The SS Edmund Fitzgerald, often called the "Mighty Fitz," remains one of the most iconic shipwrecks in maritime history. Launched in 1958, this massive freighter measured 729 feet long and carried iron ore across the Great Lakes until its tragic sinking on November 10, 1975. Discover the story behind the Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck, its lasting legacy, and why it captivates history buffs and maritime enthusiasts today.



History of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald


Built by Great Lakes Engineering Works in River Rouge, Michigan, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald was the largest ship on the Great Lakes at launch. Owned by Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance and operated by Columbia Transportation, it set records for cargo hauls, transporting up to 26,000 tons of taconite pellets. Named after the president of the insurance company, the "Fitz" symbolized American industrial might during the post-war boom.


For 17 years, the freighter made routine voyages from Superior, Wisconsin, to ports like Detroit and Toledo. Its final trip began on November 9, 1975, loaded with 26,116 tons of ore bound for Zug Island.





The Tragic Sinking on Lake Superior


On November 10, 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald encountered a fierce storm on Lake Superior with winds over 60 knots and waves up to 35 feet. Captain Ernest McSorley reported issues but maintained contact until his last message: "We are holding our own."


The ship vanished from radar around 7:10 PM near Whitefish Point. All 29 crew members perished—no distress call was sent, and no wreckage was immediately found.

The U.S. Coast Guard investigation cited massive waves, possible structural failure, and hatchway flooding as causes. Theories include topside damage from rogue waves or grounding on Six Fathom Shoal.


SS Edmund Fitzgerald, Image by VÉHICULE

SS Edmund Fitzgerald, Image by VÉHICULE


Legacy and Cultural Impact


The Edmund Fitzgerald wreck lies in two pieces at 530 feet deep, discovered days later by sonar. It's a protected site under Michigan law, with the ship's bell recovered in 1995 as a memorial at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise, Michigan.


Gordon Lightfoot's 1976 hit "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" immortalized the tragedy, topping charts and introducing the story to millions. Annual memorials on November 10 honor the crew, including the bell-ringing ceremony.


Visiting the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial


Explore the mystery at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, featuring artifacts like the lifeboat and captain's chair. Dive tours (for experts) offer underwater views of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald wreck site.







Written by: Vehicule Magazine
VÉHICULE Magazine is an ad-free publication celebrating the high-performance world of offshore powerboating and cutting-edge transportation. With a focus on the intersection of design, speed, and culture, it delivers carefully curated, collector-worthy print editions handcrafted in Germany. Through exclusive content and a bold editorial style, VÉHICULE explores the artistry and innovation driving the high-performance lifestyle, earning praise as “brash, cultured, and curious” by VOGUE.