech in one of my college classes.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Khori Carnes
Location: Piqua, ohio, USA
Email: drummerforgod65 hotmail
Date: 2/24/2007
Remote Name: 71.74.203.180Comments
i still remember my dad telling me about this ship when i was little...the more i grew up, the more i respected and understood the whole thing. a couple years ago, my dad and i went up to White Fish Point in michigans upper-penninsula whic was 12 miles from where the Edmunds met her demise. there is a museum there dedicated to all the ships that have been lost in the great lakes, and the Fitz is the one in the spot light in that museum. now, everytime i listen to Gordon Lightfoots' song, i cant help but remember being with my dad, at that museum, seeing the pictures of the crew of 29 that perished that night. my dad is actually moving up to that point in a couple months, so ill have a reason to visit that museum quite a lot
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Gerry
Location: Ireland
Email: gsweeneyblacksodathotmail
Date: 2/13/2007
Remote Name: 86.43.80.142Comments
I saw a documentary on Discovery re. the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. It was brilliant, I often think of the men who drowned and their families and say a prayer for them.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Emmett Fenlon
Location: Ireland
Email: emmettfenlonatyahoo
Date: 2/4/2007
Remote Name: 80.193.14.206Comments
"Whats that song Dad", I asked my father last summer. He loved the Gordon Lightfoot song as indeed I came to love it. He told me the story of how the ship went down and of the 29 men who lost their lives. My father lived on his barge on Lough Ree in Ireland, until he tragically drown last December. Police divers recovered his body from the bottom of the lake. " The lake it is said never gives up her dead", how this rang true! I will cherish the memories I have of him, my partner and I sitting in the wheelhouse listening to this song. God rest his soul and the souls of those 29 men he first brought to my attention.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Cooper Crowell
Location: Richmond, VA
Email: shericrowellatcomcast
Date: 2/3/2007
Remote Name: 71.206.181.164Comments
Based on available information, I think the Edmund Fitzgerald sank because the severe storm forced it onto a shoal resulting in it's breaking in two.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Patricia Ann
Location: Ingham
Email: ukbpnsdcathotmail
Date: 2/1/2007
Remote Name: 71.7.171.223Comments
My daughter and I feel for the families of those who went down on the Edmund Fitzgerald. A year later we were aboard a freighter with my Chief Engineer husband, Michael John Ingham, sailing from Green Bay to Marathon, Ontario and almost suffered the same fate. We made it, but he had my daughter and I strapped together in one bunk with sheets and blankets to keep us safe. He could not get past the storm to the Engine room and was bracing himself upright between bunks. No one expected us to make it home to Marathon, but we did. Later that year my husband took his ship home across the Lake through 16 inches of ice in the face of many doubters. We wondered why Lake vessels were flat bottomed when it caused a huge risk in those waters which are easily as dangerous as any sea or ocean.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: michael
Location: brooklyn ny
Email: mikeym1968ataol
Date: 2/1/2007
Remote Name: 207.200.116.133Comments
Ya know...after I read all these ideas on how this ship sank it really amazed me...to know that most are true...yes no one really knows how this ship sank but the only way for sure how and why ??is a full scale model computer simulator....with all damage factors. they should put it all together and make a computer model on what it was like that night...of course we have reports on the damage it sustained...yea they crew on titanic said the ship had a gash under the water line when in fact it had its hull plates caved in as the result of damage it sustained when it glanced the ice burg. My point..?is take a long hard look on the evidence before making a sure sound judgement how such a mighty huge ship sank... And to conclude..I made a model of an ore carrier few yrs ago...and me being 5/5 this model I made was abit taller then me and being remote controled I took it out on the beach....and before I sailed this I took a hammer and cracked the hall and in this model I built bulk heads and placed water pumps in the bow...and mid deck...so I sailed the waves and full throttle and the ship like the fitzgerald with full ballest..it settled deepper and deeper then as I sailed it toward meee...suddenly a huge freak wave came up and lifted my model and then the bow was half covered with water and with the flooded water already in the ship...it went down with the prop full throttle hitting the ocean floor...
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Karen K
Location: Brantford, Ont.
Email: paigenliamsmommyathotmal
Date: 1/30/2007
Remote Name: 74.114.24.3Comments
I was only 4 years old when I first heard Gordon Lightfoot's song about the Fitz. Even today it is one of my favorites & still gives me chills when I hear it. God bless all the families who lost a loved on in this tragedy that will never be forgotten.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Lynda Baillie
Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Email: lyndaebaillieathotmail
Date: 1/29/2007
Remote Name: 69.159.36.229Comments
To the many families who lost a loved one, my very deepest sympathy. Even after 31 years it seems like yesterday. This ship passed the cottage where I spent my summers. On my wall I have a big picture of the Fitz going by and my two brothers are in it. It was our favourite ship. My heart goes out especially now to the families that were not able to retieve their loved ones. My son was killed this past summer in a transport accident and was ejected from his truck, otherwards we would not have had his body to bring home and bury. The Sault area with the two sets of locks are very big ship watchers. I remember the days when I was young and 70 to 80 boats passed by in a day. Now your lucky if you see 8 or 10 sometimes. Anyway, I only wanted to say I think of the families and crew very often. God bless all of you and the pain and suffering you have endured. May God Bless and someday you will be together again Lynda
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: don farrah
Location: mooretown ont
Email: wullaoneatyahoo
Date: 1/27/2007
Remote Name: 64.231.92.195Comments
cargo shifted to front when she went over a wave and she nosedived to bottem and broke in two.I have all blueprints of the Fitz.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Brendon and Deck
Location: Durango, Colorado
Email: dshalineatbresnan
Date: 1/22/2007
Remote Name: 72.174.192.187Comments
Dear family and friends of the Fitz, We became interested in the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald after listening to Gordon Lightfoot's song. We think of the brave men who perished that night when we listen to the song. God bless them and their families.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Scott Wilson
Location: Ft. Worth, Texas
Email: scottwatqarch
Date: 1/18/2007
Remote Name: 12.98.241.58Comments
Although I have lived in Texas half my life, I was raised and always will be, a Michigander. When I try to explain to Texans how harsh the weather can be, and particularly on the Great Lakes, the Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald comes to mind. I was in high school in 1975 and remember the event. Also, thanks to Gordon Lightfoot's beautiful ballad to the crew men lost that cold night, to the families I would like to say, they are not forgotten. Sincerely, Scott Wilson
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Cathy and Jerry
Location: Alexandria,IN
Email: muffinbubbaatsbcglobal
Date: 1/15/2007
Remote Name: 67.37.4.125Comments
From all indications, the ship was blown into the Shoals causinging the hatches to spring,taking on water, different depths in different areas of the ship, caused the ship to break apart. So therefore, it was the accumulation of all that caused the ship to sink. That area is known for the shipwrecks because of the hazadous shoals. Adding the treacherous storms the area has, makes for quite a passage into the Soo Locks. We think the captain and all his crew were very brave that night and did all they could to make way thru the storm. Any freighter crew traveling the Great Lakes are very brave men on any given day transporting ore,etc. thru the Great Lakes, with all the treacherous shipping lanes and the ever changing weather. Since that time, the freighters have improved with all their new radar equipment,etc. and hopefully there won't be anymore shipwrecks. The Captain and Crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald are to be treasured as they did all they could in the treacherous storm and gave their all .Their familes and friends should always carry in their hearts the bravery that this crew and captain exhibited. The other crew on the "Anderson" freighter were brave,also, just in aiding the Fitzgerald, but to no avail because of the gastly weather. The song says it all. The Edmund Fitzgerald and its crew are now at peace out of all the storms. They will always be remembered.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: L. Jones
Location: Wetumpka AL
Email: lj98stangathotmail
Date: 1/15/2007
Remote Name: 68.207.167.19Comments
Last night I was listening to our local radio station and they played The Loss Of The Edmund Fitzgerald. For the first time I sat and wondered about what happend that night. Ever sence I have had dreams that put me on the ship and I am whatching the Captin do everything possable to save his ship and crew. Then I wake up. That was 20 years ago the first time I heard the famous song. Now every time I hear the tune I daydream the same dream. It reminds me that there are people that will give everything to live the American dream. To all who were lost and to there families, I will never forget the "FITZ". I am so glad that the families made sure that no one can dive on the ships final resting plase. It is not proper to keep destrbing the resting place of the 29 men still fighting to get the ore to its destination. In my home state of Alabama, we have our stories of ships in Mobil Bay that never returnd to port, but most of them were war ships of the Civil War, or river boats that cought fire and sank. The river boats were mainly transporting goods from the south to citys in the north. Most of these sinkings were human errer. The "FITZ" was doing her job and was doing it well. Her track record proves it. Only Mother Nature could hold her back. To all the families of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald, and all others lost at sea, "GOD BLESS YOU", for one day you will reunite with your loved ones and then the "FITZ" will reach port and all will dock and unload in Gods hands. Finally, I have watched the docamentery of the "FITZ" on the History Chanel. It is very educational and anyone who wants to learn about the history of the "FITZ" need to watch it. Thank you for letting me and the rest of the world remember the 29 men that set sail on the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Chris Dube
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Email: christopherfloyd_1atmsn
Date: 1/9/2007
Remote Name: 74.116.19.105Comments
The bravest 29 crewmen on the Great Lakes.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Alan
Location: Owosso, michigan
Email: theloweboatatyahoo
Date: 1/8/2007
Remote Name: 68.188.160.87Comments
I read alot on the big fitz it brings tears to my eyes I have posters and books on the ss EDMUND FITZGERALD I use to have a model but got broken I have a bud mirror with fitz on it they are rare and I got one.My prayers and thoughts to family and friends of the crew I always play The Wreck of the EDMUND FITZGERALD on Nov. 10th every year.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Guy
Location: Toronto, On.
Email: toona9858atyahoo
Date: 12/29/2006
Remote Name: 72.141.29.6Comments
As a long distance trucker I transit the wild country of the north shore on a regular basis and invariably I will listen to Gordon Lightfoot's song as I do so. I have seen Superior in all of its seasons and in all of its moods. At times I pull over, sit on a boulder and reflect on its sheer power and vastness. Last winter I witnessed a winter storm bringing ocean size breakers crashing against the rocky shore. I thought of the sailors as I recalled the words of the song: "Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes into hours."
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: bobbie
Location: N.C.
Email: greenberetssgtatyahoo
Date: 12/26/2006
Remote Name: 204.185.135.124Comments
i have always had a special place in my heart.for the sailors of the lakes. my dad is a former lake man. and was out the night the BIG FITZ went missing. he told me ho hard it was not to cry.knowing 29 fellow sailors were in trouble. and his ship couldnt help. for the famlies left behind. my thoughts and prayers go out to you. and for the brave crew of the Fitzgerald. may you have fair winds and folling seas. may you all rest in peace
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Cpt. Bernd "Haui" Hauschildt
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Email: haui hauisworld.de
Date: 12/22/2006
Remote Name: 149.225.140.38Comments
I like to express my though for the families first. I have searched for a friend of mine and his crew in the north sea/ Europe for 36 hours until I had to brake off due to weather conditions. He had a great brand new ship, 15th trip and was a fine captain+ he had a fine crew. I had the sister ship under command, 172th trip- last trip before some serious time at the shipyard was due. All got lost, but it is known that some might still have lived upon my arrival at the scene. I just haven't been able to find them in the rough sea. My heart goes out to all of those who lost someone at sea. I know "Gitche Gumee" like it is in November from a while back. Don't search to hard for reasons. Sometimes it simply is "up to the eyebrows" for a vessel to take. Sometimes there is no luck. Often there is a surprise. Seldom all of these come together- Capt. "Haui"
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Donald
Location: Petaluma, California
Email: wheels8atSBCGLOBAL
Date: 12/22/2006
Remote Name: 69.226.216.4Comments
As I listen to Gordon Lightfoot's song about the Fitzgerald; it definitely has an eerie feeling about what happened. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the crew. Bless you all
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Kaytee and Eric
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Email: Fallout101atyahoo
Date: 12/21/2006
Remote Name: 69.180.164.246Comments
These men are truly an inspiration to the backbone of what we stand for. They represent everything we work for, live for, and experience. They are always in our thoughts, minds, and prayers and they lead us day to day with the perfection we hope to achieve. They're sacrifice will and always be truly appreciated.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: mary edwards
Location: Ft Atkinson WI
Email:
Date: 12/19/2006
Remote Name: 24.240.69.18Comments
For as long as i can remember i have had a strong connection to the wreck of the edmund fitzgerald. I am now getting a full back tattoo as a memorial to the ship and the men whose life were lost that night.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Andrew
Location: delavan
Email: 68pontiaclatyahoo
Date: 12/14/2006
Remote Name: 12.206.237.49Comments
She was the best ship on the sea my grandma was 18 years old when she went down
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Nate
Location: Manitowoc, WI
Email:
Date: 12/9/2006
Remote Name: 4.159.41.119Comments
Regardless of what caused the Edmund Fitzerald to be lost, we should never forget the 29 men lost that night. People should stop trying to figure out what caused the loss of the Edmund Fitzgeraldand put there efforts towards making sure it never happens again. God bless the 29 men and their families.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Ginny Kliewer
Location: Edmonds , Washington
Email: Kliew5ataol
Date: 12/9/2006
Remote Name: 207.200.116.133Comments
I have been listening to Gordon Lightfoot song "Wreck of the Edmonds Fitzgerald". This song has been out for many many years but you still feel the loss of the boat and the crew. Gordon Lightfoot can really bring songs to life. Thanks Gordon for your song about events and people. I wonder how you'd write a song about the "Twin Towers" 911 event
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Tom
Location: Ontario Canada
Email: wwwwww
Date: 12/8/2006
Remote Name: 142.46.57.254Comments
I was driving to work on the 2006 anniversary of the loss of the Edmond Fitzgerald.The radio station that I was listening to played Gordon Lightfoot's song."The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald".Even though I grew up in Mr.Lightfoots home town and know many of his songs I had not heared that one.Haunting,,.The song served its purpose,Awareness and Rememberance forever.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Cory
Location: Antigo, Wisconsin
Email: coryprice8athotmail
Date: 12/8/2006
Remote Name: 68.115.0.175Comments
Ever since I was a young child, I've had a fasination with large boats and ships, however I didn't learn about the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald until I was probably 11 or 12 years old. At first I didn't understand the impact of the tragic events that took place that day, but I've been trying to learn about it as much as possible ever since. Without knowing any of the families, or ever getting the chance to see her, the Fitz holds a place in my heart, and I would like to learn as much as possible. Thank You Cory
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jason Duke
Location: Michigan, Garden city
Email: jasinduke360atyahoo
Date: 12/2/2006
Remote Name: 64.12.116.198Comments
I can't even imagine what it would be like not knowing the Big Fitz. I grew up learing about it. For the longest time, I was obsessed and in some ways I still am. I always think of the loss of the men, and to the familys around November. The song by Gordon Lightfoot is one of my favorites, I grew up on that. Now that I am older, 33 to be exact it is how the ship was lost that obsesses me, and the fact that those poor men had no chance. I am completely convinced the Fitz bottomed out on Six fathom shoal. I went to college where David Weiss went to in Traverse City, even had his teacher Mr. Tanner. The recent recovery of the ships bell for me I am happy for the family's because they at least have some kind of way to grieve for their lost loved ones. I agree that they should stop diving the Fitz because what else do they have to discover? But I will always keep the Fitz and the crew in my heart, for me the ledgend will always live on...
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Cathy
Location: Pa
Email: purplecritter66athotmail
Date: 11/30/2006
Remote Name: 24.238.51.201Comments
I don't know what it is but EVERY TIME I hear the song I get goose bumps all over. I don't know why. It's very strange. Very sad.God Bless......
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: John Calhoun
Location: Heislerville NJ
Email: kc2atkatsnip
Date: 11/28/2006
Remote Name: 209.204.64.141Comments
If the EF Hit bottom why has no one mentioned any scrapping marks on keel section. Also If the hatch covers or cover came off and caused the sinking the capt would have had time to call or answer the anderson. The logical answer to me lies in the fact that if the EF Had a wave pick up the stern forcing the the bow to dive the crew would have been thrown forward with no chance to call mayday. By the time they could recover the wave pressure plus water pressure on the bow it was to late. I came to this conclusion after last nites documentry on the History channel. Thank you John calhoun
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: John-Erich
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Email: ftjh2atuaf
Date: 11/26/2006
Remote Name: 137.229.56.149Comments
Each year in November, I think about the Edmund Fitzgerald. I was in high school when the ship was lost. The Iron Range and the Great Lakes are a big part of living in Minnesota and I believe everyone there felt a personal loss when they heard the sad news. Gordon Lightfoot's song is almost sacred. Whenever I hear it, I feel like I'm paying my respects to those brave sailors. In my opinion, they will always be like a band of brothers. My thoughts and prayers are with their families.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Darold
Location: Rothbury, Michigan
Email: dcarrieriiatyahoo
Date: 11/22/2006
Remote Name: 207.69.137.36Comments
I barely remember the sinking of the Fitz, I was 3 when she went down. I DO remember my Mom taking us kids up to Whitefish Point shortly there after the sinking. I remember that becuase that was my first time crossing the mighty Mac. It took us 2 days to get there, thanks to all the snow on the ground. Once we got there Mom dropped to her knees and started crying and praying. That was the first time in my life that I saw my Mom cry over something that wasn't related to our family. Every year since, I go up to Whitefish Point and place 29 roses at the memorial and I too start to cry. Since that time, my Mom was passed too, so for me doing this helps me remember her and the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Micheal Catling
Location: Soo ont
Email: irenewatshaw
Date: 11/20/2006
Remote Name: 24.109.21.32Comments
I remember that night like yesterday .It was a bad storm even the waves on the St Mary river where 15' higt. Never did I ever see it since. Windows blew out of store's and trees pulled out by roots it was a bad bad storm. The ship broke in two when it hit bottom and did not come back up they had no chance n't change things now. so sad
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: logee
Location: ky
Email: hotpoker46ataol
Date: 11/19/2006
Remote Name: 205.188.116.8Comments
november 19th 2006 THIS IS from a man who helped build the edmund fitzgerald. another anniversary of the sinking of the big fitz has come and gone of the big ship's sinking .what a magnificent ship she was and what an exciting time in my young life to be a part of the building of this truly awesome ship . i was barely 18 yrs old as i hired on at great lakes engineering works in river rougue michigan . this huge ship was built at a cost of 8 million dollars . tink what it would cost today to build one like her ! i have many fond thoughts of that time in my life of the ship and my fellow co workers i can't recall all their names but some i can remember only faces some thier names, julius pontgratz . bill teidman , walter kalarchic , ( larry last name i don't recall) mack harrison ( now deseased) JIMMIE THOMAS, albert perkins , my father who was nick named chester a welder helper and his boss who was nick named matt dillion, many many more names i forget but the faces of so many i still see in my mind ,also my former bosses whitIe our welding foreman. tommy baird boss, steve baird boss, jim garland, art johnson and more i can't recall names of. If there;s anyone of my old fellow co workers still living i hope you read this and email me i would love to know if any of you are still living and would love to talk over those days and nights we worked side by side, through cold winters and hot summers to build this awesome ship and two more i helped build besides the big fitz hull 301 -- also 302 and hull 303 the last ship built before the yard closed in eraly 1960's. theres one more fellow worker i recall ( first name not certain but last name was kerry ? or curry ) please guys if you are reading this or anyone who may know any of the names ive mentioned , would you email me ? it would mean so much to me to hear from any or all i worked with . my nick name you all gave me was loggie . \ to the familes of the 29 lost sailors i send my deepest regrets and wish for you to know that the building of the edmund fitzgerald was well built by professionals , i know some have made assumtions or accusations that poor workmanship might been to blame . don't beleive this . i was and eye witness to her construction and the builders and workers took great pride in the building of the ship and took thier best efforts i do beleive to build this awesome ship to be as strong and safe as possible . i know not what caused the ship's terrible sinking but read the facts , it was an afull storm , she set riding low in the water . god probaly is the only one will ever know the facts for sure . ( once again to the families of the 29 salors may god bless you and help you with the grief of your loss . i think of you often and of your loved ones lost .im loggie .former co worker of the contruction of the awesome ship that not only took the lives of your loves ones but the lifes of some 3 men who lost thier life building the fitz hull 301, the hull 302 and the hull 303 . you see we averaged a loss of one man per ship. also many men have suffered and died from the effects of asbestos , welding in unsafe condtions in the bottom of the ships as well as i and many more contracted empesema asthma etc from our working conditions . but i still have fond memories of those days in far of yestedays . god bless all who suffered from the building of the big fitz , the familes of the sailors who's lives were cut short as well as the men who built the ship.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Michael J.Billock
Location: Monroe, Michigan
Email: billock1atsbcglobal
Date: 11/16/2006
Remote Name: 69.209.185.70Comments
It is hard to believe it's been 31 years ago already.I've always had a keen interest in this sinking and read everything I could on the subject. My interest and speculation over the sinking has never dwindled. I've never believed the theory of faulty hatch covers. I believe she hit the shoal area and suffered bottom damage and began taking on water.With the waves as huge as they were, simultaneously she was taking on water up forward over the spar deck and was losing freeboard with every wave. She "nose-dived"perhaps with one large wave and never recovered, the bow striking the bottom, with her twisting in two on the way down. I live just 20 miles north of Toledo Ohio and used to love driving down to the Port of Toledo and view all the ships in winter layup. The "Fitz" spent many winters there, along with ships from 3-4 American fleets. Sadly,there isn't nearly the number of ships to look at anymore. And the ones you do see do not have the classic great lines the earlier ships did.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: lee bendel
Location: wadsworth oh
Email: elroyosuataol
Date: 11/16/2006
Remote Name: 64.12.116.198Comments
i did not know or lose a loved one in this tragic disaster.i have always been fascinated by the great lakes lore.i have been to white fish bay to see the sight.i want to know as much about the "fitz" as i can.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Ronald
Location: Clifton Forge Va
Email: r_v_family_foreveratyahoo
Date: 11/16/2006
Remote Name: 216.12.58.50Comments
To me it was a great loss. Not of the ship, but of the vewry finest crew. Well it is the crew and there loved ones left behind that we should always remember, and to keep in our hearts thoughts and prayers.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: jeanette
Location: Ladysmith, wi
Email: jvkatzenatcenturytel
Date: 11/13/2006
Remote Name: 69.179.251.224Comments
I'm not sure that people will ever forget the Fitz and her crew. . . with no small thanks to Gordon Lightfoot. My grandparents had settled in Ironwood, MI so, even as a kid, I had a sense of the mystery and force of Superior. I was living in the western mountains when the Fitz went down and even at that distance felt the impact of the news. I think there are those in each succeeding generation who are drawn in to carry forth the memory.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Alex
Location: minnesota
Email: Purf_21athotmail
Date: 11/13/2006
Remote Name: 66.191.129.197Comments
It was a very tragic loss and has been efected on a lot of people. People we might not know but it is sad.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Stefany Pratt
Location: Waconia, MN
Email: stefprattgmail
Date: 11/12/2006
Remote Name: 71.55.132.75Comments
My husband thinks he was related to James Pratt, second mate on the Fitz. Does anyone know what state death certificates for those who perished can be found?
