The 50th anniversary of the SS Edmund Fitzgeralds wreck highlights the enduring legacy of this infamous cargo ship disaster on Lake Superior and the Great Lakes maritime history.
- On November 10, 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior during a fierce storm, claiming the lives of all 29 sailors aboard, including its sea captain, Ernest M. McSorley.
- The Edmund Fitzgerald was transporting iron ore from Milwaukee to a steel mill in Detroit when it encountered treacherous conditions, leading to its tragic demise on the Great Lakes.
- This year marks half a century since the wreck, which remains a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, particularly during harsh November weather.
Why It Matters
The wreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald serves as a critical historical event that underscores the risks of maritime navigation on the Great Lakes, reminding us of the human cost associated with shipping industries and weather-related disasters.