I think some of the best stories come from the Great Lakes, both good and bad. Looking back, I’m so glad that Gordon Lightfoot wrote a song about this cargo freighter. Tragedies should get recognized, and hopefully, lessons will be learned from them. I learned about it at 9 years old with the song. Without that, I probably never would have known about her. Because of the song, she is remembered along with the Lusitania and Titanic. But, unfortunately, she will not be the last cargo freighter we will see. The Great Lakes have taken many of them before and after.
She was a steamship. The SS means “Steam Ship” or “Screw Steamer.” The word “Screw” means the propellers; that is what they were called. In fact, the steamships had warnings on the back of their ships, like below; the Titanic had one as well. They did this so tugboats and others would not follow too close and be sucked into their propellers. For those who think steamships were only in the 1800s and early 1900s, there are some still in operation today.
She was launched in 1958 and quickly became one of the most famous ships on the Great Lakes. At 729 feet long, she was the largest ship on the lakes at the time and carried taconite iron ore from Minnesota to steel mills around the lower lakes. Her crews respected her. She had a reputation as a dependable ship and often set cargo records. For years, she worked without major incident and became something of a celebrity among Great Lakes sailors and ship watchers. Her nickname was The Mighty Fitz. She was huge, a little over two American football fields long.
That changed on November 10, 1975. The Fitzgerald left Superior, Wisconsin, loaded with ore pellets and headed toward Detroit. She was sailing with the freighter SS Arthur M. Anderson when both ships encountered one of the worst storms ever recorded on Lake Superior. Winds reached hurricane force, and waves climbed to enormous heights. During the evening, the ship reported damage and problems taking on water. Then, at about 7:10 p.m., she suddenly disappeared from radar. No distress call was sent. All 29 crew members were lost.
The exact cause of the sinking is still debated. Some believe the ship struck a shoal and suffered fatal damage. Others think huge waves overwhelmed her, or that structural problems weakened the hull. Investigations have never produced a single answer that everyone agrees upon. The wreck was discovered on November 14, 1975, resting in two large sections on the bottom of Lake Superior, about 530 feet down. Over the years, she became more than a shipwreck story. She became a symbol of the dangers faced by Great Lakes sailors. It is estimated that 6,000 to 10,0000 shipwrecks are in the Great Lakes, with over 30,000 souls lost. That figure is staggering to me.
After the wreck was found, divers eventually recovered the Fitzgerald’s bronze bell. In 1995, a memorial service was held where the original bell was replaced on the wreck with a replica. During the ceremony, the names of all 29 crew members were read aloud, and the bell was rung once for each man. It wasn’t about the ship anymore. It was about making sure the crew would never be forgotten.
The tragedy might have remained known mainly around the Great Lakes if not for Gordon Lightfoot. While he was reading a magazine article about the sinking, Lightfoot was struck by how little attention the crew seemed to receive outside the region. He felt the men deserved to be remembered as people, not just as part of a disaster. In 1976, he wrote and recorded the song, and it became one of his biggest hits and introduced millions of listeners to the story. Even today, many people first learn about Fitzgerald, like I did, through Lightfoot’s song. That helped ensure that the crew and their ship would never be forgotten.
When the Fitzgerald failed to arrive at Whitefish Bay, wives and children were simply waiting for their husbands and fathers to come home from another routine trip. Most Great Lakes voyages ended without incident. These were the twenty-nine men who sailed aboard the Edmund Fitzgerald on her final voyage. More than fifty years later, they’re still remembered by their families, friends, and everyone who believes their story should never be forgotten. The 29 crew members who lost their life companion page.
Yep…it would not be complete without this
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That number of ships lost on the Great Lakes is quite staggering to me as well. You would figure into the thousands but not that many. So many ships without a song that I know Gordon Lightfoot gave other shipwreck survivor family’s some representation as well. A powerful song.
The number floored me Randy. These cargo ships made up a lot of them because they are used more than any…I’m so glad that Lightfoot did what he did.