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Douglas Fitzmaurice
Location: Wolcott, NY
Email: drfitzverizon
Date: 11/12/2006
Remote Name: 129.44.212.195Comments
I remember well that night as It was a nightmare for our company as well. We had two barges in Clayton, NY on the St Lawrence river. We had a spud barge and a material barge working. The winds started to whip up out of the SW in the afternoon, but by 4:30 in the afternoon the winds had shifted to the wnw and the waves were so bad we hardly got the men off the barge. The Watertown airport reported 96 MPH winds about midnight and the wind and waves dragged our spudbarg with 18 thousand pounds of concrete anchors across Goose Bay leaving scrapes in the rock on the bottom the length of the bay. Our barges were deposited up on a little island to the east of the bay. At the time I did not know that anyone else was having trouble that night as we watched helplessly while the spud barge moved across that bay. It was only later that we heard that a ship had gone down in Lake Superior. I felt very sorry for the families of the crew members and considered myself very lucky that no one got hurt on our operation. I must admitt though, that everytime I hear that song I am transported back to that terrible night and can only imagine the terror that those crewmen endured until the final moments. May God grant them and their families peace.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Sheila
Location: Newfoundland and Labrador
Email:
Date: 11/11/2006
Remote Name: 198.164.4.48Comments
I am a Newfoundlander and loss of life to the ocean is, like the poster from Nova Scotia said, no stranger to the people of this province. We have a strong maritime history, not only in the Atlantic but on the Great Lakes as well. I was at University when the EDMUND FITZGERALD sank and remember clearly hearing the news. It brought sharply into focus thoughts of friends and acquaintances who were sailing on 'The Lakes'. On this day of remembrance, let us also remember the families of the crewmembers who were lost that day.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From:
Location:
Email: sj47830yahoo
Date: 11/11/2006
Remote Name: 70.240.6.177Comments
I remember that day so well. Through out the day An Elton John song that is rarely heard played 4 different times that day. Funeral For A Friend. We had heard at the company I worked for that an ore ship had gone down. That's all anyone knew at that point. Not knowing who was on the ship, or what had really happened. They say people can come to us with important messages. Perhaps people they know would understand their presence, or not totally freak out I would guess. I believe that night my friend (which I did not know at the time was on the ship, the names were released the next day) came to me. Of course I did have to question what he was doing standing in the bedroom at 1 AM...and what would my husband say if he woke up, thinking perhaps I dreamt this. But his message...Let my Mom know I am ok, and not to worry. Many on that boat were just begining their lives. That's what we should do today even after all the years that have past. Celebrate the lives of the men that went down on that ship. For family and friends remember the good times the happy times. the special times. They memories will always be in our hearts. Prayers to the famlies and to the crew of the Edmond Fitzgerald
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Sue
Location: Missorui
Email: beautynobeast4uaol
Date: 11/11/2006
Remote Name: 70.240.6.177Comments
Our prayers and thoughts, go out to the family members and the crew of the Edmond. A good friend was lost, but never forgotten.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Thomas Marnich
Location: Northern IL
Email: t.marnichinsightbb
Date: 11/10/2006
Remote Name: 74.135.98.187Comments
Thirty-one years ago today I was a sophmore in high school in L'Anse, MI, which is located on Keewenaw Bay on the south shore of Superior. The waves coming in the bay off the lake were like nothing I had ever seen, and this was before the seas started coming around from the Northwest. I will never forget the intensity of that storm, nor the shocking news that an oar boat went down on the east end of the lake that night. As I was at work today, I thought often of the crew and the families, and I tried to recall the timeline of events as the Fitz made it way through the lake on it's course with eternity. To this day, thirty-one years later, I still mourn the loss of these men. The magnitude of what they had to have went through saddens me to the very core of my being. For many people, the interest is in the enigma of what happened to the ship. But as with many of the six thousand shipwrecks which have occured on the great lakes, only the Good Lord and the lake itself knows what happened, and maybe in the end that's all we're allowed to know. It's a cold, rainy night with strong winds out of the North here in northern Illinois tonight, and I stood outside in the wind and rain and said a prayer for every man on that boat, and for every mariner who made the supreme sacrifice. They have all made this country what it is today, and for that I will be eternally grateful.To the family and friends of all the men on the Fitz, may the Good Lord hold you all in his loving embrace, and please remember that there are many of us who share your grief to this very day, and will continue to do so till we all sail into eternity... God Bless You All Thomas
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dan
Location: kenosha, Wi
Email:
Date: 11/10/2006
Remote Name: 205.213.211.209Comments
God bless the crew and their families.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Chris Recla
Location: Ironwood MI.
Email: recla4sbcglobal
Date: 11/10/2006
Remote Name: 75.21.132.238Comments
Another year has gone by. For those alive, things ever changing and moving faster every day.But For 29 men,they are Frozen in time.Forever on duty in the ship they respected and loved.Every 10NOV at 1915 I say a prayer and pay my respects on the shore of Lake Superior.GOD BLESS the crew and their family.May they never be forgotten.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: David Demarco
Location: Boston, MA. U.S.A.
Email: david5512aol
Date: 11/10/2006
Remote Name: 205.188.116.8Comments
31 years ago tonight! God Bless the "Big Fitz" and all who sailed on her. Never forget! We will always honor them on this evening.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jason
Location: Boulder Jct. WI
Email:
Date: 11/10/2006
Remote Name: 216.56.24.162Comments
I first heard about the sinking of the Fitzgerald in fifth grade. it brings a tear to my eye each time I hear the song. Now as a junior in high school, I want to sail the great lakes on a freighter. We most never forget those 29 men who died to day 31 years ago. Nor must we forget all of those who have perished on the great lakes, known and unknown. Though you may argue over the cause we most always remember that people have died. I also send out my deepest sympathy to the families of the crew, and the families of all of the sailors, and passengers, who have died.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Judy
Location:
Email:
Date: 11/10/2006
Remote Name: 24.65.192.154Comments
I just want to say that today is also my birthday, and I do remember well November 10th 1975. I turned 22 that day and was out for dinner with friends and family and heard of the ship's problems over the car radio on the way home. The next morning the worst was confirmed: all aboard had perished and the ship had gone down in Lake Superior. Every year on this date I still think of the family and friends who lost loved ones that fateful date, and I listen to Gordon Lightfoot's The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, it's just something I "have" to do. God Bless those family and friends.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Allan Kupczyk
Location: Duluth MN -Ashland WI
Email: atkupczykyah
Date: 11/10/2006
Remote Name: 65.82.138.66Comments
Close to home.. I had a great Uncle go down with the Fitz. Blaine Wilhelm an oiler. I also had a classmate that was born in result of the sinking, (Her grand father was the wheelman)Her mother went into labor when the news hit. I think back on how if my Grandfather would have went down in that storm I would not have met him. He also sailed the lakes for years. So When I hear Gordon's Song playing, I realize how lucky I was for my grandfather not to have been on the Fitz at that time. My Grandmother makes the trip to Whitefish to honor her brother and the others that went down with the boat for each ceremony that has taken place. I think that the sinking of the Fitz should have a movie made about it to tell the story of the what happend and how it has affected the rest of the world. The Titanic sailed and went down, but the mighty Fitz and the other Lakers did this year after year. There are not many spouses or family members around to tell the story...Or like Gordon says "the legend live on....."
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dennis Dodge
Location: Glenn Michigan
Email: ddodgetiarayachts
Date: 11/10/2006
Remote Name: 65.123.111.70Comments
I was attending Lake State in the Sault. They used to divide up the freshmen into small groups during orientation. Mine was the Fitzgerald back in 1973. I was a senior when she was lost. We could hardly walk down the hill that night with all the wind and rain and then snow. I can't imagine what they were facing out on the lake. After seeing her lock thru so many times it was like losing a friend. God bless all those lost and their families.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Sheri
Location: Youngstown, Ohio
Email: youn_cxr access-k12
Date: 11/10/2006
Remote Name: 64.18.36.3Comments
Another year has gone by and people are beginning to forget. But to those of us who lost a loved one on that terrible day in November, we can never forget. It can never be over, or in the past. 31 years, but it may as well have been yesterday. Our friend, our husband, or Father they live in our hearts and minds and will forever. God Bless all of you who lost someone they loved on that fateful November day.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jerry Simpson
Location: Tennessee
Email: volunteers blomand .
Date: 11/9/2006
Remote Name: 206.74.88.162Comments
I teach 5th and 6th grade students. We have been listening to the song by Gordon Lightfoot and reading the words to the song during our reading/writing class. We have been studying about the Great Lakes and the factors that contributed to the disaster. The students were touched by the story. Some of them wished to leave messages for the family members. May it comfort you to know that part of your loved one’s legacy is being carried out in our classroom. We plan to conclude our study on November 10, which is the anniversary date. We plan to ring a bell 29 times as each name is read. As we approach the 31st anniversary of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, I wish to thank the brave crewmen who have provided inspiration and motivation for a reading/writing class in Tennessee.
Following are some thoughts from our class:
I would say to the family members of the Edmund Fitzgerald that I am sorry for you and I think about your family. I am thinking of your family. C.J.
I am so sorry about your family members who died on the Edmund Fitzgerald. I just want to tell you that those 29 men are really brave and tried so hard to survive. I know if they had put 15 miles behind them they would have made it. I wish they could be here with us today. I would like to tell you that I know what it feels like to lose a husband or a brother or uncle or aunt because I lost a member of my family too. A.M.
I am sorry about what happened. I am thinking of you and the people that died. I go to church and I will pray for them. Z.C.
I am so sorry for the sons, wives, and daughters and I will pray for them. B. J.
I am sorry for the people who died on that ship. I’m sure you are thinking about this and I’m sorry they died. I am sorry for your loss. I hope this makes you feel better. A.S.
What I would say to the family members of the Edmund Fitzgerald: I am sorry for your loss. I hope you get well and I am sorry for the men of the ship. C. M. I know you will be sad thinking about when the ship went down. R. R. I feel sorry for your loss. M.E. I hope your lives are still happy and I know how you feel. I lost my dad at the age of 9 but we all know he’s still with us. I just want you to know that they are still with you. H.H.
I feel sorry for what happened. I am thinking of your family. They were really brave. B.L.Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: sue
Location: saginaw, MI
Email: s.satwhite hotmail .
Date: 11/9/2006
Remote Name: 152.163.100.198Comments
As the anniversary approaches, I recall the sadness we all felt when we heard of the sinking. I was a senior in high school, and in Government class. I had always loved history, especially MI history, which included a deep interest in the shipping/lumbering/tourist trades. Love geography and of course the Great Lakes. Have enjoyed the tribute up at the museum in UP; nicely done. My thoughts are with the families at this time. Bless you.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Darlene
Location: Houston
Email: tewell houston.rr .
Date: 11/8/2006
Remote Name: 67.10.210.79Comments
my prayers and thoughts are with the families left behind. May God hold you all in the shelter of his arms
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: chris galton
Location: Traverse City
Email: b737tvc aol
Date: 11/8/2006
Remote Name: 64.12.116.198Comments
My great grand dads were the youngest Capts. on the Great Lakes on board the Frank H. Goodyear and the Hugh Kennedy. I have read their logs and we to lost a whale back up in Superior during the same week but in the 20's. God Bless ole Fitz and the good crew.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Kaitlyn Barber
Location: Oxford,MI
Email: Barber
Date: 11/6/2006
Remote Name: 216.11.106.4Comments
I feel bad for all the people who died on that ship on that night. I also feel bad for the families that suffered because the ship disappeared in the nights darkness. I want to give my hopes to those families bye
Subject: Why the Edmunds Fitzgerald sank
From: Sarah B.
Location: Valley Center, Kansas
Email: sabrauner cox .
Date: 11/5/2006
Remote Name: 68.102.180.200Comments
I think the Edmunds Fitzgerarald did not break in two until after it sank.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: sandy alexander
Location: ont
Email: psyandman hotmail .
Date: 11/5/2006
Remote Name: 64.187.8.45Comments
going by the information I have seen over the years, I don't think that she broke in two until she hit bottom. god bless we remember you
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Payton Mariah
Location: Sault Ste. Marie MI
Email: bsalomon charter .
Date: 11/4/2006
Remote Name: 24.180.208.205Comments
I think the Fitzgerald was a beautiful ship my parents were 5 and 6 when the steamer sunk on Nov.10,1995.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Derick
Location: Owatonna Minnesota
Email:
Date: 11/2/2006
Remote Name: 71.215.171.165Comments
I'm a 16 year old kid that came across some of the stuff from the Fitz in my grandmothers attic and well it interested me and I now I want to know everything I can know about it... I feel bad for the Folks that loss their husbands and fathers to Superior.... From, Derick
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Tom
Location: Shelby Twp.
Email: TJkoczab comcast .
Date: 11/2/2006
Remote Name: 68.60.149.31Comments
I was just a teenager growing up in Detroit when she went down. The song and the sounding of the bell haunt me to this day. My heart goes out to the families. I can not imagine the pain. I still get the sad feeling when November comes around and think of the ships out there today. This is a memory I will not let go of and only wonder why Hollywood has not made a picture of Michigan's perfect storm. May God bless the families of the Crew.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: bmarcz
Location: Newport Beach, Ca.
Email: bmarcz hotmail .
Date: 10/31/2006
Remote Name: 76.168.113.130Comments
is their a sitemap available anywhere where the Fitzgerald started its voyage and ended it?
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: terry lynds
Location: truro nova scotia
Email: terrylynds eastlink .
Date: 10/27/2006
Remote Name: 24.137.75.83Comments
As I write this, I am listening to the song by Gordon lightfoot.i spent most of my life growing up around the ocean. Maritime life is all I know, and love , the loss of life due to sinkings is no stranger to all of us here, I was born on nov 10 1967, was just a boy when the Fitz sank, but to this day I will always remember , id like to give all my prayers to the families .Today when I see the documentary on TV or here Gordon's song my heart ways heavy, REST WEARY SAILORS, REST.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: L. Anderson
Location: New Jersey
Email: photolou51 yahoo .
Date: 10/26/2006
Remote Name: 160.93.75.42Comments
The idea of a natural sinking via unusual weather phenomenon may be the case but the high mystery of the weather forces involved is the anomaly in the Great lakes. The ship sank with all crew lost on November 10 1975 and this date is very symbolic. The 10th of November 1965 represents the date of the great northeast blackout which contrary to most thinking was an act of sabotage via enemy EMP and not an accident of natural power loss over the grid. So ten years later to the day the largest vessel ever used as live bait so to speak was sabotaged and sunk via the nefarious uasage of scalar EMP on the 10th the date being the calling card of the enemy. I am a strong believer that the Fitzgerald was used as a prime target by the Soviets/KGB in their quest to be able to sink any ship via the creation of rogue waves and the use of the blast effects and electrical anomalies of scalar EMP to disable a ship dead in the water. The sinking would then be easily accomplished via the rogue waves produced which would capsize the now listless vessel. This process has been done numerous times by the Russians and their partners in scalar crime over the years especially in the case of oil tankers sabotaged and sunk to the bottom. The waters of the Great Lakes are the ideal locations for anomalous weather factors to be induced via tornado like votexes and Tsunami like waves. Scalar EM energy can easily create storm effects over bodies of water as well as creating wave surges which will wreck havoc on shipping, making this an ideal wepons platform aginst the navies of the West. The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald was just another live test by the Soviets to show the awesome power of scalar EMP in their continued conquest of the West via the use of unlimited power in the form of what has been called the Tesla Electromagnetic Death Ray, more commonly known as scalar EMP. The only way it could be proven as to what really caused the sinking of the E. Fitzgerald would be metalurgic study on the hulk to check on fractures and eutectic changes in the steel, also a check to see if any electro-mechanical outages or disturbances in instrumentation occurred that may have knocked out physical control of the ships engines and or navigational sytems, leading to the capsizing loss via a rogue wave and or anomalous wind shear vortex. Tyical signatures of EMP are elctromechanical outages as EM overloads and spikes knock out the electrical systems that control the ships drive leading to it being dead in the water and vulnerable to high waves and freakish winds. This is not a theory but actual scalar EM weapons research used by the enemy in the classic form of asymmetric warfare just short of the unthinkable use of thermonuclear weapons. 1975 was crtical period as then Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev had predicted the domination of the world via his fantastic scalar EM weapons so powerful and clandestine that the "mind of man could not imagine."
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: William Caldwell
Location: Laguna Hills, Ca
Email: organizme2 sbcglobal .
Date: 10/25/2006
Remote Name: 68.4.118.80Comments
I remember that time when the Edmund Fitzgerald was lost. It was a cold and snowy day in Michigan. I remember listening to the weather and it was gonna be a cold one. My mom and I heard of the ship going down on the radio. If I remember we prayed for them. We hoped that the people on the ship would be found and "OK". To this day I am sad about the ship going down. I may live in California now but I will always be a Michigander and I, once and a while, think of the ship.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Bill
Location: Florida
Email: xchevroletbb netzero .
Date: 10/18/2006
Remote Name: 169.139.16.2Comments
coming up on the anniversary date. Not forgotten. Families in prayers
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Chuck Fentules
Location: Warren, Ohio
Email: kolosos35 yahoo .
Date: 10/10/2006
Remote Name: 76.2.247.57Comments
The twenty-nine souls on the Edmund Fitzgerald were sweep away by the Gail’s of nature into the arms of God as stars to shine forever more. The love of God has worked thru the genius of Gordon Lightfoot to reach us all. So that love, could be multiplied a million times over, for all the sailors, and their families who have been part of the human tragedies on the Great Lakes. My deepest respect to the web site for the opportunity to express my feelings.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Ruth
Location: Indianapolis
Email: ruvikings yahoo .
Date: 10/8/2006
Remote Name: 24.123.218.82Comments
There are those events that you never forget. I remember watching Monday Night Football up in Northern Minnesota when the news broke about the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy. It hit close to home because my dad worked for the Erie Mining Co. near Hoyt Lakes, MN. I don't remember who was playing on that Monday night game, but I will never forget this. May they all rest in peace.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Mark Hagstrom
Location: Ashland, Wisconsin
Email: renegademark hotmail .
Date: 10/4/2006
Remote Name: 68.187.137.165Comments
I was a senior in high school when the Fitz when down. I remember being in Mr. Olson's science class when the principal came and told Beth Wilhelm, the daughter of Mr. Wilhelm and one of the 29 sailors. I often listen to the song by Gordon Lightfoot and cannot imagine the minutes that followed the last communication. God bless the Wilhelm family as well as ALL the families who lost there loved ones that day!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Mel
Location: Glen Ellyn, Il
Email: melstickdorn yahoo .
Date: 10/2/2006
Remote Name: 152.132.16.1Comments
The Fitz was going to drop it's load off in Detroit then proceed to Cleveland where it was to be moored for the winter
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dennis Zambruno
Location: Hughson
Email: dendix1 aol .
