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The Loss of the |
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The Loss of the |
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Deborah E. Champeau
Location: Milwaukee,WI
Email: gomezfelder at aol.co
Date: 11/9/2009
Remote Name: 70.92.158.1
Comments
Dedicated to my Dad, Oliver J. Champeau-lost on the Edmund Fitzgerald, Nov 10,1975.
Through his eyes, I could see tomorrow.
Through his arms, I could feel his strength.
Though his knowledge, I felt history, and his love of nature.
Through his devotion, I felt his commitment to family.
Through his love and good heart, I would always strive to be like him.
I never saw my father cry, but I felt his broken heart.
I didn’t see him die, but I felt a terrible sense of grief and loss.
Through his faith in God, I always felt protected from everything that life could throw in my direction.
Even though I lost him so long ago now, I can never forget his laugh, his touch and his inspirational words.
He was and is my hero. He wasn’t perfect and neither am I. He was just a man who deserved allot more time on earth then was given, but that's just my opinion (not God‘s.)
"Dad, you will never be forgotten... not for one day, one month or any given year that goes by.
I love you and miss you. I pray for you and all the other men that were lost with you and in such tragic ways. I grieve with them today as we did 34 years ago in Toldeo, Ohio.
You will never, ever be forgotten. My love lives on forever and ever!”
Lovingly,
Debbie Champeau (your daughter)Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Henry Fayant
Location: Denver,Colorado
Email: denverhank at comcast.net
Date: 11/9/2009
Remote Name: 174.51.79.60
Comments
Its now been 34 years since this wreck happened. Nov. 10 1975 shall always be remembered. May God continue to give peace to all the families involved. It was the mightiest ship to ever set sail on Lake Superior!! Thanks.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Thomas Mccann
Location: Lakewood CA
Email: mccannthomas at sbcglobal.net
Date: 11/9/2009
Remote Name: 76.255.199.165
Comments
The anniversary is quickly approaching.My best friends brother Mike Armagost was aboard the Fitz when she went down.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: George M.
Location: Nanticoke Pennsylvania
Email: k3zk at samobile.net
Date: 11/7/2009
Remote Name: 205.238.250.107
Comments
I still remember the sinking as though it was yesterday. I have done much research about the wreck, and to this day it is still somewhat of a mystery exactly what took the freighter down. My thoughts and prayers are still with the crew, family, and friends.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: pam adams
Location: whitehouse tx
Email: adamsp at whitehouseisd.org
Date: 11/6/2009
Remote Name: 74.192.112.116
Comments
Every year at this time I use GL lyrics and have my students infer the meaning of his literary devices. What a genius! The kids love the music. After hearing the song they dive into research about this tragic loss. God Bless the families and friends who lost loved ones. So many hearts are heavy for you and prayers given at this time when we all remember.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: wolf.a.mary.co
Location: jordan mn
Email: wolf.a .mary at gmail.co
Date: 10/28/2009
Remote Name: 71.193.72.65
Comments
I'm so sorry to all of you who have lost loved ones on the Edmund Fitzgerald....
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Katie
Location: Minneapolis
Email:
Date: 10/17/2009
Remote Name: 68.112.136.209
Comments
Does anyone know how much the ship weighed? This is to te Big Fitz and her crew: Bless the families who had family members on the ship, please pray that they are living thier lives like everybody should.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Karin Bowden
Location: Ft. Wayne, IN
Email: bucky06 at verizon.net
Date: 9/9/2009
Remote Name: 72.86.96.185
Comments
Negligence! Negligence sank Big Fitz. The ship had keel and other problems with it. Why didn't Captain McSorley take the same route as the Anderson? By the way, there is a memorial set up on the beach at Whitefish Pt. for 3 of the crew members: Bruce L. Hudson, Ransom E. Cundy, and, I believe, Mark A. Thomas. Anyone know anything about this? The memorial was not there last year. We were there on 9/2/09 when we saw it. Very, very nice, whoever did that. May those 29 lost souls be forever kept in the hearts of boat nerds everywhere. Bless the families of those lost as well.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Robert
Location: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Email: woodenkat4 at aol.co
Date: 9/7/2009
Remote Name: 205.188.116.20
Comments
First I hope clooney's movie the hundred year storm-not sure if that is the right title-is not based on this tradegy. Second as hard as it might be to some to believe, Brooklyn is a seafaring town and I grew up among boats and sailing men, my Great Uncle was a submariner in WWI. The sad thing is when you are running for home or a port or a save cove what can you do if it's just too far away? Who cares why she went down except to make sure others don't go down needlessly to that watery grave.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: don novicki
Location: girard pa
Email: dnovicki at aol.co
Date: 9/2/2009
Remote Name: 71.74.111.161
Comments
I'll never forget hearing about the loss of the ship and all crew aboard. My sympathy goes out to the families and loved ones left behind. God rest their souls....