Had I not quit SCUBA diving, I’d probably be diving Great Lakes shipwrecks. The water is a bit colder than the tropical reefs I dove when I was diving. My parents grew up in Superior and my father talked of diving off of ore boats into the lake.
Looking at pictures of the Edmund Fitzgerald, it’s easy to imagine it breaking in half – either when the bow and stern are on the tops of waves and the midships is hanging in space, or when a large wave passes amidships and the ends are hanging in space.
That is something that I would have loved to do. Some go around and try to find old shipwrecks with side sonar…what an adventure that would be. I was shocked on how many ships have sunk in the Great Lakes.
All of those cargo freighters just look like they could break in half by their design…but some have been around for 60 to 100 years…that is some endurance against those terrible storms.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was owned by the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, and the colossal vessel was dubbed the “Queen of the Lakes” as it broke multiple cargo records during its 17 years of service.
Yea she was huge…over two football fields long and could carry tons. Thanks for stopping by Jim!
as a michigander i clearly remember this tragedy and we continue to honor this ship. the song is sung often here as well as in canada. so many ships lost in the great lakes – sad
It really is sad Beth. I had no clue that many were lost on the Great Lakes. I’m glad she is still remembered and thought of today. Thank you as always Beth!
great writeup. Like so many others I only knew about it because of the Gordon Lightfoot song (a classic I might add), we even studied the song in an English class around Grade 8. The size of that ship is nearly unimaginable, but it sure gives you an idea of the power of the weather and lakes. That number of shipwrecks is flabbergasting! Does it include little pleasure sailboats or speedboats? Even if it does, that is a huge number.
Thanks Dave… that number probably includes them as well I would imagine. It totally surprised me with that number.
In most of the cases that we see…November and December were the months a lot of these tragedies happen…when all of those storms move in all of a sudden. The Great Lakes and the Northern Atlantic have some of the most terrible storms.
Fascinating. The number of wrecks. OMG.
I looked at the list of the people, which lead me to wonder what those jobs are… Allow me to pontificate… (or at least cut and paste from Google).
Uhm, and a disclaimer. The list does not include a Cook. Another Google search says “The head cook and steward on the SS Edmund Fitzgerald when it sank on November 10, 1975, was Robert C. Rafferty. He was not originally scheduled for the voyage but was filling in for the ship’s regular cook, who was out with ulcers. R. E. “Russ” Mazes served as the second cook on the ill-fated vessel.” Rafferty is listed as a Steward on the list Max copied and Mazes has different initials and a different position. I don’t know for sure. Cook, Steward, all new to me.
There were two PORTERS, On a freighter ship, a “porter” (often called a steward assistant, messman, or utilityman) is a member of the Steward Department. They are responsible for the daily housekeeping of the crew’s living quarters, maintaining galley hygiene, and assisting the chief cook with meal preparations, dishwashing, and serving food.
A Third Mate on a freighter is a licensed deck officer responsible for the ship’s safe navigation, life-saving appliances (LSA), and firefighting equipment (FFE). Acting as the vessel’s designated safety officer, they stand watch on the bridge to prevent collisions and oversee emergency equipment inspections.
An Oiler An Oiler is an unlicensed, hands-on member of the engine room crew who works under licensed marine engineers to keep the ship’s propulsion and auxiliary systems running safely. They are responsible for lubricating moving mechanical parts, monitoring pressure and temperature gauges, and assisting with engine maintenance and repairs.
First Assistant Engineer A First Assistant Engineer is the Chief Engineer’s second-in-command in the engine department. They typically manage the engine room’s daily maintenance, supervise junior engineers and ratings, track the vessel’s spare parts and fuel inventory, and assume full charge of the engineering plant in the Chief’s absence
Second Assistant Engineer The Second Assistant Engineer (often acting as the Second Engineer) manages the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the engine department. They report directly to the Chief Engineer, supervise junior engineers and oilers, and oversee critical systems like the main propulsion, fuel, and auxiliary machinery.