Date: 9/28/2006
Remote Name: 207.200.116.133Comments
Like Lightfoot wrote, "At 7 pm the old cook ran on deck saying 'Fellas it's too rough to feed you.' Later that nighy, when the main hatch gave in he said, 'Fellas it's been good to know you." Therefore I'm pretty convinced that the wreck came from a faulty hatch. Probably due to the storm.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Tom Grieder
Location:
Email:
Date: 9/26/2006
Remote Name: 72.70.196.89Comments
Rev. 20:13 (in part) says: And the sea gave up those dead in it, and death and Hades gave up those dead in them (tells of a wonderful resurrection to life by our wonderful God Jehovah!)
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Larry Freeman
Location: Atlanta Ga
Email: larryfreman44 yahoo .
Date: 9/13/2006
Remote Name: 69.180.0.87Comments
I was 15 when The Edmund Fitzgerald went down. As an adult I worked offshore in the Gulf Of Mexico oil fields on a seismic boat, for about a year, and in that time the boat I was on, The Casey Chouset (pronounced Schewst)out ran three hurricanes, under capt Jim Brooks, during that time, I can relate to the part of the song that says "where does the love of god go when the waves turn the minutes to hours". I can not imagine what it was like on the lakes during that storm, but I have an idea. May the Crew of the Fitz rest in peace, and may their families some day have peace in their lives. My heart goes out to them.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: suzi
Location: columbia , tn
Email: suzi_1405 hotmail .
Date: 9/7/2006
Remote Name: 129.59.8.10Comments
May the families of the Fitz find peace. My brother who works at great lakes steel got to go on the Fitz yrs ago. He got to meet some of the crew he said it was a built ship and some of the nicest men you would ever want to meet. May God bless the families and friends of the ones lost on the Fitz. Its still hard to let go...
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Frank P. Ferraro
Location: Waterford Pa 16441
Email: Ahabscabin webtv .
Date: 9/7/2006
Remote Name: 209.240.206.206Comments
Dear sir/mam We must never forget those who died doing their job on the big Fitz . With honor to the crew I call the ship by its nick name. Sometimes I feel that only those who made up the crew, should be able to say the name Big Fitz. But as Long as I have them in my prayers I will always mention the nick name when speaking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. And now I will share with all who read this letter the prayer I recite when I retire at night. Oh Father of the land and sea the creator of the universe and all that shall come. Oh Father remember those who have called your name at sea for their spirits have returned to thee. Your mercy is never in doubt. All Glory belongs to thee in the earth on the land and to those who parish at sea. Our lives must run the designated course .But the judgment of eternity we must leave to thee. And now to the Captain and the crew. May God have you in his holy Keeping. Yours truly Frank P. Ferraro
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: joseph funtash
Location: cleveland
Email: jflinstone01 aol .
Date: 9/3/2006
Remote Name: 205.188.116.8Comments
I learned about the ship when I young my dad was a fireman on the augest zizing I was on the ship and want to follow my fathers footsteps I will pray for the men on the ship my dad name was mike funtash 25 years on the ship.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Al
Location: Alpena, MI
Email:
Date: 8/31/2006
Remote Name: 70.104.125.230Comments
Always been interested in the Fitz. Read everything on it I could get my hands on. A few years ago, I got invited to tour the Arthur Anderson. She was fully loaded at Stone Port and I was standing in the wheel house looking out onto Lake Huron. It seemed I was a mile in the air. It is amazing that the waves were breaking OVER the wheel house the night of the storm! I tend to think that based on the account of Capt. Paquette, a combo of hatch covers not fully clamped, and the shole lead to her demise. A lake as long and big as Superior with wind building and pushing down on the lake with gusts to 80/90 mph would rip a hatch cover like paper if not fully clamped. Ask the old timers who sailed then. A lot of these youngsters that sail now think a storm is 50 mph and 10 ft waves. Nov 10, 1975 was a storm that has never been equaled. And with luck will never ever be again. May the 29 brave men never be forgot. God bless them.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: gary prieskorn
Location: pleasant lake, michigan
Email: kdebruler earthlink .
Date: 8/25/2006
Remote Name: 216.144.203.207Comments
my grandfather sailed the great lakes for many years, was shipwrecked once on lake huron off rogers city, he was rescued and lived to tell his story, not true of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald, my thoughts are with the family and loved ones of that crew.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jack Roberts
Location: Salem, Ohio
Email:
Date: 8/24/2006
Remote Name: 216.207.201.194Comments
A friend of mines father was on the investigating committee with the Great Lakes Carrier Assoc. I spoke to him personally about the wreck after I visited The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in 1995. He was absolutely convinced of the shoal grounding scenario. His opinion was based on years of marine engineering experience. He had a lot of detailed information on the shipwreck, including course charts, the exact proximity of the Fitz to caribou shoals based on the Arthur Andersons radar logs. He was also aware of the fact that the navigation charts on the Fitz were outdated and inaccurate for this area of the lake, And how the ship acted after grounding,, ie. the list, the broken rail, etc. The grounding weakened the bottom, causing the eventual hull failure. If you combine the water ladened weakened hull with a nose dive from the three sisters theory, the taconite load would have catastrophically shifted forward, plummeting the bow, and the weight of the upended stern would fracture at the weakened middle. This leaves absolutely no time for the crew to respond.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: william
Location:
Email:
Date: 8/22/2006
Remote Name: 68.112.62.207Comments
I am about to turn 60 on nov 10, I have kept my mouth shut for all these years. most who I think are dead now ,cannot be hurt. I knew some of these men who went down with the Fitz, work with some of them during lay ups, GOD I hope I am wrong, some one check the frame where she broke apart, you mite find the frames were repaired. not by sister frames, but cut out and welded in, no rivets were used
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: steve connor
Location: doncaster, england
Email: sconnor1 blueyonder
Date: 8/19/2006
Remote Name: 82.38.88.193Comments
listening to gordon lightfoot.s song the wreck of the edmund fitzgerald, i know alot more about the edmund, this song is so haunting you can actually be on the ship if you close your eyes ,god bless all of those who died.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Tracey Mitchell
Location: Scotland UK
Email: t.mitchell tesco .
Date: 8/9/2006
Remote Name: 62.252.128.16Comments
I have just found this site, I stayed in the soo ontario when this happened. We had not long lost my father, and my mother and brother were huddled in the basement during the storm. I can remember it like it was yesterday. May the 29 men rest in peace
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Tommy Carroll
Location: |Liverpool, UK
Email: Tommyblastfinder
Date: 8/7/2006
Remote Name: 195.93.21.1Comments
I hadn't heard the song "wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" for twenty years-It was very popular upon release in my hometown Liverpool, being a seaport- Hearing it again today has led me to this and other sites concerning the 'EF'...I would like to draw readers attention to a similar tragedy to have befallen the Derbyshire (originally 'Liverpool Bridge') May we remember ALL those who die at sea in a fitting way: by ensuring ALL vessels are as safe as technology allows, not as profit dictates. Tommy
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Betsy
Location: Cloverdale, IN
Email: blmyers iupui.edu
Date: 8/5/2006
Remote Name: 209.132.164.10Comments
I remember hearing Gordon Lighfoot's song frequently on my dad's favorite radio station when I was a kid and thought what a haunting song it is. The ironic thing about the date of the sinking is that my father-in-law died of prostate cancer exactly 30 years and one day after the Edmund Fitzgerald went down. When I looked closer about info about the ship, I realized that many of the guys who died on that ship were his age.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Terri
Location: Chicago, IL
Email: JSanto7134 a
Date: 8/4/2006
Remote Name: 64.12.116.198Comments
I wish I could hug everyone who lost a loved on the Fitz and cry with them. I am so glad that Gordon Lightfoot wrote/performed that wonderful song to honor and preserve the memories.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Robert Skouson
Location: Lapeer, Michigan
Email:
Date: 7/31/2006
Remote Name: 69.209.141.28Comments
I took my family to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum on Whitefish point. What an awesome place to visit and learn of the history of this part of the Great Lakes. The movie about the Fitzgerald was very moving. Even my 6 year old "got it". My heart goes out to all those who have lost loved ones on the Great Lakes. I have sailed them a few times when a storm is just coming on, and let me tell you, it is frightening how fast and furious those waters can change.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: e,orourke
Location: lancaster,ny
Email: ejorourke verizon .
Date: 7/27/2006
Remote Name: 71.243.156.58Comments
first and foremost god bless the crew and their families, my thoughts are she hit the shoals and did damage , it was reported that she was in the path of twin 30 footers, with the hull damaged , the extra weight when she came up on the big waves, she either broke in two when her hull was out of the water or her bow nose dived and she broke, but I truly believe she broke on the surface like the Carl D. Bradley. sudden , unexpected and no time really to radio , god bless
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Andrew, Heather, and GB Dunn
Location: San Diego, CA
Email: dunnandrew excite .
Date: 7/26/2006
Remote Name: 66.74.219.217Comments
As a fellow mariner I especially appreciate your website and devotion to those lost on Edmund Fitzgerald. God bless us a tragedy of this never happens on the Great Lakes again. Regards, A Dunn
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Frank Pacella
Location: Gainesville Florida
Email: Jakatakarate aol .
Date: 7/21/2006
Remote Name: 68.226.3.229Comments
The loss of this ship has never left my mind. I spent many years on the water and know the type of men who go to the sea. You love it but also fear it. Each wave is different, You act on water never thinking about what to do.Im sure those men were doing what had to be done and never knew what was about to happen, it just happened. sailors die a different death. They live on .
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: angie chilton
Location: porterville ca.
Email: tnteddybear aol .
Date: 7/16/2006
Remote Name: 207.200.116.137Comments
my thoughts are as sorrowed as i know now the lost that happened on that night i have lost a great deal in my life and as i right this my thoughts i hope will travel to the loved ones of that crew and they not morn the lose but look at the joy that there were givin the chance to be with the love they were meant to be with even though it was shortened by the great lose they endured i hope in time they will be reunited and the lost will forever be no more
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Daniel L.
Location: Poteet< Tx
Email: laquesr yahoo .
Date: 7/12/2006
Remote Name: 70.252.18.242Comments
God Bless all the brave Men onboard the Fitzgerald and may they all be sailing in the Big Lake in Heaven.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Tom
Location: Eau Claire, WI
Email: crowfields hotmail .
Date: 7/2/2006
Remote Name: 68.115.77.181Comments
I do believe the Fitz touched bottom at six fathom shoal, which damaged the integrity of the hull. She was listing, and the combination of the list and a large wave may have rolled her on her side. This poorly supported position may have snapped her and sent her down. Eternal peace to all of her people.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Candy ferguson
Location: Michigan
Email: michnightbeacon hotmail .
Date: 6/26/2006
Remote Name: 152.131.8.132Comments
I think of this accident every day and have collected everything I can on the Fitz. Bless these scattered souls who live under sea yet. They are forever in our thoughts and memories.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Capt. Galen D. Owen
Location: Va. Beach, Virginia
Email: tugcapn cox .
Date: 6/25/2006
Remote Name: 66.174.79.234Comments
Being a mariner myself I sympathize for the families of the lost crew. I feel hatch cover leak allowed water into forward hold and eventually caused ship to break apart. May the sun always be in your face and the wind at your back.....PEACE.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dirk Oostveen
Location: Lake Odessa Mi
Email: oostveen sbcglobal .
Date: 6/22/2006
Remote Name: 75.11.211.153Comments
Its weird how my 13 year old son loves this song, and never knew that there was a real ship. That and he was amazed at the size of the ship. he also commented that for its size that it would go down. Its just goes to show you how much God is in control of or world. God bless to the families and friends of all those who were lost
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: michael
Location: marquette,mi/central florida
Email: taskforce_cvn73 hotmail .
Date: 6/17/2006
Remote Name: 65.35.64.223Comments
I was a teenager when the mighty Fitz went down.. my Father worked on the L.S.& I. railroad/ore dock... I used to bring him his lunch an watch as the freighters would come an go...the most that I can say about the Fitz an that fateful night is that lake superior can be very mean. the storm that night was very bad compared to most other storms. I think it was the 3 sisters that did the mighty Fitz in as for anyone ever knowing how or why this happened we'll never know...my heart to this day feels sad...R.I.P Mighty Fitz and all that sailed on her...you are still in our thoughts an prayers...
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Phil Turner
Location: Oxfordshire, England
Email: canucki69 aol .
Date: 6/14/2006
Remote Name: 195.93.21.1Comments
I grew up in Canada on the Great Lakes and remember the sinking of Fitz. Am now living in England but still think about the tragedy. It's real nice that there are a lot of folks who remember and keep remembering the poor sailors and their families. Like Jake who left a previous message, I still get tingles down my spine when I here Gordon Lightfoots song on the radio. It is played on the radio over here. God bless all who lost there life that night and god protect all those who sail the Great Lakes today.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Zac Hendricksen
Location: Salt lake UT
Email:
Date: 6/6/2006
Remote Name: 64.136.26.235Comments
I was very impressed and moved by the wreck of the E.F and my sympathy goes out to those family's
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Rich
Location: Sharon, MA
Email: eightball_thruhiker yahoo .
Date: 6/4/2006
Remote Name: 72.72.15.165Comments
Obviously a tragedy so I echo the sentiments already voiced here. A ship doesn't just break in half. There needs to be a contributing factor or factors. I'm firmly in the leaking hatch camp. Not being a ship designer myself and way out of the loop on how ships are built I would still offer this thought: Why not design ships to an underwater standard? This would allow them to, at the very least, temporarily submerge and recover in the roughest of storms. I'm sure cost is a limiting factor but think of the lives that could be saved. From a monetary perspective how much do you lose when a ship goes down and all hands are lost.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Kathryn Lenertz
Location: Rosemount, MN
Email: elen msn .
Date: 5/21/2006
Remote Name: 70.98.16.219Comments
God bless all the souls of the sailors on the Great Lakes! I've bee to Sault Ste. Marie and learned all about the Fitz and listen to Gordon's song every day! It is so sad to know that the 29 men aboard the E.F. died doing their duty without a cry for help. I can't think about how the families of the men on the Fitz must have felt!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Judi shaw
Location: N.C
Email: carolinamountaingirl2004 yahoo .
Date: 5/9/2006
Remote Name: 69.34.158.146Comments
First I could like to say that my heart and prayers go out to the family and friends of the captain and crew of the Fitzgerald. I think that they hit a rouge wave. I think it was taking on water from the hatches leaking and when they hit the wave they went under and it broke the ships back into and it never came back up. May they rest in Peace and May God take each one into his keeping, Amen.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dombrowski Family
Location: Sheldon, Il
Email: ken.jen mchsi .
Date: 5/9/2006
Remote Name: 12.215.223.72Comments
Our family prays and will remember all those perished on "America's Pride", The EDMUND FITZGERALD!! God Bless ALL who are survived by the victims.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: anita pardue
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Email: parduepntngco adelphia .
Date: 5/7/2006
Remote Name: 24.51.155.91Comments
I work on with my husband on new construction sites and not a day passes that someone does not request Gordon Lightfoot's song "The Edmund Fitzgerald". This tells me that there are many individuals who think of the ship and its crewman. It is with both great sympathy and also salutation to the brave crewman and their families that this is sent. May it bring solace to them knowing that radio stations across the US bring us daily reminders of the tragedy. That also gives us a greater appreciation of those we are blessed to have upon this earth and to cherish each day. May God Bless You, Everyone.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Brenda
Location: Newport, I
Email:
Date: 5/2/2006
Remote Name: 205.208.227.49Comments
My social studies teacher showed a documentary on the Edmund Fitzgerald and it made me feel bad for the families left behind with only memories. I wish the best for them.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: kerri goodell
Location: Lincoln Park MI
Email: j.goodell sbcglobal .
Date: 5/2/2006
Remote Name: 70.225.119.91Comments
Its sad of how no one made it out alive it was a hard time for the families. In my heart I hope they will REST IN PEACE.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Chase Bartlebaugh
Location: Mogadore, Ohio
Email: Das_BombStead01 hotmail .
Date: 5/1/2006
Remote Name: 204.210.189.63Comments
I think, after living around these storms for quite awhile, and reading quite a bit on maritime incidents, I think it took on water, causing some cargo to shift, and capsizing in lake Erie, and landing in its current position. I know that the great lakes are shallow, but its possible.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: derek
Location: rhode island
Email: rustyboard hotmail .
Date: 4/28/2006
Remote Name: 207.69.136.203Comments
I will say it again , Bernie cooper nailed it... the Fitz and Mcsorely grazed 6 fathoms shoal, hatch clamps were not the problem...the captain reported a list, ie side to side not a pitch aft as some suggested. the ship plowed thru a 35 foot wave and was driven to the bottom with a belly full of sea water and ore. The water they were taking on was the direct result of a hull breech and where that exactly was, is any one's guess! The coast guard and navy were way off base and blew the call. Cooper knows , and if you listen to what he is saying, his experience gives every one closure. You can't navigate that weather with no radar and no land reference beacon...hail,snow,white out conditions, hurricane force winds...40 foot seas, and a slight miscalculation took their lives and could have taken all of the other ships that searched for the Fitz that night ...courage is going back out in a weather bomb to find nothing! My thoughts and prayers always!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: A.J. Cushman
Location: Olivet, Mi.
Email: willieburp cablespeed .
Date: 4/27/2006
Remote Name: 24.56.215.135Comments
I'm originally from Sault Ste.. Marie & I can still remember the storm of Nov. 10th,1975. I had just graduated from high school. That night I saw huge oak trees ripped right out of the ground. Down by the locks the winds had driven the water up over the locks and filled up the lower parking lots to over the parked cars. Man, you would not believe how cold it was too. It was sure scary in the Sault that night, I can't imagine how frightening it was out on the lake. A few years latter I was sitting down at Brady park at the entrance of the locks , playing my guitar when I heard a boat horn blow(the lakers toot them when they leave the locks) so, I turned around and there was the Fitzgerald just as big as life! went home and told my dad what I saw and he thought I was crazy. A few days later I found out it was the sister ship painted to look like the Edmund Fitzgerald for a movie someone was making. I've played the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald in my act for years and each time I play it I think of that night and how scary it was, so to the crew of the big Fitz, rest in peace in the rooms of her ice water mansion.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Chris Miller
Location: East Stroudsburg ,PA
Email: millman614 yahoo .
Date: 4/26/2006
Remote Name: 24.238.77.209Comments
I think as a result of the extremely rough conditions of the water, Waves at 35ft and gale force winds of up to 70mph that the main structure of the ship was stressed to the point that the ship broke in two. The mass tonnage that was aboard possibly shifted in the rough seas and in combination with the helpless ship being twisted and tossed at the mercy of the waters was too much for the infrastructure and literally caused it break in two. I don't believe it was anyone's fault that the ship went down. I believe that the conditions that night were well beyond the point of being so severe that there was nothing anyone on board could have done to stop the terrible disaster that occurred. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families and friends of the 29 men that perished in the wake of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I hope someday there will an answer to this 30 year-plus question so we can finally know the truth and have closure. Sincerely Chris Miller
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: George
Location: peterborough
Email: george printstar .
Date: 4/24/2006
Remote Name: 24.235.163.206Comments
In my opion the ship split in half
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Frank dyer
Location: cortlandt manor ny
Email: drac362 optonline .
Date: 4/23/2006
Remote Name: 68.199.14.245Comments
This is America's greatest maritime disaster, It mirrors the Titanic disaster in that despite our advances in technology, we are no match for the forces of nature... Chief Joseph said " the earth does not belong to us, we belong to the earth" May God give peace to the families of the lost rest assured, the dead are in heaven and will be there when you arrive...
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Kassie
Location: Ontario
Email: 2dburns rogers .
Date: 4/22/2006
Remote Name: 72.140.118.53Comments
I am very sorry for the Edmund Fitzgerald and all the 29 men who died. I am so interested in the Edmund Fitzgerald. I just want to learn more about it.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: m.kane
Location: hawaii u.s.a.
Email: na
Date: 4/19/2006
Remote Name: 72.234.141.208Comments
may god look over the crew of the edmund fitzgerald and the family's i was only five years old at the time we lost the fitz
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Bob Brearley
Location: Chicago, Il
Email: bobb mchc .
Date: 4/17/2006
Remote Name: 206.222.51.100Comments
Just a few, having sailed the great Lakes and slept (as a baby) in a dresser drawer my heart aches for all those lost good men. I had the good fortune to sail the Andersen with my dad as first mate. I spent many a summer on the lakes from Buffalo to Superior. I just wish I could do it again. My dad Capt. Tom Brearley sailed for the M A Hanna line and later the Browning Line (remember the Bob-Lo boats in the Detroit river?). Great days in my early youth, there is nothing like the smell of that Cauhouga River going up to the old us steel plant in Cleveland or even the Ford plant in Detroit. Good days and my heart is with all the Great Lakes sailors and their family's. I did visit upper Mich and some of the exhibits. Heart wrenching and warming. Good luck to ALL!!!!!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Glenn Coffman
Location: Williamsport IN
Email:
Date: 4/16/2006
Remote Name: 12.208.56.201Comments
Godspeed to the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald. May you rest now with the wind on your stern through calm waters.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Sean Boggs
Location: Elyria, OH
Email: seancjh comcast .