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: john
Location: dayton,oh
Email: johnbaltes at ymail.co
Date: 8/31/2009
Remote Name: 24.164.92.40
Comments
I was 14 years old when I saw the "Fitz" heading west through the "Soo Locks". That was in late July of 1975.The Fitz stood out to me because of her size.The fate of those 29 men will always remain in my mind and heart. As a U.S.Navy veteran I salute those guys.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: sarah brabon
Location:
Email: sarah_brabon at yahoo.co
Date: 8/23/2009
Remote Name: 98.209.222.202
Comments
my grand father was on that ship i never met him. whats weird was i was born on nov,10,1998 the day the ship sank on nov,10 so i was born on the 50ith anversy of the ship( my parents call me the merical baby)
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Alex
Location: North Bay ON.
Email: alex.larade at sympatico.c
Date: 8/22/2009
Remote Name: 66.185.206.58
Comments
This question has been around for some time now and if so much hadn't been written about "The Big Fitz." I'm sure many more questions would need to be ansewerd.I think she broke in two from a stress fracture of the hull just like Capt. Cooper stated in his reports.The Fitzgerald was a work horse like all fleet ships are, they are worked hard and when the boat gets put to the ultimate test only the strong survive.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Karen Hamlin
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Email: babybluze223 at yahoo.co
Date: 8/21/2009
Remote Name: 207.117.33.135
Comments
I have always loved Gordon Lightfoots version of "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" but the version sung by Brian Burns leaves me in tears everytime when he recites the names of the crew members at the end of the song. One of my favorite places to go is Whiskey Island. There you can see a couple of lighthouses in the distance. When I look out onto the water, I often think about the Fitzgerald and those men (most of them were so youg)and their families. I can't help fighting back tears everytime. Sleep well and may your presence be guardians for all those that travel the Great Lakes. You will always be remembered.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Alan Roberts
Location: Chipping Sodbury UK
Email: r.alan75 at yahoo.co.uk
Date: 7/11/2009
Remote Name: 78.145.156.108
Comments
since hearing G.Lightfoot's tribute to the "Fitz" i often wondered if it was a true story. Only now in 2009 have i had it confirmed (while trying to get a download of the song) I've seen the pictures and read the reports of the tragedy and my heart goes out to those brave men and their families. I note the keel was laid on 7 august, the day of my 14th birthday. I was born in south wales, 3000miles away and now live in england,but I still feel for all those concerned. Incidently, I flew over Lake Superior last August 8th my 65th birthday
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Amanda Metzger
Location: St. Albans WV
Email:
Date: 6/29/2009
Remote Name: 173.80.155.174
Comments
I first heard of the Edmund Fitzgerald through the famous Gordon Lightfoot song that bears the same name. I was born in December of 1975. I was just a baby when the news was still thick in the air. I feel a chill and a deep sadness for all the men and families who encountered such sadness on the cold november day 33 years ago. My best of wishes to all those who are still working the lake today.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Tim Zimmer
Location: Vestal N.Y.
Email: timzimmer at 97
Date: 6/29/2009
Remote Name: 74.74.80.137
Comments
When I watched Deep Sea Detective about the Edmund Fitzgerald that the Fitzgerald might have struck the shoal that it might have left some iron on the bottom of the shoal or scraped iron on the rocks. that's what I believe about it striking bottom and some debris in the shoal
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Phil
Location: Swansboro, NC
Email: pwarrenhutson at yahoo.co
Date: 6/24/2009
Remote Name: 76.4.22.239
Comments
God Bless The Fitz. and it's crew, brave men all. And Sea will give up her dead.
Subject: The Loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald
From: Cannin
Location: Tampa, Fla.
Email:
Date: 6/23/2009
Remote Name: 75.200.208.148
Comments
My father-n-law has told me many stories of his time spend as a deckhand on the large ships on the Great Lakes. He says she was refered to as The Big Fitz. He has told me many times that his thoughts are she was broken by whats called twin sisters. One on the bow and one on the stern causing her back to break from all of the weight not supported in the middle. Who knows for sure but one thing is for sure, alot of good people have lost there lives on the lakes fullfilling the need of there loved ones. GOD BLESS THEM ALL !!
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!