These are the largest, deadliest shipwrecks in Great Lakes history

As the 50th anniversary of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald’s tragic sinking approaches, the maritime community reflects on the legacy of one of the Great Lakes’ most infamous shipwrecks. The freighter, which sank during a fierce storm on November 10, 1975, claimed the lives of all 29 crew members aboard. This anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by the Great Lakes and the thousands of vessels that have met a similar fate over the years.

The Legacy of the Edmund Fitzgerald

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald was a 729-foot freighter that sank in Lake Superior, just 17 miles from Whitefish Point, during a severe storm. The ship was carrying a cargo of taconite pellets when it encountered winds reaching 66 mph and waves as high as 25 feet. The last communication from the Fitzgerald occurred at 7:10 p.m. on November 10, just minutes before it vanished from radar. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the wreck’s location on April 15, 1977.

The story of the Edmund Fitzgerald has become ingrained in the cultural fabric of Michigan, largely due to Canadian singer Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting ballad, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” This song, along with annual memorials, keeps the memory of the ship and its crew alive. Bruce Lynn, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, emphasizes the importance of remembering such tragedies, stating, “It has created that awareness that the Great Lakes are beautiful, deadly places.”

The Great Lakes are home to an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 shipwrecks, many of which are being rediscovered through advanced sonar technology and historical research. Since 2019, researchers have uncovered 15 shipwrecks on Lake Superior, including the recently discovered 300-foot Western Reserve, which sank in 1892. These discoveries not only honor the victims but also provide insight into the maritime history of the region.

Other Notable Shipwrecks in Great Lakes History

The Edmund Fitzgerald is not alone in its tragic history. Other significant shipwrecks include the SS Carl D. Bradley, which sank in Lake Michigan in 1958, claiming 33 of its 35 crew members. The Bradley was caught in severe weather, similar to the conditions faced by the Fitzgerald. Mike Horn, President of the Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum, recalls the impact of the Bradley’s sinking on local communities, highlighting the personal stories behind these maritime disasters.

Historic US ship SS United States on its final voyage after 30 years moored up

Another notable wreck is the SS Daniel J. Morell, which sank in Lake Huron in 1966, resulting in the loss of 28 crew members. The SS Cedarville also met a tragic fate in 1965 after a collision, with only one crew member surviving. These stories, along with the wreck of the Lady Elgin in 1860 and the infamous White Hurricane of 1913, illustrate the perilous nature of Great Lakes navigation.

As we commemorate the Edmund Fitzgerald’s 50th anniversary, it is essential to remember the lives lost and the lessons learned from these maritime tragedies. Advances in technology and improved safety measures have made the Great Lakes safer for navigation today, but the memories of those who perished remain a vital part of the region’s history.