Date: 4/14/2006
Remote Name: 24.131.20.7Comments
I'm very interested in the Edmund because, my Uncle, whom I am very close to, used to work at the Lorain OH Shipyards. As I remember it, He at one time or another, worked on the ship?? Personally, My view would be driven by who the heck sent her out anyway? I would like to see a Doppler radar report! I know that wasn't possible at that time, just the point?
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: james kunstman
Location: appleton wi.
Email: kunstman4 aol .
Date: 4/9/2006
Remote Name: 64.12.116.198Comments
I think the ship hit hard at six fathom shoal. took on water for sometime, weighting her down even more. the 2 consecutive waves were too much for her to overcome. she nosedived in and never recovered. it was all over almost immediately rest in peace Fitz and crew!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: keith mcsorley
Location: allendale
Email: keith481 yahoo .
Date: 4/5/2006
Remote Name: 64.85.129.7Comments
My heart goes out to the families of the crew and captain and I am happy the governments have prohibited any further dives I was only 10 years old when it went down hope no ones does not ever forget the ship and the people who was on her my thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the whole crew I hope someday I will be able to get up there and see the bell from the ship god bless the families
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Charles
Location: New York
Email: vavso juno .
Date: 4/3/2006
Remote Name: 69.123.46.102Comments
I still to this day feel such sorrow in my heart for the loss of those brave soles that fateful day. I only hope time has softened the hurt and grief suffered by the family members . God bless you all.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Billy McCoy
Location: Wausau, WI USA
Email: bmccoy8866 aol .
Date: 4/3/2006
Remote Name: 70.8.112.98Comments
Hi, I am a Great Lakes surfer ... and I thought I'd share this with others interested in the Edmund Fitzgerald history. I have been working on a new longboard all winter, and I wanted to add something to it that would be 'Great Lakes-ish' ... I found a sketch of the Edmund Fitzgerald wreckage and laminated it into the nose of the board, along with the words of Gordon Lightfoot "The Lake, it is said, never gives up her dead ... when the skies of November turn gloomy." How ironic that at the 30 year anniversary of the wreck, we had incredible surf across the Lakes that day last fall ...
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: John King
Location: Lexington,Ma
Email: STAlaska aol .
Date: 4/1/2006
Remote Name: 205.188.116.8Comments
Who really knows where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours God bless the 29
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Candis Garringer
Location: Michigan
Email: michnightbeacon hotmail .
Date: 3/31/2006
Remote Name: 152.131.8.132Comments
Bless them all. This tale will never be forgotten nor will the memories of the crew. I have seen the museum at Whitefish Point and the bell and it is overwhelming to see and feel the eeriness of the era. This event ,although sad will go down in history so to say forever more. Both lake and ship are unforgettable.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: James Pomeroy
Location: Jocotepec, Mexico
Email: mxyooper yahoo .
Date: 3/30/2006
Remote Name: 201.121.195.159Comments
If my understanding is correct, I find it curious that after the Fitzgerald went down that the official Coast Guard charts for that portion of Lake Superior showed a shoal formerly indicated in one area had been redrawn on charts and now appeared in the vicinity where the Fitzgerald could possibly have come down in a wave trough and cracked her keel on it, leading to a weakness that finally broke her hull when she rode over the top of a subsequent wave.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Peter Triebel
Location: Chemnitz (Germany)
Email: /
Date: 3/30/2006
Remote Name: 88.72.45.233Comments
Hy.I`m a pupil of a high school and today at the english lesson we talked about the fitzgerald,wrote articles and read the text in our books.(they say that there were killed 30 to 35 man) Maybe the cargo was too weight and broke the ship in two parts well, Mir tun die Manner leid good day Peter
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Bart
Location: Pensacola, FL
Email: hobart.simpson navy.mil
Date: 3/23/2006
Remote Name: 138.162.0.37Comments
Honor to the 29 men lost that tragic night and to the grief filled families they left behind. The FITZ will never be forgotten, as school children of every new generation learn to love the memory and story of the great American ship SS Edmund Fitzgerald.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: steve
Location: virginia
Email: steveuk23229 yahoo .
Date: 3/20/2006
Remote Name: 24.125.214.182Comments
I remember it from when I was still a kid in England.(my daughter of 7 year old mentioned it to me just recently, how can u explain it to a 7 year old when I was only 11 at the time and in England as well). sorry to say but it is a landmark event in my memory. and I was not even here. but if nothing else, a 7 yr old and a 40 yr old are still sorry for the loss. we both still say a prayer for the lost
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Scott Helms
Location: Sanford Me
Email: hels92 hotmail .
Date: 3/19/2006
Remote Name: 64.222.236.60Comments
After reading the report from the USCG I feel that the wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald should be investigated again to find out the truth on why the ship went down. I have worked on the sea and everyone knows that if ur in trouble the capt should have put out a distress call there ids something wrong with the report .
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Bill soper
Location: Welland Ont. Canada
Email: billsoper rogers .
Date: 3/17/2006
Remote Name: 72.58.3.191Comments
It was a great lose of the crew of the Edmond Fitzgerald. Born and raised in Welland and Port Colborne I seen her several times. I was lucky to have sailed on a few ships in my younger days and just loved it. I have never given up my love for sailing but had to for starting a family. Wish I was still there.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dorena
Location: Southaven,Mississippi
Email: dgive703 yahoo .
Date: 3/12/2006
Remote Name: 66.194.108.101Comments
I grew up listening to the song by Gordon Lightfoot of the Edmund Fitzgerald. It saddens me everytime I listen to it.I can't imagine how terrified the crew must have been when she started to go down in that cold,black water. Even now when I look at her on the websites ,it chills me to think about what happened and how much of a mystery it is that she went down. I do know that when Mother nature is angry that Lake Superior does show her anger. It could have been the storm and the fact that the ship was to long and wasn't strengthen enough in her middle when taking on water with the weight she was carrying. Either way she was a loss we won't ever forget. I was only 16 when she went down, but I can still remember hearing the news of the tragedy. I feel for those families that lost loved ones with her. Only believe that they are always on our minds, in our hearts and a permanent scar on all of our souls.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: dunny
Location: carver
Email: gunnydunny yahoo .
Date: 3/7/2006
Remote Name: 69.174.209.191Comments
My regards to the family of all the brave men
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: harley
Location: hannawa falls,NY
Email: akley03 yahoo .
Date: 3/2/2006
Remote Name: 69.202.143.155Comments
another death linked to this ship was a rough start at the beginning the guy had a heart attack and died.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: David Robb
Location: Port Huron Mi.
Email: davidrobb101 comcast .
Date: 2/28/2006
Remote Name: 68.42.166.68Comments
I come from a family of Great Lakes sailors, including my father my uncles and even a cousin. I remember my father gave up sailing to raise a family but my uncle continued sailing until the late 1960s. His last ship was the Edmund Fitzgerald. As children growing up living on lake Huron and the St. Clair River my dad used to take us out on our boat when the Fitzgerald was sailing past Port Huron so we could talk to my uncle. He used to come to the door on the engine room for a brief visit as they sailed past.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: brian b
Location: princeton MN
Email: bjsbeck msn .
Date: 2/22/2006
Remote Name: 63.231.158.44Comments
I think the Fitz got caught between two huge waves and split in two!?
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: R Lavoie
Location: Britt, On, Canada
Email: schumi1_rl hotmail .
Date: 2/19/2006
Remote Name: 66.180.67.4Comments
The father of a very good friend of mine, from where I reside. Sailed that route 33 times a year, for a few years, before the incident, and he believes, that the ship, hit the shoal at Caribou island and damaged the hull. With all the pumps on, not being able to keep up with the incoming water, when she was turned for the route to Whitefish Bay, she listed badly, and eventually sunk. Also, the American crew, were not to familier with the canadian side of the lake. And in combination with the storm, put them to far to the east, from there proper shipping lane. He also wondered, why it seemed like it was hushed up, about the shoal. One could probably go back today, and dive around that shoal, and determine, if a ship, surely the size of the Edmund Fitzgerald, scraped along it somewhere.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Tim McCarthy
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Email: tmccarthybrowns aol .
Date: 2/18/2006
Remote Name: 24.131.210.246Comments
I remember back in 1977 while being a new deckhand on the Paul Thayer (now the Earl W. Oglebay) we passed near White Fish Bay. The 1st mate mentioned to me that this is where they think the Fitz when down a year and a half earlier. I believe at that time no one knew where she rested. I took a moment and said a prayer for all those lost souls. I was from Cleveland and was working for the same company as the Fitz. My last name is McCarthy and he told me that the mate on the Fitz was McCarthy also. I felt a proud connect. I knew as an 18 year old kid that what happened to the Fitz is the worst possible thing that could happen to me. I decided that I was OK with that, and felt more as ease doing what I was doing. I guess I was a scared kid and the reason I would be OK with such an abrupt end to a life, is the way I felt at that moment about those guys. I thought that perhaps if something similar happened to me others would feel the same about me should I join the crew of Fitz. I knew that those lost souls were brothers and I would always looks up to them! Now at 47 years old I still think of that moment when we thought we were sailing over those guys and I still get a kindred feeling and say a prayer. God bless them and their families! P.S. I personally think that they hit the shoal (bottomed out) which jeopardized the integrity of the ships hull. While being pounded by Superior, the taconite shifted, and she broke in two. Tim McCarthy
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dwayne Edward Hidson
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Email: dwaynehidson shaw .
Date: 2/16/2006
Remote Name: 24.76.104.195Comments
Hi! I work overnights at Wal-Mart Canada and we have the Wal- Mart radio. I hear Gordon Lightfoots song and in the still of the night stocking the shelves I can't help, but to think of the 29 men who perished! I was 15 at the time and my mother had followed the news reports and I felt her anguish and final sadness when it became apparent the crew was lost! I always remember sitting in the kitchen and doing my homework and Mom listening to the radio as if it were one of her own who was on the E.F. and at the time she was baking her famous Christmas cake! It was cold in Winnipeg as it always is in November and she said; I can't imagine being out in a ship in a storm! I think it stays in my mind because you always think of ships on the Atlantic such as the Titanic but on Lake Superior?, how can that be possible? I voted for load shift as the weight in a fully loaded trailer when shifted can cause a trailer to turn over! This is what I think happened to the E.F.! My mother passed away in April 1999 of cancer and because of her I always remember the Edmund Fitzgerald! God Bless those 29 men and all their family and friends!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jeff S.
Location: River Rouge
Email:
Date: 2/14/2006
Remote Name: 68.43.216.50Comments
The great community of River Rouge felt this loss as personal. Many of our residents worked in the shipyard that built the mighty "Fitz." She will always be an important part of our community's history.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: ronnie
Location: kent
Email: rmckeown05 aol
Date: 2/13/2006
Remote Name: 195.93.21.68Comments
aprograme on television brought it all back to me as i was a young man at the time and when the played the music i could of cryed may there soles rest in piece
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jon
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Email: xcaliber1969 yahoo .
Date: 2/4/2006
Remote Name: 70.224.230.66Comments
So many people believe in that there was a "6 Fathom shoal". It, like most of what has become to be known as "fact" in this story...just isn't so. My theories are the area know to be the track of the Fitzgerald was resounded after the wreck. No such structure (shoal) was ever found. In other words... how can the Fitz hit something that simply does not exist? To answer this question you must look at the blame game. If she was not maitained properly...Big problems financially for the shipping company and the owner of the vessel.. North Western Mutual Life Insurance company. But if she "shoaled"... the it becomes more of an act of nature...than negligence of man. And then of course... the Hatch covers for good measure. Blame the dead for they can't defend themselves. It is said....Dead men tell no tales. The fact is... the Fitzgerald was probably sinking before she even left the dock in Superior. And if you don't want to beleive that... we do know that she was sinking 13 hours before the storm even started. That is FACT. 13 hours before McSorley reported the Fence rail down, She reported back to the Anderson that she was experiencing "springing and flexing". She then SLOWED down by 10% on the screw. Allowing the Anderson to close the gap. Keep in mind, as the storm intensified, she slowed even more! AFTER the Fence rail went down. It is a KNOWN fact that the Fitzgerald had a busted keel. Proper repairs of the keel would have cost (estimate for 1974) half a million dollars and required the Fitz to be taken from service for an ENTIRE shipping season. The shipping company did not want to lose the Revenue (10's of MILLIONS of dollars in lost revenue if not more) the Fitz produced...so they made a "quick Fix" repair to the same spot that kept breaking loose repeatedly. The Fitz was springing excessively 13 hours prior to the storm hitting the lake. This is where the "problems" started. The pilot house door is open. There is a door open on the stern section as well. The lack of damage to the prop would indicate that the prop was not turning at the time of the wreck. Lack of damage to the prop is probably the most important piece of evidence in this investigation... but is ALWAYS overlooked. open doors, life vests, no damage to the screw... all point in one direction... these guys knew she was breaking apart. Point is this... if you have a problem with water leaking into your basement... you DON'T turn on the faucet! In other words... You don't opend a bunch of doors allowing water in...when common sense will tell you to keep water OUT! I thought a body found in 1994 has a cork type life vest Identified to be that of the era of the Fitzgerald is outside the ship. This all points in one direction. These boys knew the Fitz was done in. They knew they were going down. So the "nose dive" theory is also FALSE. While some credit could go to the "rogue wave" theory... that could have given "assistance" in the sinking... but the facts are the facts. She was sinking early on. Rogue waves could have dealth the final death blow.. but only because of the structural failure symptoms described 13 hours before the fence rail went down. She broke on the surface due to Structural failure, and lack of proper maintenance. There were other ships out there that night. Much larger ones. Remember the Anderson was 767 feet long. Also Fully loaded. The William C. Ford, left the safety of whitefish bay to go search for survivors. They all shared the same risks. There were Salty vessels out there as well. Non sank. The one thing all those ships had in common. They did not have a busted keel. The Fitz did. The Mighty Fitz...not so Mighty with a broken back. Those men didn't have a chance. I think the company killed those men. All for the all mighty dollar. This is what I believe after doing 30 years of research on the subject, and being a family member of one of the lost crew.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Steve Lake
Location: Paradise , Micigan
Email: s.fosterlake yahoo .
Date: 2/3/2006
Remote Name: 69.218.254.118Comments
My father and his cousin both own cottages on the whitefish bay shore . All the times that I have spent up there , I always start my first moment by looking out over the lake and trying to imagine that great ship with it's brave souls , slowly passing by in the afternoon . And from that same spot I look north and see the light at crisp point and wonder about the stories that it could tell . The story of the Fitz and her crew will forever send a chill up my spine . And when I stand in the icy water of Superior , I like to think that I am somehow closer to knowing the brave men and women that have gone below that icy water never to be seen again .
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dave Smith
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Email:
Date: 1/31/2006
Remote Name: 64.230.20.241Comments
I was just short of turning 13 when the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. At the time, I had a local paper route in Kingston, Ontario, where I grew up. The sinking of the Fitz was of course front page news, and one of the headlines I will never forget from that era. Since then, I have had an interest about the ship and other lakers that met the same fate. Indeed, the Great Lakes are truly inland oceans, and we should recognize and appreciate the risks taken by the crews who staff these ships that keep our North American economy rolling.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Evan
Location: Wothington Ohio
Email: Eman6875 gmail .
Date: 1/31/2006
Remote Name: 24.26.144.115Comments
I think its sad and a mystery of what happened. I think that what they say happened is not what really happen s.s Edmund Fitzgerald.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: W. Holliday
Location: So. Pines, NC
Email: SaltDogs
Date: 1/25/2006
Remote Name: 204.57.103.2Comments
I remember learning about the SS Edmund Fitzgerald on the Discovery Channel when I was visiting my uncle in Baton Rouge. I was very interested and couldn't stop watching. What a tragic event, it should never be forgotten, my prayers are with all families, friends, and sailors.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Bryant Backstrom
Location: minneapolis minnesota
Email:
Date: 1/17/2006
Remote Name: 205.188.116.8Comments
I agree with captian Cooper's theory that the ship took a nose dive by a huge wave there was no shoal accident the hatch covers must of had a crack or hole in it and the crew didn't know.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: David
Location: England
Email: davidtaylor85 yahoo .
Date: 1/12/2006
Remote Name: 86.143.244.91Comments
The sad loss of a proud ship and crew. Always remember and learn. God bless.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Bill
Location: Larchmont , NY
Email:
Date: 1/11/2006
Remote Name: 47.234.0.51Comments
In 1976 when Gordon Lightfoot's song came out about the Edmund Fitzgerald my older brother told me it was a true story. As a kid it gave me chills listening to this song but I always thought it was a great song. I was very young in 76 (7 years old ) but I never heard ANYTHING in school about the Edmund Fitzgerald, I was in 2nd grade but even though High School there was nothing really said about it. When I came to this site I was surprised so many people are still talking about it. I don't think the common person from other states outside MI really understand or know to much about this. I feel the same way about 911 & the WTC. I really don't think ANYBODY outside NY/NJ/CT really understands how BIG those Buildings were & what went on that day in 2001. They were SO BIG it was like 3 Buildings on top of one another. You saw it all on TV but it's different cause after the show ends you forget about it but we live with it. It's still so shocking 5 years later. That story will be told for the next 100 years. I'm sure the people from MI felt the way I did when the WTC fell down, it's really sad. I don't live in NYC but I'm only 45 minutes away & more then a few people from my town worked in that building. It was so sad watching people jump out of the windows, it didn't seem real, it was like a movie. Anyway, it's nice to know you people didn't forget about the past & those brave sailors on that awful day in 1975. God bless them all & God bless YOU.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: J.B. First
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Email: uscg2926 msn .
Date: 1/10/2006
Remote Name: 63.157.92.80Comments
Ralph Walton,Oiler, was a neighbor of mine on Morrison St. in Fremont,OH. and he went down with 28 others on that fateful November 10th evening. I remember the weather was almost like late summer, though we had freezing rain forcast for that night. It is a sad part of my life and one I shall always remember. Sleep in Peace, sailor friend of mine. Sleep.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: ed
Location: kucharek
Email: edkucharek sbcglobal .
Date: 1/7/2006
Remote Name: 70.245.160.45Comments
sad, sad thing that happened that night. my daughter heard the song by gordan lightfoot and i told her the story of the "big fitz" she said it was very sad. godspeed to her crew.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: tyler
Location: Lake Orion Mi
Email: 48362
Date: 1/6/2006
Remote Name: 216.11.82.254Comments
I miss my dad and I wish he could be here.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: bill hoffman
Location: rockville md
Email: avonguy2000 yahoo .
Date: 1/3/2006
Remote Name: 69.140.41.8Comments
the resting place Edmund Fitz is a grave site pls no more diving on the ship pls let brave seaman rest in peace
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Christopher White
Location: Winchester, VA
Email: Searunnercat40 hotmail .
Date: 1/2/2006
Remote Name: 68.232.87.101Comments
I was a Senior in High School when the Edmund Fitgerald sank. My dad had sailed as a wheelsman for several years on the ore boats, including the James J. Hill. he left the lakes and went to work in construction because he did not like being away from the family so much. I remember being in my bedroom fairly late that night - after 10pm - hearing on the radio that the Edmund Fitzgerald had possibly sank and that a search was being conducted. Not being familiar with the ship, but knowing my father had sailed on the ore boats in the mid and late 50s, I went into the livingroom where my dad was asleep on the couch, having been watching TV. I woke him, and siad he should go to bed. I then told him that i had just heard on the radio that a great lakes frieghter had sunk in Lake Superior and they were searching for survivors. He asked me - which ship? Did they say the name? I said yes - it was the Edmund Fitzgerald. All the color drained from his face. and I saw his eyes get wattery. He told me he had seen her many imes - that she was the prettiest ship on the lakes and had hoped to sail on her one day if he had stayed on the ore boats. He then asked me if they knew what happened. I said no - there was just a bad storm blowing. He was quiet for a moment and then said - they probbably will not find anyone alive. He then told me to go to bed - and to say a prayer for the men and their families. Now, a little more than 30 years later - my memory of that time with my father is very clear. in the years after that night, he would occasionaly tell me stories of when he worked on the ore boats, and that he was in several bad storms. Especially after resumming shipping late in the year due to a steel strike - in nearly the same place where the "Fitz" went down - 15 ft. seas and 40 knot winds - the wheel hard over and the ship not turning, heading for the rocks. He would always mention that he hoped that the families were being taken care of. He died in a construction accident in 1995, just before his 64th birthday. I too will always remember the crew and families of the Edmund Fitzgerald. It brings to mind the words of the Navy Hymn.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: gaza
Location: adelaide
Email: gaza17 optusnet ..au
Date: 12/28/2005
Remote Name: 220.238.40.157Comments
So so sad. Then lest we forget, any loss of a soul, without any reason . Is so so sad too. me thinks r.i.p...
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: randy mctigue
Location: walnut grove mn
Email: rdhogg_49
Date: 12/23/2005
Remote Name: 216.16.76.232Comments
to captain and crew of the fitz God bless you rest in peace form what i have read i believe the ship took a massive blow from a wave on her bow driving it down ward bringing the stern up out of the water with the help of another wave from behind the structure of the ship could not handel such extreme pressure so she broke into sending the bow secton to the lake floor instantly in an up right postion with the stern section out of the water and engines running at full power the torque would cause that section to roll into an inverted postion before it sank untill the day of the comming of our Lord Jesus Christ may GOD bless and keep the families of the edmond fitzgearld
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Patrick Yurek
Location: New York/North Carolina
Email: PYurek Carolina.rr .
Date: 12/19/2005
Remote Name: 69.134.117.132Comments
I'm amazed, and nearly speechless. The tune has always haunted me as it has so many others ... I found this site and I couldn't believe all the people, after so many years, who are seeking answers, or who are intrigued by the (sorry to be repetitive) haunting lyrics of one single tune. I haven't yet found Gordon Lightfoot's connection to this tragedy, but it must be fairly substantial - especially considering that he does the soneg in nearly EVERY concert he plays - even when he was on nationally syndicated TV ... It's incredible how this loss has touched people across the nations ... God Bless those who were lost.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: leonard penton
Location: valleyfield newfoundland
Email: kodyjo nf.sympatico .
Date: 12/10/2005
Remote Name: 142.163.17.42Comments
a terrible tragidy many hearts left with unanswered questions from my family to there family GOD SPEED
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: leonard g penton
Location: new wes valley nl
Email:
Date: 12/10/2005
Remote Name: 142.163.17.71Comments
i have seen many stories about the big fitz my thoughts in a storm raging from our dear beloved mother nature nothing survives my most memorable moment is of one brother of a crew member both made a pack no matter where they are at time of death they would help to bring one another home the guy was on tv crying cause he could not go to the big fitz and get is brother also gordon lightfoot sang a heartful to the families
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Daniel Weimer
Location: New Orleans, LA
Email: danieljames504 yahoo .
Date: 12/9/2005
Remote Name: 71.32.168.251Comments
The sinking happen before I was born, but the song brings me closer to knowing that it was a tragedy 30 years ago. The Edmund Fitzgerald was mighty ship, and the men who sailed with her must have been proud to sail with her. Rest in peace.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Penny
Location: Wpg.Mb.
Email:
Date: 12/3/2005
Remote Name: 207.161.34.219Comments
I know nothing about sailing but I think that Gordon Lightfoot really captured the feeling of helplessness that must have been felt by everyone.All 29. God bless.You are not forgotten.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Tim
Location: Monroeville, Ohio
Email:
Date: 11/30/2005
Remote Name: 38.119.116.70Comments
My heart goes out to the families of the "Fitz". Using the benefit of hindsight, it's only sad that Capt. McSorley didn't put her in the lee of Isle Royale and ride out the storm there. Perhaps he didn't know the storm was intensifying, as I'm sure they didn't have as comprehensive weather forecasts as we do today. So sad. What a tragic waste of life as well as a great vessel. God Bless them all.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: thonas banas
Location: roseville
Email: piglet0128 comcast .
Date: 11/26/2005
Remote Name: 68.41.221.37Comments
my brother woke me up saying a boat sank in lake superior. the next newspaper i was showing it turned to be true. I was 6 yrs. old. years later a friend and i started studying freighters. I was always interested in the big Fitz. I have read all the articles seen all the videos been to museums listen to capt.erikson, jesse cooper and gordin lightfoot.i guess what im sayin is nobody will ever no the truth except god and the 29 men
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Brett Bunge
Location: Avery, CA/USA
Email:
Date: 11/22/2005
Remote Name: 67.182.79.44Comments
I am 15 years old and recently heard Gordon Lightfoot's song for the first time. I just wanted to say that my heart is with the families of those lost on the Fitzgerald on this, the 30th year anniversary. They will always live in memory, song and story, and our hearts.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jacob Dunn
Location: Texas
Email:
Date: 11/21/2005
Remote Name: 69.30.167.146Comments
I am 15 and I think that the Wreach of the Edmund Fitzgerald will probly nener be know but the song about it fits it to a T. I think it is Horrible how the men died. We pray for the family members of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Doc
Location: Mahwah NJ
Email: docstox optonline .
Date: 11/18/2005
Remote Name: 68.197.35.192Comments
May God bless and bring peace to all the family members and friends of the brave crew of The Edmund Fitzgerald.The 29 brave men will never be forgotten.I know I never will.Peace!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Kim White
Location: Lisle Illinois
Email:
Date: 11/18/2005
Remote Name: 67.173.109.138Comments
We are studying the Great Lakes. My friend's grandpa worked for the company that owned the Fitzgerald. She brought in a newspaper artical and my teacher read it.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Ginger
Location: New Hampshire
Email: ginger.zinkowski ge .
Date: 11/18/2005
Remote Name: 12.162.61.81Comments
I was living in St. Croix in the USVI and dating John McCarthy when the Edmund Fitzgerald went down. I still remember vividly when John heard about the sinking on the radio; what a horrible way to learn that your father has likely died. I still can't listen to Gordon Lightfoot's song without it bringing back memories of that sad time.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Lindsay
Location: Windsor Ontario
Email: AquaSaber gmail .
Date: 11/17/2005
Remote Name: 64.228.72.51Comments
Its a shame it happened, I learned about this in highschool but it happened before I was born. When I first heard the song it sent shivers up my spine, and I live close to Lake St. Clair, and Lake Erie isn't that far away. I've driven in smaller gales before along Lake Huron, its not fun God bless the crew and captain of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: N M
Location: Petoskey
Email: njchildm chartermi .
Date: 11/16/2005
Remote Name: 66.227.135.58Comments
Driving today with my daughter I looked out at the whitecaps on Little Traverse Bay and said, "This is the time of the year that's most dangerous for ships." Just then, two large freightors came into view......this is not something we see often on part of the lake. It was fascinating to see these huge ships on our little piece of the lake but good to know they were seeking refuge and we prayed for their safety. God bless all you family members and loved ones of the Fitz. NM from Petoskey, Michigan
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Mike Lucas
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Email:
Date: 11/16/2005
Remote Name: 147.134.177.188Comments
I was six years old on that fateful Monday night, November 10, 1975. As much as I watched the news, this is the one story I never caught. I have heard pieces of the Gordon Lightfoot song later on--especially when, at one time, Sessions Records advertised a compilation which included the song. Last week, I was listening to COAST-TO-COAST A.M. where George Noury was talking about the thirtieth anniversary of the shipwreck and how he covered it as a young reporter out of Detroit. I could tell in his voice that it was quite personal, before and after he played "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." I was listening hard to the words one night when I was half-asleep; and afterwards, I thought, "Oh my God! So, this is what the song is about!" That prompted me to go on websites to check the lyrics and the story. I still can't get the story or the song out of my mind. Perhaps it's because I have a cousin in the Navy that I'm feeling it so deeply, as well as the families of the twenty-nine crewmembers who, along with pieces of the ship, are still there in over five hundred feet of water in Lake Superior. I'll continue to hear the song and, now, remember the story. To the families of the crewmembers of the Edmund Fitzgerald, my heart goes out to you; and to crewmembers and the Edmund Fitzgerald, rest in peace.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jim Schettenhelm
Location: Livonia, Michigan
Email: fastball034 aol .
Date: 11/15/2005
Remote Name: 205.188.116.139Comments
I am an elementary school teacher and will always work the story of the Fitz into my lessons on or around the 10th of November. What's really fascinating is that for young people the retelling of the legend stops them in their tracks. My students are morbidly silent as Gordon Lightfoot's haunting song fills my classroom. Other teachers stop in the hall and listen in. There's simply no hiding from this tale. I will always share this with kids. It is a part of Michigan history that needs to be retold over and over again. The legend lives on...
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jordan Hennessy
Location: London,ont
Email:
Date: 11/15/2005
Remote Name: 198.20.32.254Comments
God bless you all.Rest in peace.We will always remember you.Thank you for bringing us iron and risking your lives to bring us iron.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jenna Gray
Location: London,Ont
Email:
Date: 11/15/2005
Remote Name: 198.20.32.254Comments
I hope you will remember the good times with your love ones!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Bob Lahti
Location: Eau Claire
Email: ibewguy hotmail .
Date: 11/15/2005
Remote Name: 66.188.253.188Comments
It is not possible for me to express what it was that I first felt on that cold November night when I and a friend stopped by his house and his dad told us that a big ship went down in Lake Superior. To me the world stopped and I felt the fear of those onboard, I felt for those who lost loved ones. 30 years later, I still feel connected to the tragedy. I still pray for those who lost and for those who will someday meet the same fate. This past summer, my family took a short weekend trip up to Sault Saint Marie and I had a chance to view the recovered lifeboat from the Fitz. Although a sign near the exibit said dont touch, I did touch and brought some closure to my remote connection. I once again prayed silently for those who died and those who continue on! God Bless the sailors of the Fitz, may they rest in peace!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Suzanne
Location: Franklin, Pa.
Email: suzhicks33 hotmail .
Date: 11/14/2005
Remote Name: 64.179.96.154Comments
I was 3 years old and living in Mich. when the ship went down. I do not remember the accident, but I do remember when the song about the Fritzgerald came out. My dad was in the US Cost Guard and we were in the living room when the song came on and we all stood by the radio listening to the song. At the time I wasn't sure why we were listening my mom said that it was something that daddy needed to do. Now as an adult I know, my dad was out on the lake after the ship wreak and it was a very emotional time for all those that were out there trying to save them or find survivors. He is now retired from US Cost Guard but the memory is still there. My heart and prayers are out there for those of you that lost a loved one on the ship that night.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Perilous
Location:
Email:
Date: 11/14/2005
Remote Name: 70.36.244.114Comments
The Edmund Fitzgerald and her stalwart crew will never be forgotten. Peace to all of the friends, families, and loved ones of the lost souls on board on that fateful night, 30 years ago.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: cathie ferris
Location: toronto ontario
Email: ferriscm hotmail .
Date: 11/12/2005
Remote Name: 69.197.150.98Comments
i remember that day very well,i lived in the soo and the storm was so bad that night,all power was gone and there was alot of damage and the next day,i heard how bad the storm was and the sinking of the edmund fitzgerald my heart still, to this day,goes out to the families and friends who lost a loved on that fatal day.That day will always stay in my mind,like it was yesterday.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: tracy
Location: wisconsin
Email:
Date: 11/11/2005
Remote Name: 24.179.158.190Comments
i think that the reason the edmund fitzgerald sank was faulty hatch covers and or bulkhead failure.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Joshua Doyle
Location: Harrisom TWPMI
Email:
Date: 11/11/2005
Remote Name: 68.249.236.167Comments
The loss of the Fitz was a real tragedy if they would'v waited they woud survived
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Vincent Caligiur
Location: Johnstown, Pa.
Email: coastwatcher boatnerd .
Date: 11/11/2005
Remote Name: 207.69.139.143Comments
This might sound strange since its a myth. But according to all the accounts I have read I believe that the Fitz was sunk by the three sister's.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Mike Cole
Location: Albany, NY
Email: aaret1212 juno .
Date: 11/11/2005
Remote Name: 64.136.27.226Comments
I believe she was hit with the same "two sisters" that hit the Arthur Andersen 20 miles behind her. The final Coast Guard report was in my opinion the biggest whitewash in shipping history.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Geoffrey Dietrich (tuffy)
Location: Lorain, Ohio
Email: coyotedietrich aol .
Date: 11/11/2005
Remote Name: 71.68.29.131Comments
Growing up in Lorain Ohio. I remember! God Bless. I remember the Edmund Fitzgerald!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Lawrence
Location: San Diego
Email: lawrenceo yahoo .
Date: 11/11/2005
Remote Name: 4.177.36.85Comments
I wept tonight, because I am so proud of you all that remember the beloved crew and families of the FITZ. Her crew worked hard to feed their familes, providing materials for the rest of us so we can feed our families. Earlier today I was angry when a radio talk show host in my Pacific oceanside town complained you can't dance to the G. Lightfoot's ballad. But I know She IS our History; the FITZ is You and Me. Sail on Sailors. God Bless.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: A. Perez
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Email: rspdup sbcglobal .
Date: 11/11/2005
Remote Name: 70.226.113.101Comments
Wow, I stand in awe, just in awe. It's a story I do not know why or try to understand, but a story that plays over and over in my mind. For some reason my sole seems to cling to this tale of reality - the reality of the Edmund. I was only a young child to hear the song yet I have grabbed on to it with both hands. I have dreams I can not explain and yet peace along with heartach. Yet I ramble - I apoligize. My prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones and my wonder to those who still-- well wonder. God speed.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dan Ross
Location: Hayward, WI
Email: diverdan@cheqnet.net
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 64.33.183.216Comments
My heart goes out to the families of the crew as we arrive at the 30 year anniversary. I am thankful the governments have prohibited any further dives on the Fitz and respected the families and victim's. As far as the sinking theory in my mind, I believe a combination of factors including construction and reference to the keel being "Loose" in one of the many books I have purchased and own. This is the most basic fault as far as I am concerned and I feel the company recognized the fault which led them to scrap the sister ship of the Fitz, the A.B. Homer. The Homer had been lengthened to over 800 feet and scrapped a few years later. while it was a relatively new ship. I do not know of any other 800' laker being scrapped. I feel there's something there that owners do not want folks to know.... The other factors I believe that contributed to the wreck was shoaling off Caribou Island which resulted in the railing going down and the vent being lost. After that, I believe the fitz's back was weakened farther than it was from the faulty construction and it was a slow sinking from that point on until she drove deep into the "Three Sisters" and was unable to recover sending her to the bottom. I have friends and a couple of familiy members who sailed the great lakes into the 70's and have long had a reverence for the men and women who work the lakes and seas. God Bless the victims and their families.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Ross
Location: Macomb Mi
Email:
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 68.60.132.156Comments
God bless you all
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jean Laskey
Location: Manistee.Mi.
Email: Djlaskey@1010internet.com
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 206.114.53.88Comments
Thirty years ago today my husband, who we weren't married yet, sailed on the ferry across Lake Michigan between Mich. and Wis. and he still does today. He could hear the Arthur Anderson talking on the radio, but not the Fitzgerald in the pilot house. WE have a son who sails on the Great Lakes and we hear stories about how bad the weather can be. From years of hearing about Lake Superior and the sinking of the Fitzgerald I would say she hit bottom and starting to take in water. Maybe if she went another 6 miles off the Shoal she would've made it, no one will never know. God Bless all the families and friends of the 29 crew members that were aboard.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jon VW
Location: Atlanta, GA
Email: jonvw@yahoo.com
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 68.214.35.7Comments
30 years ago today . . . . . "When suppertime came the old cook came on deck sayin' "fellas it's too rough to feed ya" At seven p.m. a main hatchway caved in he said "fellas it's been good to know ya" The captain wired in he had water comin' in and the good ship and crew was in peril and later that night when 'is lights went out of sight came the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Rest in peach Captain McSorley and crew - rest in peace.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Nicole Schroeder
Location: Traverse City Mi
Email:
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 66.227.189.28Comments
im only 12 and iv been interested in the Edmund Fitzgerald for a long time and i think that she took on water then broke in half because the middle is the weakest part iv read so many books and watched so many interveiws and documenteries i know so much for my age i think its really importamt to remember this tragity it truly was the queen of the ships!!!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jake
Location: Chesterfield, Va
Email: snakedr092662
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 64.12.116.134Comments
I was thirteen and camping on Lake Erie when I first heard G. Lightfoots song, it sent chills up my spine, and made me cold to the bone. I have been one of those people that just can't let go of the fitz, I can't even imagine what the families of the heroes on that great ship are still going through,my prayers are with them.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Tom Hedderman
Location: Delmar, New York
Email: jhedderman@nycap.rr.com
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 72.224.20.207Comments
It's hard to believe it was 30 years ago that the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. My prayers still go out to the families of the men who went down with her. As to how she sank. I think she was carrying too much weight, riding too low in the water. Maybe hit the shoal. Maybe broke in two or took a big wave and nosed under.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jerry Wallace
Location: Richmond Hill, Ga
Email: jerwall4@hotmail.com
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 216.166.216.3Comments
As a child I would listen to the song by Gordon Lightfoot, My eyes have been opened and my heart and prayers goes to the Family and friends of the Crew. God Bless you all
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jim S
Location: Cleveland, OH
Email:
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 208.253.199.254Comments
After 30 years, I was quite surprised to learn that the ship was not bound for Cleveland (as versed in the song), but bound for Detroit. God bless all the crew and families of the lost.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Rob Moffat
Location: Athens, OH
Email: moffat@ohio.edu
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 132.235.232.67Comments
On the 30th Anniversary, our thoughts are on that day and that storm, and the brave crew and great ship are remembered.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Dan
Location: Ekhart, IN
Email: dae018@aol.com
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 205.188.116.139Comments
30 years ago today. I was a senior in high school. and somehow the warm weather that we have had in indiana/michigan this week. brings it all rushing back as if it were yesterday.I have told many people that the storm that hit superior that day was as fieice and destructive as any hurricane ever. I cannot ever imagine waves 50 feet high crashing onto the ship and the ship not sinking. I truly believe that the ship bottomed out at 6 fathom shoal and was low in the water bow down and couldn't recover. It is gratifying to know that there are many out there who share this tragic time in history. may we never forget when the gales of november come early. rest in eternal peace crew of the fitz.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: brandon claypoole
Location: pickford, MI
Email: BClaypoolehotma
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 207.75.217.8Comments
ny grandpa was the last one to have contact with th FITZ i feel so bad
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Greg Leafe
Location: Green Bay WI.
Email: gleafer@yahoo.com
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 209.62.161.110Comments
we'll never forget. God bless all those men and their families.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Charles P. Adkins
Location: Lincoln Park, Michigan
Email: baptistBibleman@comcast.net
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 68.40.45.171Comments
To Those who lost their lives... I leave the Lyrics to an old Gospel Hymn....: God be with you till we meet again By His counsels guide, uphold you, With His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again. Till we meet, till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus’ feet; Till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again. God be with you till we meet again; Neath His wings protecting hide you; Daily manna still provide you; God be with you till we meet again. God be with you till we meet again; With the oil of joy anoint you; Sacred ministries appoint you; God be with you till we meet again. God be with you till we meet again; When life’s perils thick confound you; Put His arms unfailing round you; God be with you till we meet again. God be with you till we meet again; Of His promises remind you; For life’s upper garner bind you; God be with you till we meet again. God be with you till we meet again; Sicknesses and sorrows taking, Never leaving or forsaking; God be with you till we meet again. God be with you till we meet again; Keep love’s banner floating o’er you, Strike death’s threatening wave before you; God be with you till we meet again. God be with you till we meet again; Ended when for you earth’s story, Israel’s chariot sweep to glory; God be with you till we meet again. Rest in Peace.... -Chuck
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Julie
Location: Lebanon Pa
Email: juliesatrucker@msn.com
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 209.158.238.230Comments
Today 30 years ago 29 men went down with the ship. You are all remembered by myself and others. God bless.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Sally
Location:
Email:
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 198.20.32.254Comments
We learned about this ship today and I found it very interesting. I want to find out more!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jim Burke
Location: Bessemer City N.C.
Email: burkejimbo@hotmail.com
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 204.211.174.68Comments
I was 17 at the time the "Fitz" sank. I'm from Detroit so I am sure that I remember seeing the Fitz many time as he pulled away from Zug Island when I was a boy. We took a trip To Zug when I was in the Boy Scouts. If he could have made Whitefish there is still no telling if they could have even finished there trip. I will pray for the "29" every day and the families that they left behind.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Mary Tolan
Location: Alpena, MI
Email: mtolan@i2k.net
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 66.227.255.226Comments
Today is the 30th anniversary of the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald. God Bless all who make their living sailing, and bless all 30,000 sailors who have lost their lives in our waters. I come from a family of sailors, My Grandfather was Captain of the Rogers City, my Uncle was Captain of the Buffalo. Many other family members still sail, including my Brother, who at this very moment, is a crew member aboard the Arthur M. Anderson. The winds on Lake Superior today are reported to be identical to those the day the Fitzgerald went down. Please keep all those traveling treacherous waters in your prayers today, and always.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Billie Jo
Location: Northern Lower Michigan
Email: ~~~
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 209.247.222.45Comments
30 Years ago today 29 men lost their lives doing what they must have loved. 17 years ago today, I have birth to a baby boy, and every year on his birthday, he knows the significance of what today means, not only for himself, but for the 29 souls that still sail on and their famililes who are waiting to sail on Angels wings with them. God Bless you all
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Sheri
Location: Youngstown, Ohio
Email: youn_cxr@
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 64.18.36.7Comments
30 years has gone by and still the day it happened is so fresh and clear in my mind. I know that those who lost a friend, father , son or brother that day feels the same way. WE can't and we won,t forget. Thank you again for your web site. It is comforting to know that you are keeping the memory alive.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Cheryl Bombard
Location: North Tonawanda, NY
Email: cabb5560@juno.com
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 129.44.145.219Comments
Peace to the families of those brave men - know that they are not forgotten. Thanks Gordon Lightfoot for not letting us forget!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Chad
Location: Cox
Email: chadcox3@juno.com
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 132.47.128.201Comments
Growing up Iknew the song, but now I know the story. God bless the many souls that assended to heaven that night. As you rest, rest assured that you will never be forgotten.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Scott
Location: Superior, WI
Email: leac0055@umn.edu
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 134.84.5.49Comments
Being from Superior and from a family that worked in the shipping industry, the events of 11/10/75 forever changed the familys of the Fitz as well as thoughs involved. The 29 men who parished will never be forgotten and on this day, we ask God for the continued peaceful rest,
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Marc
Location: Sault Ste. Marie MI
Email:
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 12.34.41.242Comments
I've noticed that the majority of people polled believe the Fitz broke in half, causing the sinking. Why is that? I've done some research on the subject, & the positioning & condition of wreckage on the bottom doesn't support that theory. Leaking hatch covers or shoaling (or a combination of the two) are much more plausible theories. That being said, we should always remember this day & keep it fresh in our minds. To some of us, the Fitzgerald sinking is just an interesting subject to study & debate, but we can't forget that this was a real tragedy involving real people. Keeping the sinking fresh in our minds will not only help to preserve the memory of those lost, but will also help us to prevent others from experiencing the same fate.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Patty
Location: Perry, MI
Email: pmfraser@tds.net
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 69.129.80.221Comments
I can't listen to Gordon's song or read accounts without tearing up. My father was in the Coast Guard during WWII and one of the ships he was assigned to was torpedoed and sunk with 15 lives lost. Luckily he survived and has just now started to talk about it and that was over 60 years ago. The families who were affected by the Fitz's sinking will always remember and pass the story on down to the next generation. I'd like to point out, however, that the majority of the votes indicated the sinking was caused by the ship breaking in two. That may be, but what caused it to come apart? In speaking with those who sail the Great Lakes feel the reason was load shifting in the rough waters was the cause. Those who drive semi's will tell you most times when control is lost is due to the same thing. The ship's captain, officers and crew would have known if there had been potential problems with the construction. To all of you who sail the Lakes, we salute you
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Keith Mayo
Location: gallipolis ohio
Email:
Date: 11/10/2005
Remote Name: 139.177.225.166Comments
May the 29 souls rest in peace.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: john
Location: clio
Email: jsks10@comcast.net
Date: 11/9/2005
Remote Name: 68.61.88.54Comments
Every November I think about the E.F.-the horrible weather they battled that day and realize how brave those seaman were. I love Gordon Lightfoots song and I think it captures your imagination of what might have happened that night! My mother really got me interested in this whole story when I was young and I'll always be fascinated with it. GOD REST THEIR SOULS.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: John Heneghan
Location: La Fox,IL
Email: johnhens@sbcglobal.net
Date: 11/9/2005
Remote Name: 69.218.187.82Comments
I was in high school when the Fitz went down. I remember that day like it was yesterday and did not realize the effect it would have on me. 30 years later, I am still haunted by the sinking of the Fitz. Each summer I kayak Lake Superior and the fate of the crew is on my mind. Each time I watch the various shows on the Sinkng of the Fitz, I get a tear in my eye thinking of the terror that crew must have experienced, and hope that death came quickly and painlessly. I don't think we will ever know the true reason for the Fitz's demise. I think it had to hit the 6 fathom shoal as the captain of the Anderson said that it was too close to 6 fathom shoal. In the end it doesn't matter, the 29 will be missed and hopefully will be remebered evey November 10, I know I will.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Louise
Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
Email:
Date: 11/9/2005
Remote Name: 24.109.19.12Comments
It's stormy out tonight. It's raining and cold and we're having some very strong winds. You feel a chill. They're cancelling events around town on the news. But it's not even close to that night 30 years ago, yet. The storm on Nov. 10, 1975 was one of the worst I've seen. The winds felt like hurricane strength and it was cold and rainy. There were stories on the radio about back windows of cars blowing in and trees blowing down. We live at the north end of the city on some acres, and we lost power about 4 p.m. I went outside to make sure my car windows were closed and it was hard to stand up straight. It was a little scary. We were lucky because we had a woodstove so we could heat something to eat and keep warm. We tried to make a game of it. Close to 6 o'clock I heard a great bang and went to the front windows. The lightening was flashing very regularly and I could see that a huge tree had broken off and landed upright about 6" from my car hood. Many trees blew down that night. The winds were very strong and our house walls were shaking so that our wall clock we was just constantly dinging. It wasn't until the next morning that we heard about the Fitzgerald. Pretty near everyone in town felt just sick about it. It's all anyone talked about. The bays north of here are where we fish and swim and that's where some of the debris was washing up. We all just kept hoping they'd find people in a lifeboat or something. It was awful, but I just think it was the storm that caused the wreck. The waves on Lake Superior can be frightening on any windy day, but with That wind ?
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: David Payette
Location: Center Line Mi.
Email: Emmutt4@yahoo.com
Date: 11/9/2005
Remote Name: 69.47.227.12Comments
Every year I say a prayer and remember those who lost their lives. It is comforting to know that after 30 years, this ship is still remembered. God bless all of the families and friends.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: kerri goodell
Location: lincoln park mi
Email: jimnancey313
Date: 11/8/2005
Remote Name: 69.212.51.163Comments
Since the anniversary of the fitz is this week I wish the family of those lost that tragic night that my prayers are still with them forever when I go up to whitefish point I look out to the lake and of what happend on that 11/10/1975 night changed there families lives forever.The lake is a grave yard of ships that didnt make it to there destinations the fitz will forever sail in spirit with the souls on board that lost their lives and the anderson that had contact with the fitz on the fatefull night when the radar went out and they were their eyes then lost contact with the fitz REST IN PEACE EDMUND FITZGERALD.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Michael Hill
Location: Fairview Park, OH
Email: falcon50flyer@sbcglobal.net
Date: 11/8/2005
Remote Name: 65.43.185.53Comments
I am thankful that thirty years after this tragedy, it still remains near in our minds and hearts. I hope that it is at least of small comfort to the friends and families of the victims to know that they are not at all forgotten. A number of years ago, I spent a fair ammount of time researching this terrible incident. My personal frame of reference is that of a professional aviator; I have no experience as a seaman. However, I beleieve there are some parallels between the pyschology of vessel commanders, be it an aircraft or a ship. I am convinced that the Fitz encountered some type of phenomenon that caused serious damage to the vessel at or around the time she passed over the shoal region. I believe that McSorley knew he was in trouble, as indicated by his communications with the Arthur Anderson. He did not say so explicitly though, as it can be the nature of vessel commanders not to admit the full scope of their peril. Fear of repercussions from the goverment or the company, damage to one's professional reputation plus an inherent reluctance to admit failure under one's watch can inhibit a captain from full disclosure. I'm not going to speculate what may have happened if he had, because that is a pointless venture, but I do believe that he knew he was in trouble hours before the foundering. This, of course, is only my humble option. I am curious about the hatch clamp postings. Many have stated that it was common practice not to "dog down" all the clamps when carrying taconite. Why this practice with taconite? Just wondering.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Don
Location: Bellbrook, OH
Email: dbsa1@netzero.net
Date: 11/8/2005
Remote Name: 199.218.247.49Comments
I visited U.P. last year. Whitefish Point is beautiful; it’s quite a moving experience to stand in Lake Superior & look off toward the Fitz. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is a must. Tour the locks at Sault Ste. Marie and the Valley Camp tour really gives you a feel for life on a freighter. I believe the Fitz went down due to multiple problems. Very good chance she hit a shoal and blew hatch covers too. Haul damage may have also been a factor. Face it, everything that could go wrong…did. If it’s any consolation to family and friends, I am teaching my Boy Scouts the history of the Fitz. Her name will be known to a new generation.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Reese Berkheij
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Email: killerrabbit1@hotmail.com
Date: 11/8/2005
Remote Name: 83.134.243.74Comments
I became interested in the Edmund Fitzgerald during a visit to Wisconsin in 1998. Afterwards I found many articles about this great ship and its crew, may God bless them.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: wyatte meier
Location: lodi, WI
Email:
Date: 11/7/2005
Remote Name: 152.163.100.134Comments
How could the Fitzgerald have hit a shoal, it was on its regular route. My thoughts would be faulty seals on the hatch just couldn't keep out the water because there were 30 foot waves!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: W. Terbell
Location: Glen Ellyn, Il
Email: wt911gofastaol
Date: 11/7/2005
Remote Name: 152.163.100.134Comments
I was in that same storm in an aircraft. At that time I was a co-pilot on a CV-580 flying for North Central Airlines. Fortunately, the Convair was built like a tank and had a very strong wing and tremendous power (4000 hp each engine)Earlier in the afternoon I got called out on a trip that would operate from ORD-DLH with several stops, typical milk run for North Central which was a regional airline Flying between Rhinelander and Irowwood we got in to a squal line and to get out of the line of severe thunderstorms we turned east and diverted to Green Bay where we spent the night. The next morning while I was getting ready to come down to the lobby, I heard on the TV local news station that the US Coast Guard was searching for the Edmund Fitz. which was presumed lost the night before while heading for the Sioux locks My heart goes out to the families of all those who were lost that night and I am looking forward to being at the memorial service in Whitefish on the 10th.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Gene Hasse
Location: Monroe, WI
Email: hazz36hotmail
Date: 11/6/2005
Remote Name: 69.21.68.164Comments
God bless the crew and the families of this grand ship. Peace be with you all.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Wally Grisold
Location: Toronto, Ont. Canada
Email: wagrisoldyahoo
Date: 11/5/2005
Remote Name: 64.231.54.104Comments
After reading 2 books (Gales of November) and Dr. Joe MacInnis' book (Firzgerald's Storm). I do believe that the Big Fitz bottomed on 6 Fathom Shoals and possibly submarined and broke in 2 pieces on the way down. A sad ending to a great ship.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Stan Walsh
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Email:
Date: 11/3/2005
Remote Name: 63.229.166.110Comments
Tore hole in bottom of hull on shoal (incorrect depth on Coast Guard charts). Cargo hold began to fill with water (undetectable). Cargo/water shift to fore section causing the bow to stuff on downside of wave. Boat did not come apart on surface proven by the close proximity of the two main parts of the hull on the floor of the lake.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Doug
Location: Hamilton Ont. Canada
Email: dprudercogeco
Date: 11/3/2005
Remote Name: 24.36.9.193Comments
I was working on the lakes at the time . There is no doubt that it was a bad night as we were on lake erie that night it was one of the worst storms I had seen on that lake. Also at the time it was common practice at the time to NOT! put allof the hatch clamps on when you were hauling iron ore. We would only put every other clamp or put one and miss two but everybody did it. If you watch Discovery channel when they show the FITZ you will see that the clamps are NOT all secured as they should have been done.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Richard Mester
Location: Ballwin, MO
Email: rmesterswbell
Date: 11/2/2005
Remote Name: 65.69.46.136Comments
This is why proper respect for the sea is stressed. Accident or otherwise, few things in nature are as powerful as the strength of the sea. May the crew of the "Fitz" rest in peace, and long be remembered. God bless them.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: matt
Location: Lima,OH
Email: matt_4800hotmail
Date: 11/1/2005
Remote Name: 65.17.134.138Comments
I think in all my reading I come up with all four items in your poll happened during that fateful day. May they rest in peace for the rest of eternity.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: sheila
Location: peoria
Email: sja242005yahoo
Date: 10/30/2005
Remote Name: 68.104.250.124Comments
god bless
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Lucas Machon
Location: Nekoosa, WI
Email: lkmachonyahoo
Date: 10/29/2005
Remote Name: 216.105.208.1Comments
I believe she was damaged at the Six Fathom Shoal. This in turn caused the ship to ride lower and lower in the water until the seas became too much for her, and the hatches gave way, sinking the ship too fast for a distress call. God bless the 29 crewman. May they rest in peace.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Corinne
Location: Welland Ontario
Email:
Date: 10/27/2005
Remote Name: 69.156.178.37Comments
I have been fascinated by the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald for many years and although I have an opinion about why she sank I do not think that this is as important as the fact that twenty nine ment lost their lives. I do, however, think that personal attacks on the character of any of the crew, in particular the negativity towards Captain McSorley that I have seen and read during my research of the sinking of the "Fitz" demeans not only him but the men who sailed with him. If he was supposedly such a bad person, why did John McCarthy want to finish his career with Captain McSorley? Every one of those men deserve to be remembered with kindness and dignity, and not to have their memories sullied with accusations that have no real bearing on the tragedy. The circumstances surrounding the sinking of the Fitzgerald should not be blamed on the crew, or the Captian but rather on the conditions they were sailing under and the series of unfortunate circumstances that doomed them from the moment the water started to enter into her hull.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Bobby Batyko
Location: Medina
Email: rbatykozoominternet
Date: 10/26/2005
Remote Name: 156.63.190.132Comments
I have always enjoyed Gordon Lightfoots song, but at the same time, it is terrifing to place yourself in the place of those unfortunate souls. The stoms must have been of unbleivable size. It is unthinkable. If any of you out there are related to those men, my heart bleeds for you. God help those navigating our see right now, and god bless America, as well as our world.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jason Kumpula
Location: Boulder Jct. WI
Email: rudd422000yahoo
Date: 10/24/2005
Remote Name: 65.73.209.132Comments
I have heard many reasons why and the read as many documents as I could find there’s a few theories I would agree with, and then there are some I don’t agree with. First things first when you have wet cargo, or if its not, it wont shift. The way she went down probably was bow first, how? Do to hitting something if it were a shoal or something else she would have been low in the water more than usual. So if any waves that were 30 feet or higher would have put here under. When she went under the bow would have hit bottom before the rest would have. The middle where she had damage would have folded under. As the stern went under the propeller would have still been rotating thus causing it to flip over before it hit bottom. The only way will know is if any had survived. The mystery will grow and so will the arguments.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Ron Pyette
Location: Sault Ontario
Email: rnpnetscape
Date: 10/23/2005
Remote Name: 209.47.31.6Comments
I was a 26 year old Steelworker in 1975. Of course the Fitz passed through the Soo Locks hundreds of times. Through the safety of my apartment window my wife and I watched as the wind sent debris flying in all directions. I remember telling my wife that it would be terrible to be out on Lake Superior tonight. My brother, and many of my uncles and cousins from Manitoulin Island had been sailors. I will always hold a special place in my heart for the families and friends of those lost on the Edmund Fitzgerald
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: James Stemwedel
Location: Houston, Texas
Email: jastemwedelyahoo
Date: 10/23/2005
Remote Name: 65.126.113.66Comments
I was eight years old in 1975 and very clearly remember the morning of November 10th that year. My dad told me that morning that he had had a strange dream that he was standing on the shore of Lake Superior at night during a huge storm and thinking he wouldn't want to be out there. We lived in St. Paul, Mn at the time, and he had the dream without any knowledge of the storm or the sinking. I was so fascinated by the the lake freighters and the Great Lakes that I decided to become a ship's officer, graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1989. I went on to sail for Oglebay Norton (Courtney Burton, Buckeye), Great Lakes Fleet (Arthur M. Anderson and others), and briefly for Interlake. Loved it out there but now work for American Bureau of Shipping on the Gulf of Mexico. If its the last thing I do I'm going to sail the lakes again one day...
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: F. V. Frazier, Mar.
Location: District of Columbia
Email: vincenzo13verizon
Date: 10/17/2005
Remote Name: 70.108.123.45Comments
Since the opening of January of 1976, I commenced gathering data to perform a personal investigation. When exercising so, I vividly paid close attention to the report pertaining to the Big Fitz having water leakage through its hatch covers. In laymens terms, those hatch covers weigh tons and there simply isn't any way a cup or a bottle of water would and/or could fit through those hatches regardless of the strength of the November Witch, which is an extremely strong gale. The report of breaking in two makes sense to a point however, we must remember and add the figures, by any chance the Big Fitz encountered the 3 sisters and the possibility is great that she did, that would more so give her an angle of diving from the bow. The report of cargo shifting obtains the odds from 6 million to none. Bare in mind, this is an ore freighter and ore slowly moves however, not enough to sink that of a ship built as well as the Edmund Fitzgerald. Once the light turns to its color the hold is full to its content and must then be properly clampted and tightly screwed in. Having stated the above, my personal report and belief is that of the following: the Big Fitz encountered high seas and rocked hard as she sailed her voyage until she encountered the 3 sisters which struck her from the bow only rocking her deeper directly onto the shoal approximately 100 feet on which she then bottomed out. The Big Fitz all and all sank from the bow. I so appreciate the Memory of the 29 Crew Hands of the Edmund Fitgerald held at Whitefish Point. I attended a memory at Whitefish Point and was moved titanically. It is without debate each of those 29 Hands were true, professional and cockpit qualified Sailors and I rank them as Sailors Of The Great Lakes, of all time. My deep condolences go out to each of the 29 hand's families and may the Lord bless and help you all. For those families as well, please remember your loved ones are presently with the Lord and you all are in my prayers.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Marsha MacLellan Klecha
Location: Eastpointe, Michigan
Email: mkmaclellan
Date: 10/13/2005
Remote Name: 205.188.116.139Comments
I am the neice of Gordon MacLellan who lost his life on the Edmund Fitzgerald.I believe he was 30 yrs. old. My grandfather Donald MacLellan also sailed the Great Lakes before retiring to Clearwater , Florida. I have read all of the comments and the only ones who know how she went down are the men who are still living on this huge ship.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: wf
Location: mi
Email:
Date: 10/12/2005
Remote Name: 63.164.108.21Comments
I sailed for 25 years on the lakes, and retired from Oglebay Norton, who operated the Fitz. My opinion is she grounded on the shoals. I will not believe any other explanation.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: KPB
Location: Illions
Email:
Date: 10/7/2005
Remote Name: 205.188.116.139Comments
I had a really sad felling in that tragic loss of 29 men.But the song is really good
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Colleen
Location: Rochester, MN
Email: sikelccharter
Date: 10/4/2005
Remote Name: 71.10.87.76Comments
For the past couple of years I've felt some kind of special connection to the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Every time I hear the song it I feel shivers all over then I proceed to breakdown in tears. I think about the crew and known circumstances at least twice a week. Without knowing prior to my arrival I stayed a night in the Edmund Fitzgerald room at a motel in northern MN. I just want to wish the surviving relatives the best in life.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Terrance Moore
Location: Wausau, WI
Email: patriot11789hotmail
Date: 10/4/2005
Remote Name: 66.190.0.83Comments
The Loss of the Edmund fitzgerald was caused by a number of the voting choices. The official Coast Guard report states that after the hatches gave way, the iron ore taconite pellets absorbed water entering the cargo hold. This raised the waterline on the fitzgeralds hull. The extra weight and the fact that the ship was riding low in the water, leaves one of two possibilites; one, she hits six fathom shoals due to her riding lower, or two, she was hit with the three sisters inevitably causing her stern half to break from keel on up; allowing her to sink as fast as she did.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Bob-RJ Burkhart
Location: Lenexa, KS
Email: burkhartmnusmac
Date: 10/2/2005
Remote Name: 65.30.117.192Comments
Having conned the USS Cimarron (AO-22) a 25,000 Ton Fleet Oiler thru the outer fringes of a Western Pacific typhoon with 70-foot seas breaking over our bow, I was grateful for her builders' CARING craftsmanship and our US Navy crew's COMPETENCY in ballasting correctly to AVOID "hog & sag" stresses ... I suspect CAREless bulk cargo loading & unloading practices contributed to cumulative stuctural hatch failures & hull fatigue that resulted in this ABUSED ship's sinking under abnormal (high-stress) storm conditions ... Much like other MASS casulty incidents (MCI) since the "Fitz" sank, our after-action reports (AAR) tend to blame accident victims rather than analyzing related or contributing human factors ... like PRIOR operationg errors and hull upkeep omissions! BTW - CIM (AO-22) outlasted her sister ships (30 years vs 15 years) due to her capable crew's cumulative attention to critical details ...
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Nick Marco
Location: Sandwich,IL
Email:
Date: 9/21/2005
Remote Name: 207.69.139.142Comments
I think they should make a new Edmound Fitzgerald and in gold letters put the names of each of the 29 crewmen.I am 11 years old and I wish I could crack the case.I pray for the crew and famlies. I am sad for the famlies but the men did not die in vain.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: John E Broussard
Location: Lake Charles, LA
Email: jebroussardcox-internet
Date: 9/18/2005
Remote Name: 68.229.148.154Comments
Forget the blame game, I think the ship broke in 2. It doesn/t matter, and leave the site alone, it is a gravesite. Only go there if it is approved by all of the families of the the fallen sailors. Honor is the highest of all human attributes. God Bless the families of the 29 because they must bear the life of emptiness, God Bless those who perished. 12 years of Catholic School tells me to chastise all involved in the blame game and honor all in the Blessing and Honor.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Stephen Rottiers
Location: Howell,MI
Email:
Date: 9/13/2005
Remote Name: 68.41.17.216Comments
What Happend was that that the edmund fitzgearld left superior with broken hatch clamps and a hatch crack. The storm was to rough and the ship broke in to on the lake. I will rember the great ship.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Carol
Location: Marquette, Mi.
Email:
Date: 9/13/2005
Remote Name: 24.177.168.8Comments
Thoughts of the loss of the EDMUND FITZGERALD... My thoughts of the ship going down on Nov.10, 1975. and the 29 men that had loss their live's during it. They will be sadly missed by all. May God Bliss them all.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Deb (Champeau) Gomez-Felder
Location: Nashotah, WI
Email: gomezfelder
Date: 9/13/2005
Remote Name: 64.12.116.134Comments
My thought and feelings are so different from thrity years ago when my father who went down on the "Fitz". I have always wanted my fathers remains brought up due to the invastion of his burial site, but over the years felt this was out of my control. Now knowing that swimers and dives are going on continually through the years make putting closure on this impossible for me. My father deserved so much more than this! God rest there souls and always know dad, that I miss you and love you everyday like it was yesterday! I live with the fact that I am powerless in your burial rites, but will never give up hope in bringing you home to your grave where no one can rob or touch any part of you! I know your soul is in heaven. Luv, Your daughter, Debby
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: wes wegner
Location: muskegon mi
Email: wdrwegc.faith
Date: 9/10/2005
Remote Name: 170.232.2.203Comments
I lived in Marquette Mi at the time. My house was on a ridgeline about 2 miles in from the lake with a panoramic view, which that day struck fear into my heart as I could see the huge waves and whitecaps even from that distance. The wind was so strong it drove water thru the basement walls. I feared for the lives of whoever might be out on the lake that day.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Eugene
Location: Oakville Ontario
Email: vincentvega676yahoo
Date: 9/7/2005
Remote Name: 209.29.196.10Comments
I was at Massey hall for a Gordon Lightfoot Concert in Toronto when it was the 25th anniversary of the sinking of the Fitz. He sang the song halfway through the night and cannot begin to explain the errieness of the atmosphere. It was surreal and hair raising. The version was the best I have ever heard. I have read many books on the subject and give cause to many of the theories. I give credence to the theory of hitting the shoal and ripping her open. I laso believe the hatches were a secondary cause to the wreck. There were probably many reasons why Fitz sank. The one thing for sure is she is on the bottom of Superior, holding the souls of her crew. I have heard the storms of the saltwater oceans are full of swells and rough water, but the storms that brew on Superior and Erie are nothing to be taken lightly. They arise violently and quickly and unleash tremendous energy. Waves are to be feared, not swells. I almost lost my life in Notawassaga Bay in April one year when a storm came out of no where and swamped my boat 1/4 mile from shore. Flat water to 8 foot waves in under 5 minutes. My mustang floation suit saved me from the icy water. The great lakes are to be respected and feared. We must not ask why or how, but realize the Lake took Fitz and we should remember and pray for the men who worked her decks and supported their families. May God keep their souls in peace to one day be reunited with all their loved ones. God bless the departed souls and protect their families left here with us. For every time we speak of this tragedy they are kept alive in our thoughts and spirits.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Don Montgomery
Location: Waverly, NY
Email: dmontgomerystny.rr
Date: 9/6/2005
Remote Name: 69.204.193.39Comments
I lived in Ashland, Wisconsin when the Fitzgerald went down. We used to see her in Superior on the way to Diluth. They had a memorial service in Ashland for the crew, tossing a wreath in Lake Superior. It's difficult listening to the Gorden Lightfoot song. God bless the crew and their families.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Shaun Appleby
Location: NSw, Australia
Email: shaunuptheblue
Date: 8/25/2005
Remote Name: 211.31.78.221Comments
I was hitch-hiking through Hiawatha National Park the night the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. It was a cold and lonely night and the road closed by snow; I thought I was going to freeze to death in the storm. That night had a particularly eerie quality and I can remember feeling like I was the only one around for miles and miles. I can remember at some point thinking to myself "Heaven help a sailor out on a night like this". The next day I read in the paper that the Edmund Fitzgerald had gone down in Whitefish Bay. I have always felt a strange feeling of sadness and longing when I hear the song; it has never failed to affect me. I often think of those who died then out there in wild wind and darkest night.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Lou
Location: Revere, MA
Email: bruins5768aol
Date: 8/19/2005
Remote Name: 68.163.135.167Comments
There aren't really a lot of concrete facts, so a lot of what we think is pure conjecture...but I think what's there points to the boat grounding at some point, likely at the Six Fathom Shoals. Captain Cooper on the Anderson had the Fitz on radar and in his sight, in his opinion they were too close to the shoals. The two pumps they had going couldn't take straighten out the list, water must have been coming in through a hole in the bottom. You figure the pumps could have taken care of any water that got in through loose hatches, if you're to believe the "faulty latch" theory".
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Amanda Hartzell
Location: Constantine,MI
Email:
Date: 8/15/2005
Remote Name: 4.229.235.141Comments
I would just like to say I'm sorry to all the family members of the crew.I'm 13 years old and I love shipwrecks.I started to feel sad about people's loss of a loved one.I always think about the ship,the crew,the captain,and the families.I have read many books to learn all I can about the crew and ship to keep it alive.Even though the ship sank and crew died it always will live on in people's heart.I will contine my reading untill I understand why it sank.I say rest in peace to the crew. The ship and the crew will live through me so as the song goes the legend lives on.I hope people will understand the meaning of the ship and its loyal crew. I once again say sorry to the families of the crew.And Rest In Peace To The Crew.And Rest In Peace Edmund Fitzgerald.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: KEITH BAKER
Location: M/V ROGER BLOUGH
Email:
Date: 8/12/2005
Remote Name: 152.163.100.134Comments
The hatch cover theroy is garbage I sail the lakes and i deal whith the hatches everyday there basicly a 7 to 21 ton steel slab 7 being on ship's like the Arthur M. Anderson 21 on ship's like the Roger Blough and all of the thousand footers. Thier right flush on the under side of the hatch against the inside of the hatch comming there are girders or stiffeners welded on the under side of each hatch cover that keep's the cover from sliding side to side and front to back. With out the use of the hatch crane there not going any where.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Louise
Location: Ontario Canada
Email:
Date: 8/8/2005
Remote Name: 216.211.16.39Comments
I have lived on the north shore of Lake Superior all my life and understand how "unkind" this lake can be in turbulent weather. I have followed with great interest the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I finally got to see the bell at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum a couple years ago and would like to commend them on being able to retrieve it and replace it with another with the crew's names on it. I am sure it meant a lot to the family members who lost their loved ones that night. God Bless the men who lost their lives on the Fitz.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Joe Krall
Location: Bay Village, Ohio
Email: shadow7118aol
Date: 7/28/2005
Remote Name: 63.161.86.254Comments
On Monday, July 18th 2005 my wife and I were passing the Sandusky Coal dock in our dingy and passed no less than the Arthur M Anderson as it was pulling away from the coal dock. It gave me a chill to realize it was the smaller of 2 vessels that was in tandem with the larger Fitz. Just seeing the Arthur M Anderson, made me think of the loss of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald. It's hard to fathom that a ship that large could be lost. I can't imagine the pounding they took that night. The lyrics from the Gordon Lightfoot song – “The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald” flashed though my mind.. “the church bell chimed 'til it rang 29 times for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald"
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Larry
Location: gastonia NC
Email: darthernusyahoo
Date: 7/27/2005
Remote Name: 66.20.165.198Comments
After all these years have past I think it becomes less important as to what caused the Big Fitz to sink. One fact will always remain a constant whether the Fitz broke up capsized or bottomed out on the shoals. 29 good men doing thier job to support thier families died. Hopefully they will never be forgotten nor the haunting legacy of the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Bernie Godde
Location: palm harbor fla
Email: bgoddeverizon
Date: 7/26/2005
Remote Name: 65.33.199.162Comments
If as the Coast Guard had said that it was a faulty hatch cover that caused the sinking how come the ships now sailing don't have warning lights of a open not secured hatch cover.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: kerri goodell
Location: lincoln park mi
Email: jimnancy313's
Date: 7/26/2005
Remote Name: 68.73.15.117Comments
I think it was a the most tragic then the titanic.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: derek addams
Location: providence rhode Island
Email: rustyboardhotmail
Date: 7/25/2005
Remote Name: 131.109.225.10Comments
obviously the anderson's skipper is correct with his observation of the demise of the "Fitz"....she was sinking from the time she bottomed on the shoal...Mcsorley did not want to admit the miscalculation....or was not aware of the miscalculation because of the weather.... in any event to suggest loose hatch covers as the cause is loonacy!That ship was sinking as it crossed the shoal and was buried by the wave that nearly sunk the Anderson! With water in the cargo hole shifting to the sturn,any drive up or between wave crests would have driven the sturn to the bottom twisting and or burying the bridge as the wave began to throw and curl over the bridge...giving no time to send a mayday! Just like Captain Cooper said...sudden and catastrophic!The coast guard was wrong on this one!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Susan
Location: Wyandotte, MI
Email:
Date: 7/25/2005
Remote Name: 205.188.116.139Comments
Just getting back from vacationing in the area where the Fitz went down made me think again of how tragic this was. While on vacation we were on a boat anchored in Whitefish Bay and swam in the beautiful clear water. I couldn't help but think of the Fitzgerald only about 30 miles away. May God bless these men and their families forever.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Scott C. Carpenter
Location: Ashtabula OH
Email: notrespassing13yahoo
Date: 7/5/2005
Remote Name: 67.140.76.2Comments
It was a terrible loss that night. I feel great sorro for those familes that lost their loved ones.They should not have taken on the rough waters before them they caused a tragic lose.Those men will always live in their grave yard at the bottom of the lake with their brave sols.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Glen Bearman
Location: New Zealand
Email: gfzxtra.co.nz
Date: 7/5/2005
Remote Name: 146.171.254.66Comments
I have allways enjoyed since a child the Gordon Lightfoot song and spent most of my life beleiving the song was of an older wreck, possibly early 1900's. Thanks to the internet I learnt that she was lost when I was 7 years old. Just last weekend at a party for my birthday I played the song and told the story of the Edmond Fitzgerald....all be it a little drunk. My best wishes to the families that lost there loved ones in 1975. Glen New Zealand
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Robert Payne
Location: New Zealand
Email: torqueingheadsclear.nz
Date: 7/5/2005
Remote Name: 218.101.84.72Comments
That magnificent song by Gordon Lightfoot became my favourite when I first heard it on a crackly radio in the tiny village of Utiku New Zealand in the 70s and at the time I was unaware it was a true story. My heart goes out to the families of those brave men.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Chris
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Email: chrisdube_1yahoo
Date: 7/4/2005
Remote Name: 69.192.119.24Comments
I believe the wreck site should be left undisturbed.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: capt.joe
Location: for a little while geneva
Email: moss_442001yahoo
Date: 7/4/2005
Remote Name: 71.29.114.81Comments
im sorry about the fitz but we cant take her and her crew back but i know she did not brake up on the sureface her hatches wer leakin pushin her down in the water there for loseing balast and diving into a large wave that she should have been able to handle but only those brave men could know i command an ore boat self there big but not unsinkable theres been a lot of time i dint know if i would make it back but the reserve always brings me and my men backbut if the time would come when i and my men with my ship should go we would be just a few of the good men who went down on the lakes but if and when that time comes we will not go down easy we will go threw hell if we have to but will go down fighting like the big fitz and her men R.I.P mighty fitz and her 29 men capt.joe and the men of the ss.reserve
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Brad Bengtson
Location: St. Cloud Mn.
Email: bab481yahoo
Date: 6/29/2005
Remote Name: 64.83.197.253Comments
After alot of reseach and viewing the documtries I believe a roge wave crashed over the bow with hatch covers leaking and added weight the bow never recovered and went straight to the bottom driven by the the engines twisting the ship in half and causing and causing the position of the wreck. I have the tv doctumentry of the Edmund Fitzgerld and many books of wrecks on the great lakes. Plus the newspaper of a rich enturper who revisited the wreck in 2000 wanting to bring up artifacts from the wreck. Which brought an public out cry to leave the ship alone as it is a grave yard for 29 brave souls.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: capt.joe
Location: geneva
Email: moss_442001yahoo
Date: 6/28/2005
Remote Name: 67.140.78.20Comments
i understand how it feels to lose a loved 1 a ship as gooda built as the big fitz should have not have sunk but i can say this the fitz fought till the last and those guyz went through hell we know but they are still heroes in my eyes and every bodys eyes but it was not just the storms fault it was also the hatch covers and gratelakes ship company knows that i know that bein a fellow mariner my self
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Tim simon
Location: dewitt,mi
Email: tsimonstfrancis.ws
Date: 6/28/2005
Remote Name: 67.162.218.175Comments
I was about 7 yrs old when i saw the big fitz for the first time going through the locks and my dad took a pic of it with it behind me when it was coming down bound frm lake superior. that was in the the early summer in 75. till this day i cant find that pic and it strange that that late fall she went down. it was a sad day as a young child i didnt think much of it until i got older. Yes the big fitz was a great loss but will always be remembered in michigan and abroud....
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Antonietta
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Email:
Date: 6/23/2005
Remote Name: 64.231.197.105Comments
Everytime I hear the song "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" I can't help but cry and mourn these brave men. My heart goes out to the Captain, his men and their families. May God Bless them all.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Tracey Turk
Location: Spooner Wisconsin
Email: MobileAxxessaol
Date: 6/20/2005
Remote Name: 207.200.116.74Comments
I was born in 1976. When I first heard the song by Gordon Lightfoot, I was shocked. It seemed so real and I then found out about the ship and I really feel deep-hearted for the families and their losses. You are all in my prayers. I went to the 25th Memorial and I intend on going this year to the 30th.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Joann Strickland
Location: Nova Scotia
Email: jstricklandns.sympatico
Date: 6/19/2005
Remote Name: 156.34.48.204Comments
Up to this point, I thought that this ship had met with peril many years earlier than it actually had. I have always admired the song sung by Gordon Lightfoot. It gives me a feeling of emptyness and very much compassion for the family and friends of the men who lost their lives aboard the Fitzgerald. I cannot comment on why, I guess only the crew and the good Lord would know exactly why she sank and took so many lives with her. I would however like to pass on my condolences to anyone surviving of family or generations since... there's not really much more to say. God be with them and you.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Chris
Location: Texas
Email: callistodawngrandecom
Date: 6/11/2005
Remote Name: 216.188.238.147Comments
Something which has always interested me is just exactly how long it took the vessel to sink. I have read that it must have happened very quickly or else there would have been attempts to send a distress signal indicating that the ship was in immenent danger of sinking. (Unless the radio equipment was somehow damaged.) This also brings up a more disturbing question--did the men on the ship die quickly or were some of them trapped in air pockets in the ship, as happened to some US soldiers I read about who were trapped on a sunken destroyer in the Pacific in WW2. I hope someday to be able to visit the area where the Fitzgerald went down and pay my respects...
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: LT len oconnell
Location: hudson bay sask
Email: lennynzhotmail
Date: 6/9/2005
Remote Name: 64.201.200.31Comments
i can only imagine what was running through thier minds as the ship sank i was in the navy for a few years and experienced some of the same weather...and i no i was scared god bless the crew of the edmund fitzgerald every man ....
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Les S.
Location: Emmaus, PA.
Email: N/A
Date: 6/6/2005
Remote Name: 209.92.42.86Comments
After seeing several shows about this tragedy, and listening to what Captain Bernie Cooper of the Arthur Anderson said, I believe as Cooper did, that the Fitzgerald scraped the bottom at Six Fathom Shoals and was sinking ever since that time. They reported a list shortly after they passed the shoals, and took on water in the increasingly bad seas-the water was coming in faster than they could pump it out. And they probably were pounded by one or more gigantic waves, and it just sent her to the bottom. Captain Cooper had said that he thinks the end for her "was sudden and catastrophic"-I agree.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: John Kimmes
Location: Superior, WI
Email: j_kimmesyahoo
Date: 6/4/2005
Remote Name: 4.254.100.72Comments
I don't know that we'll ever know for sure how the Ole Fitz sank, thus the mystery will live on forever and the crew will remain in our hearts.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Michael Panama
Location: Buchanan M.I.
Email: mapanamayahoo
Date: 6/1/2005
Remote Name: 24.7.225.44Comments
I love the EDMUND FITZGERALD! :-) I love the song... but it makes me cry! :-(
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Brian L. Cavanaugh Jr.
Location: Westerly, R.I.
Email: bcavanaugh4cox
Date: 5/27/2005
Remote Name: 68.9.205.83Comments
i want to express my sympothy to the families of those who lost their lives aboard the Edmund Fitzgerald. it was a sad day. i was a small child when that happened. as an adult now i have watched documentaries about the unfortunate mishap and the loss of life. only GOD knows what really happened that night, and why. some have theories. of all of the sinking of ships and boats, three will always be a part of my memory. for there are three reasons why. 1) there is a song which was written and sang by Gordon Lightfoot about the Edmund Fitzgerald and when i close my eyes and listen to the song i can see in my mind and feel in my heart this part of maritime history. 2) there was a movie about the titanic. and 3) there was a movie about the Andrea Gail. all sad stories. so you see that the Edmund Fitzgerald will always live on as long as the song is played. the song is played in my heart so therefore it will always live on with me. these are just my thoughts with no disrespect to anyone intended. may GOD comfort all those who were effected by this tragedy.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Lindsay
Location: Highland Mi
Email:
Date: 5/26/2005
Remote Name: 69.242.211.171Comments
I am from Michigan. The edmund fitzgerald was a great history lesson i learned. I did a project in school on the fitz.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Britt Moore
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Email: brittamooresbcglobal
Date: 5/25/2005
Remote Name: 69.214.138.177Comments
I graduated high school in"75. Now I am an actor/singer in Cleveland. I play guitar and sing the song about the Fitz. It took six months before I could do it without choking up. I can almost see it in my head. It consumes me.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Clayton Jobe
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Email: c_jobehotmail
Date: 5/25/2005
Remote Name: 134.190.95.118Comments
It's hard to believe an experienced Captain like McSorley would not have made dam sure the hatches were dogged down properly especially with advanced notice of a storm. He must have known they has weaknesses. I don't know what his visability was , but he and the crew knew Fitz was listing from flooding. You'd think the crew would somehow check the hatches, seems kinda obvious. I say the Fitz suffered a stress fracture to the hull. Why didn't McSorley communicate his plan for a listing, flooding ship? Gordon Lightfoot is awsome.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Mike Thornton
Location: Owosso Mi
Email:
Date: 5/21/2005
Remote Name: 69.41.3.223Comments
On Labor Day September 1975 I saw the Edmund Fitzgerald pass through thr Soo Locks. I remember the Fitzgerald due to the fact that it was dowm bound with a load of iron ore. the men on the fitzgerald were waving at us and was throwing iron ore pellets on the ground and they rolled under the fence. we gathered they up and I put the pellert in a jar which I still have today. When I hear the news about the sinking I felt bad for the Ship, Crew, and the crews family. still today I feel I have a part of the ship with me in the pellets I have, and I will never forget the mighty Edmund Fitzgerald. Thank you for allowing me to tellmy story. Mike Thornton
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Wilfred Sauer
Location: Fergus falls, MN
Email: sau35476atcpinternet
Date: 5/16/2005
Remote Name: 216.251.181.193Comments
I think the Fitz hit the Caribou Island shoals, which damaged the hull, but the pumps kept her above the water. When the 3 giant waves hit her though, her pumps could not withstand the heavy weight of the massive waves.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jack Spencer
Location: Henry TN
Email: jack31961yahoo
Date: 5/13/2005
Remote Name: 12.153.207.208Comments
I first heard the Gordon Lightfoot song almost 30 years ago. Has there ever been a song more haunting? It got me intrested in the ship and what happend. Im convinced it was bacause the hatchs weren't screwed down. I have examined every possable scenerio, and this has to be it. I still mourn for the crew, and their familes. The maritime profession is a risky one indeed.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: mitch gregory
Location: little Falls MN
Email:
Date: 5/11/2005
Remote Name: 68.112.153.199Comments
well i cant believe it went down and when it hit the shoal i guess that was it fare well to the saylors and evryone misses them atleast there family got to ring the bell of the fits and ya godbless everone on the ship and there familys...
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Elliott Pearson
Location: Shelby TWP, Michigan
Email: egpearsoncomcast
Date: 5/6/2005
Remote Name: 68.61.35.187Comments
The story is so sad, but so true. I got to visit the place where the Edmund Fitzgerald sunk. There is nothing left but sad memories.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: tom baisley
Location: afton, ny
Email: tombaisleyyahoo
Date: 5/6/2005
Remote Name: 206.28.132.140Comments
the photo in the link below is very forboading of ,the accident reports findings of inadequate hatch cover clamps. http://www.mhsd.org/fleet/O/On-Columbia/fitz/fitz-billw%20collection.jpg
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Matthew Hamer
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Email: hamernucleus
Date: 5/6/2005
Remote Name: 209.5.169.46Comments
I was living in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on November 10, 1975. Though some 30 years have passed, I still remember the storm - the waves were washing over the breakwater in Thunder Bay harbour, which was quite unheard of. I can remember listening to the CBC News - my father tuned into it faithfully - and after the 'dit-dit-dit' signal that CBC used in those days - hearing the news that the Fitz had been lost on Lake Superior - it haunts me to this day, as does Lake Superior. God bless Captain McSorley and the men of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Matthew Hamer
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: dalebob
Location: michigan
Email:
Date: 5/4/2005
Remote Name: 67.38.154.46Comments
that is sad that the Edund Fitzgerald sank :(
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: maureen
Location:
Email:
Date: 5/4/2005
Remote Name: 198.234.223.250Comments
The edmund fitsgerald filled up with water and sunk to the bottom of the ocean at a rapid speed because of the weight.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: justin
Location: gilmer texas
Email: jschwieger992
Date: 5/1/2005
Remote Name: 24.155.175.231Comments
I think they suffered a terible loss that night my heart and prayers go to the family of the 29 crew members.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Robert Smith
Location: Alberta Canada
Email: robnsabshaw
Date: 4/30/2005
Remote Name: 68.148.73.228Comments
You actually think the Fitzgerald should be raised? What are you thinking.I am a qualified diver and I think the fitzgerald should remain on the bottom where it rests. I was 9 years old when it sank. Why bother the dead? I am in the canadian military and every year on my birthday I salute the 29 souls lost at sea. Its like desecrating a tomb. Leave her where she lies and let the souls of the men aboard rest in peace..Thats the way it should be....Rob Smith...
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Andrew J. Ponshock
Location: Antigo Wisconsin
Email: citationjet2001hotmail
Date: 4/26/2005
Remote Name: 205.213.92.64Comments
Every year i drive up to bayfield wisconsin and visit the historical marks of the fitzgerald and i pray for all who have died. and when i heard the song "wreck of the edmund fitzgerald" it sends a tingling feeling up my back and i am so interested in how one minute the lake is so calm and in minutes can tower 40+ waves!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Cammy (Skytta) Patterson
Location: Dallas, Tx
Email:
Date: 4/22/2005
Remote Name: 68.94.239.180Comments
My grandfathr, Arvo Skytta, was the first mate on a ship that came in around the same time as the EF. I loosly remeber him telling the story about talking to someone from the EF but my dad, knows the story better. If anyone is truely intersted in hearing my dad tell of his FATHERS account, please let me know. God bless all on land and sea and in the air. God bless the USA and all who serve her Cammy P
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Robert Poland II
Location: Alaska
Email: cptkirkjt2002002yahoo
Date: 4/22/2005
Remote Name: 209.112.137.30Comments
I was in my section's office, just sitting around and I heard my Platoon Sgt's music playing. He was playing "Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald". I had never heard it before, and it caught my attention so quickly I did a mindfull doubletake at myself. When I later got the song for myself, I listened to it word for word over and over. Then looked up the lyrics, and then the history and then found this website because I felt inspired to look up the crew manifest. It's quite amazing how WILDLY this song has struck my fancy. For no good reason, I don't usually concern myself with things like this, however I feel utterly connected, like a piece of me went down with her. Such a beautiful ship, and wonderful people to guide her. May God have mercy on their brave souls, and my the ship forever live in our hearts.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Roger Reineccius
Location: Barstow, CA
Email: brstwca7msn
Date: 4/15/2005
Remote Name: 71.105.121.41Comments
My dad was one of the wheelsmen on the Fitzgerald about a year before it sank. He said it was common practice to load it with a slight twist to help stiffen the hull.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Cassy Hary
Location: Davenport Iowa
Email:
Date: 4/11/2005
Remote Name: 67.43.20.131Comments
As I learned about the Big Fitz in school, I found it interesting to read all the debates of how the great ship was lost. There were alot of neagative comments about the crew and how they built the ship. I find it strange that none of the crew was found. My guess is that we just did not dig deep enouf.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: rory johnson / jackiey johnson
Location: Dorset,England,UK
Email: stumpy.jzoom.
Date: 4/10/2005
Remote Name: 62.253.64.13Comments
me and my mum are fasinated by the loss of the edmonds fitzgerald my mum told me the story when i was little and it still haunts me one day we'll vist and pay our respects to the 29 brave men Rory johnson (15)
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Pat Loike
Location: Crystal Lake IL
Email:
Date: 4/3/2005
Remote Name: 209.242.42.32Comments
The ship hit a rock and the ship went over and cracked in two. The ship was so heavy that it sank like a rock
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jacob Vander Ploeg
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Email:
Date: 4/2/2005
Remote Name: 24.78.83.14Comments
I'm thirteen and I'm in grade seven writing an essay on how the Fitz sunk. I believe that the Fitz was taking on water through the hatches. The water was able to flow between the cargo holds because of the fact that they were walled off from each other by mesh. Therefore with the waves coming from behind the boat was lifted up slightly allowing all the water and cargo to move to the bow. As the next wave hit it the boat went down with the bow making hard contact with the lake bottom. Thus the ship cracked in half. To explain how the bow was so far away from the stern the motion of the water may have caused the stern section to flow a little ways away from the bow before coming to rest in the lake bottom somewhat like a leaf when it flutters towards the ground. Gordon Lightfoot's memorial intrigues me as I'm supposing it also does to many others. This theory is somewhat a combination of theories but hey its what i believe.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Kit
Location: Waterbury, CT
Email: gypsy_eyes_06704yahoo
Date: 3/31/2005
Remote Name: 159.247.3.230Comments
For me, it matters little what people speculate are the reasons for the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerals, each time I hear Gordon Lightfoot's tribute song, I think not only of the Edmund Fitzgerald but of all ships, sailors and their families. As beautiful as nature is she can also be cruel. May God Bless & Keep those who make their living on the waters and may the families they often leave behind find peace.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Rachel
Location: Glendale, Wisconsin
Email: RrachelBrataol
Date: 3/25/2005
Remote Name: 205.188.116.134Comments
It is very sad that it went down but how can you not find 1of29 bodies in the lake that is a big mystery.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: skeeter
Location: lakeside,CA. San Diego
Email: 92040
Date: 3/25/2005
Remote Name: 64.136.49.229Comments
The song made us all stop and reflect how precious our time here really is...also, what dangerous jobs some endure just to make a living for themselves and their families....what a great song!! 0us
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: casper
Location: Ont. Can.-
Email: casper2sympatico
Date: 3/23/2005
Remote Name: 67.70.206.52Comments
l`m very impressed with the comments on here about the Fitz.-especially from the kids -reassuring to know there are some thoughtful kids around -l`m in the proccess of biulding a six foot working model of the HMCS `Hiada`-a Canadian world war 11 destroyer --l`m biulding it in memory of the crews who fought in her--my next project is biulding the Fitz--for the same reasons --other than the war -in memory of a great laker and the crew who sailed in her--she didn`t need to have sunk --a shame -but Gord Lightfoot has paid her the top honour in a song --saranora dnear
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: jess
Location: connecticut
Email:
Date: 3/23/2005
Remote Name: 209.182.75.181Comments
im 11 yrs. old. the first time i listened to the wreck of the edmund fitzgerald i thought, this horrible disaster actually happened??? but the more i listened to it the more sympathy i found. the sailors lost their lives in a situation at that time could not be prevented. i think this story is interesting and in a way very depressing. i look forward to learning more about this disaster. my sympathy goes out to the families and friends of those people. to all 29 sailors, your journey started and ended your lives given and gone i hope you know you will be remembered even though you will never be gone. in my heart 4ever rip.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Peggy
Location: Celina,OH
Email: winddreamer13hotmail
Date: 3/22/2005
Remote Name: 66.213.94.22Comments
it doesn't matter what happened to the ship, what matters is that 29 men lost their lives. anyone who makes their living from the water is brave because they never know when something like this can happen.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Charlie Frederick
Location: Martinsburg, WV
Email: cfm-phadelphia
Date: 3/19/2005
Remote Name: 69.160.65.19Comments
I continue to remember the Fitz nearly thirty years later. I wrote the second song about the Fitzgerald..."Twenty-NIne More Men" which played in various markets across the country. Gordon Lightfoot is to be honored for his poetic treatment in song. God Bless the Families of the Fitz...Charlie Frederick
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: JK Brandenburg
Location: Appleton, WI
Email: dodge_cumminshotmail
Date: 3/19/2005
Remote Name: 67.48.250.58Comments
Many Theories, little (hidden) evidence, and no witnesses. My personal feeling is that the Fitz had hull failure in the "hinge" area which started out as a crack and then worsened in the quartering seas to the point where the stern just tore off. The stern would have capsized from the torque of the propeller and tearing steel. Bow section would have nosed down from the loss of bouyancy (from the previous flooding and then sudden loss of stern). Also the Fitz had a history of a "loose keel" and multiple hull structure and keelson repairs, way too many for a "new" ship. 15 years is considered new on the Lakes. She never struck Six Fathom shoal in my opinion due to the direction of drift from the 140 degree line that night--- it would have drifted her AWAY from the shoals instead of towards it. I beleive that there was some construction flaws (welding of keel in particular) in construction that were never fixed and with the sucessive collisions and incomplete repairs that lead to a comprimised ship. Add that to the fact that McSorley often ran full-speed ahead in storm conditions with 7500 SHP, it was just too much for the ship structure on that trip. I dont like blaming the captain for negligence, but he is RESPONSIBLE for the ship's condition and the safety of the crew. There is a possibility that the Fitz sailed with only the minimal number of clamps fastened down on the hatches. Look at the wreck pictures, most of em aren't distorted, leading me to beleive they were never fastened to begin with. They could have lost a cover in the storm with the immense boarding waves towards the end as the ship was settling from the hinge area flooding. FYI: the *hinge* is approx. 1/3 forward of stern, 2/3ds from bow. Its where the ship works the most in a storm. The hinge area is generally never in the middle. Theories will always abound about the Big Fitz. Rest in peace........to the captain and crew of the Fitz, for they have fought their final battle with Gitche Gumee. Godspeed and Fair Winds.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Branodon H.
Location: Winnipeg MB
Email:
Date: 3/18/2005
Remote Name: 206.45.175.219Comments
Im 10 at the moment and when i was watching the weather chanel Gordon Lightfoots song came on and my dad told me the story of the Edmund Fitzgearld i am very intrested in this ship and all the brave crew abord it God Bless al of you!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: annie
Location: scotland
Email: annmariehilltiscali.co.uk
Date: 3/14/2005
Remote Name: 80.44.121.183Comments
even in my country this tragedy was in all the newspapers.I remember it vividly even though I was only fourteen.May God bless the crew and their families.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Kelly Fleming
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Email: kelkel26msn
Date: 3/6/2005
Remote Name: 68.117.23.186Comments
My opinion is: Why the heck do we need to exactly know how the Fitz sank anyway? The fact is it did! And theres no changing the past. I would also like to say: Beware the gales of November! They can be quite deadly. Does anyone know the true majesty of the Great Lakes? I mean, so many ships sank in the November storms. They will forever amaze me to no end! Rock on!
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Don robertson
Location: Saint john n.b canada
Email: travisgordon16hotmail.co
Date: 3/4/2005
Remote Name: 69.195.241.157Comments
Its pretty evident the fitzgerald touched six fathom shoal had they been in a little more depth things no doubt would have been different
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Neil
Location: Wellton,
Email: cornelius.lucheneso.yuma.az
Date: 3/4/2005
Remote Name: 63.160.248.125Comments
Fair winds and following seas.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jay Heier
Location: Athens, WI.
Email: jaydorisatpeoplepc.com
Date: 3/1/2005
Remote Name: 63.156.24.16Comments
Absolutely hit rocks and then possibly split in two. Massive water pumps could not keep up, they were taking on water in large amount. If they would of taken normal shipping lane they would be alive today. Someday would like to raise the fitz.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Robert Lekfield
Location: Tomahawk,Wisconsin
Email: randwlekfield@charter.net
Date: 2/28/2005
Remote Name: 68.119.160.74Comments
I was a Boatswains Mate in the United States Navy. I've read up on such disasters on this one and the Titanic. When I was at sea I can remember some of the storms that we were in and I was scared a few times. I couldn't imagine what was going threw their minds as they knew they were going down. I know it happened so fast but thats got to be the worst feeling. My prayers and thoughts will always be with them.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Mike LaFountain
Location: York,Pa
Email: LaFountain1025 aol.com
Date: 2/27/2005
Remote Name: 4.14.74.46Comments
As I'm sitting here reading the different comments that have been posted over the last couple of years, I am honestly am moved to tears over these simple, but meaningful words. I was born a little over two and half years after the "Fitz" sank and most of my family is from Michigan and I like many others my interested peaked in the grand old ship after I heard the song from Gordon Lightfoot. I have seen many pictures of the great ship and saddened and rememberful of those men who lost their lives for a greater cause. And as a History major in school, I am always learning more about this wonderful ship every time I research the mighty "fitz" God Speed the mighty crew of the "Fitz"
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: R.E. Hancock
Location: Birmingham, Al.
Email: robhancock1647aol.com
Date: 2/26/2005
Remote Name: 205.188.116.134Comments
As a U.S. Steel employee and being from a long line of U.S. Steel $ T.C.I employees in my family. I feel a close bond with the crew of this mighty vessel. Every time I hear the song, I shed a tear for the crew and the familes of. They will always be in my thoughts. God bless.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: CRL
Location: Wellton,AZ
Email: dpts1014uaol.com
Date: 2/24/2005
Remote Name: 63.160.248.125Comments
It is sad that this event happened. The only fitting words I can think of to the Capt. and Crew are "Fair Winds and Following Seas." Rest easy and you are not forgotten.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Spencer T. Chikahisa
Location:
Email:
Date: 2/23/2005
Remote Name: 68.227.77.197Comments
I am nine years old and the first time I heard the song I thought it was just any other song,but soon after I learned the song, I did some research on it and learned that it was a real ship.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Brett
Location: Albuquerque, N.M.
Email: hayloch yahoo.com
Date: 2/20/2005
Remote Name: 68.35.143.97Comments
My idea is that the two rogue waves that slammed into the back of the Fitzgerald after they passed the Anderson pushed the bow of the Fitzgerald underwater to the point that the cargo(taconite pellets which were already heavier than normal because they absorb water and they are round) was shifted forward and the Fitzgerald went bow first into the lake floor so fast no one could get out or radio for help. When the stern came out of the water it broke off because there was no support underneath it and since the ship was already listing to port it rolled upside down and sank behind the bow section. I also wanted to express my deepest sympathies for the families of those men lost in this tragic accident and that they will not be forgotten.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: georges desjardins
Location: labelle quebec ca
Email: georges01531
Date: 2/20/2005
Remote Name: 216.209.128.184Comments
I sail with some sailors on the Fitzgerald mike armagost and bookeri felt bad about the tragedy because they are part of my life.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Candis Garringer
Location: Battle Creek,Mich
Email: michnightbeaconhotmail.com
Date: 2/18/2005
Remote Name: 152.131.8.132Comments
I am so interested still in the Fitz and its sinking. I visited Whitefish Point to better know the area where it happened and get the feel of it. Its a beautiful who holds these men. They are thought of often.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Rick Hickman
Location: born in Chicago area
Email: rh0370@yahoo.com
Date: 2/17/2005
Remote Name: 4.152.240.101Comments
I lived near Lake Michigan and often saw these great ships. I feel for the families and lost lives that day. I think Gordon Lightfoot has done a wonderful job memorializing it. God Bless them all
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Lon Burrell
Location: Hartselle,AL.
Email: f51923@wmconnect.com
Date: 2/17/2005
Remote Name: 66.20.46.130Comments
Everything I have ever read, seen or heard concerning the Edmund Fitzgerald leads me to believe that it could be nothing else but the three sisters. Simply broke in two. God rest there souls.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: John McGlocklin
Location: St. Paul, Mn
Email:
Date: 2/16/2005
Remote Name: 66.41.28.100Comments
my godfather was supposed to be on the fitz the night it went down but was transferred to another ship that day. our family didn't even know until he called us from the other ship. his father was the last man to talk to the captain of the fitz. he was the first mate on the anderson
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Robert Burns
Location: Richmond, Va
Email:
Date: 2/15/2005
Remote Name: 4.136.237.191Comments
This was a great disater in history of shipping. We will always remember the 29 men who lost their lives in November.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Nicole Weborg
Location: Columbia Station,Oh
Email: ktwbrg atyahoodotcom
Date: 2/8/2005
Remote Name: 156.63.190.132Comments
I think it's terrible that that boat sank and that many people died. But those people will remain in our hearts forever.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Danielle
Location: Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Email: panthers_8 athotmaildotcom
Date: 2/7/2005
Remote Name: 70.49.224.115Comments
I read in my school class that there was a leak in the boat . They have tried to fix it but it has gotten bigger and bigger. Then the captain said " its been good to know you " and he has written a good song about it
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: b.l.
Location:
Email:
Date: 2/7/2005
Remote Name: 168.216.86.144Comments
histories mysteries had dove and found that the hatch had flown of and waves crashed in .
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: JDWeiss
Location: Sarver Pa
Email: jdweiss atzoominternetdotnet
Date: 2/7/2005
Remote Name: 24.154.17.192Comments
The only comment I can make is God bless the men and families of The Edmund Fitzgerald. Those 29 brave men went home to be with the Lord that night and they will always be alive in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved them.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: jed
Location: prince rupert B.C.
Email: jed atcityteldotnet
Date: 2/5/2005
Remote Name: 209.145.105.12Comments
as a boat builder and a sea man there is no doubt in my mind that the Fitzgerald broke in two due to the heavy seas before sinking. my sympathy goes to the crew's family's and to all who have lost loved ones at sea god bless them.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Stacey Needham
Location: Dresden, TN
Email: stneedham atyahoodotcom
Date: 2/2/2005
Remote Name: 70.97.230.173Comments
I will remember the wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald for the rest of ship. I was in the second grade and heard about on the evening news. It has haunted me ever since. May God bless the Captain, crew, and their families.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Bryant Backstrom
Location: minneapolis minnesota
Email:
Date: 1/30/2005
Remote Name: 4.158.231.248Comments
I looked at almost all the investgation reports and i believe the ship never hit the shoal it was just in the wrong place at the wrong time when the waves hit it captain copper agrees with me and the body of one of the saliors found by the bow of the fizts sould be dna tested to see who it is a full size repleca of the ship sould be built as a memoral to the ship
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: ED
Location: LEXINGTON MO.
Email: SAILORMAN10452003 atYAHOOdotcom
Date: 1/29/2005
Remote Name: 205.201.74.136Comments
AS A FORMER SAILOR ON THE LAKES I BELIEVE THAT THE FITZ BROKE IN HALF AFTER HITTING THE SHOAL.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Colin
Location: London, Ontario
Email: golfman92 athotmaildotcom
Date: 1/28/2005
Remote Name: 69.156.108.71Comments
I believe the ship broke in two because of the distance in the center, and when the hull scraped along the shoal, so the hull was weakened.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: mike
Location: jackson,mich
Email: mike_johnson904 atyahoodotcom
Date: 1/18/2005
Remote Name: 216.93.96.72Comments
well no one really knows of course, but my opinion is she bottomed out on caribou island then took a nose dive and smacked the bottom of superior and cracked in two. Here's my question. Her sister ship (arthur m homer) if i remember right,had the same structer and just before fitzgerld went down the company floped million's of dollars in arthur m homer and then when the fitzgerld went down they quickly scraped arthur m homer.S why put millions of dollars into that ship and then scrap it..........makes me wonder
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: benlarson bigfitz historian
Location: silverbaymn
Email: none
Date: 1/15/2005
Remote Name: 64.61.224.242Comments
my oppinoin the fitz sank is becuse she was in bad shape about two weeks befor she sank she had an all ship inspection it showed a few cracks and bad welds and needed a whole new kell and the reason for that is captain mcsorley he beat the hell out of the fitzgerald and was rare he hauled up for bad whaether it seem s he always wanted to have the ship with the most runs in one season on the lakes and the company that operated her said mcsorley was there best captain and know what he was horible alwasys taking on over sized loads and when the last ofthe cargo was loador unloaded soon as they were done they were out on the the lake and hatches where put on at sea
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Jeff Garringer
Location: Battle Creek,Mich
Email: gcandiscat ataoldotcom
Date: 1/8/2005
Remote Name: 152.131.8.132Comments
Although sad, I love everything about the Fitz and these Great Lakes. I think every other hatch was left open and the storm was too bizarre to be handled.Bless them all. This will stay in history forever.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Candis Garringer
Location: Battle Creek,Mich
Email: michnightbeacon athotmaildotcom
Date: 1/8/2005
Remote Name: 152.131.8.132Comments
I only wanted to comment on Whitefish Point's memorial for this wreck. the bell is on display there. As I studied it all the crew haunted me in the room. Its a wonderful display and a beautiful spot at Whitefish point.Mich.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Kevin Abrehart
Location: Oscoda, Michigan
Email: kja2069 at auscoda.com
Date: 1/4/2005
Remote Name: 65.146.57.239Comments
I honestly believe she broke in two simply because of the great distance between the two pieces as they rest on the bottom of the lake if she broke in two while hitting bottom how would the halves end up over 100 feet apart. If she were designed like an ocean freighter she would of survived the 30 foot waves, but as a lake freighter she was weak in the middle for those high seas...GOD BLESS THE CREW AND THEIR FAMILIES