Third Assistant Engineer A third Assistant Engineer on a freighter is a licensed junior officer who stands engine room watches and maintains vital auxiliary equipment. They are primarily responsible for the servicing of auxiliary engines, boilers, fuel systems, and safety devices like emergency fire pumps and lifeboats, reporting directly to senior engineering officers.
Maintenance Man A maintenance man on a freighter ship—often referred to as a Marine Fitter, Ship Mechanic, or Able Seaman (Maintenance)—is the jack-of-all-trades responsible for the physical upkeep of the vessel. Their daily work focuses on preventing structural corrosion, fixing mechanical breakdowns, and supporting engineering or deck officers.
Watchman A watchman (or watchstander) on a freighter ship operates in rotating 4-hour shifts to ensure the vessel’s safety. At sea, they act as a lookout or manage bridge operations. In port, they control gangway access and monitor cargo operations to protect against theft, unauthorized boarding, and accidents.
Chief Engineer The Chief Engineer is the head of the engine department and holds ultimate responsibility for all mechanical, electrical, and propulsion systems on the freighter. They act as the technical equivalent to the ship’s captain, managing the crew, overseeing engine room operations, and ensuring compliance with all international maritime regulations.
Deck Hand A deckhand (often ranked as an Ordinary or Able-Bodied Seaman) on a freighter ship performs vital manual labor and maintenance to keep the vessel seaworthy. Their responsibilities primarily include handling mooring lines during port calls, conducting lookout watches, and performing extensive exterior maintenance like chipping rust, painting, and washing decks.
Second Cook On a freighter ship, the Second Cook acts as the Chief Cook’s right hand. They assist in preparing and serving meals for the crew, handle daily baking, maintain kitchen sanitation, and help inventory and store incoming provisions. They act as the primary cook during the Chief’s time off. (I don’t see anyone listed as Cook, but who knows?)
Wiper A Wiper is the entry-level position in the engine department of a freighter ship. They are responsible for cleaning and preserving engine room machinery and spaces, managing oil spills and grease traps, and assisting qualified engineers and oilers with routine maintenance to gain the experience required for career advancement.
Special Maintenance Man A Special Maintenance Man is a highly skilled, specialized rating responsible for heavy-duty structural repairs and complex mechanical upkeep aboard a cargo ship. Rather than performing routine cleaning or daily watch duties, they focus on major overhauls, steelwork, and critical equipment restoration.
First Mate The First Mate (or Chief Officer) is the ship’s second-in-command, serving as the bridge between the Captain and the crew. They direct deck operations, supervise the crew, manage watch schedules, and take full command if the Captain is incapacitated. Their most critical responsibility is overseeing cargo operations and maintaining vessel stability.
Captain A ship captain (or Master) has ultimate command of a freighter, bearing full legal and operational responsibility for the vessel. They direct navigation, manage the crew, and oversee cargo operations. They ensure compliance with all maritime laws and guarantee the safety of the ship, cargo, and crew.
Wheelsman A wheelsman (or helmsman) on a freighter ship is an experienced deck sailor who physically steers the vessel and maintains watch. They execute course changes and rudder commands given by the commanding officer on the bridge.
Second Mate A Second Mate is a licensed deck officer and third-in-command on a freighter. They primarily serve as the ship’s lead navigator, responsible for passage planning and keeping charts up to date, while also standing bridge watches, dispensing medical care, and overseeing critical safety equipment.
Steward On a freighter ship, a steward (often the Chief Steward or Steward’s Assistant) manages the crew’s daily well-being. They handle meal planning, food inventory, and cooking. They also maintain the cleanliness of living quarters, dining areas, and the galley, which is vital for keeping morale high during long voyages.
Cadet A Cadet is a trainee officer. On a freighter, they split into Deck Cadets (learning navigation and cargo handling) and Engine Cadets (learning mechanical systems and maintenance). Their primary job is hands-on learning. They assist officers, maintain equipment, stand watches, and complete crucial maritime safety training.
Thanks…I was wondering what some did. On the companion page…it shows some as “oilers” and other things I didn’t know what they did.
Another great write-up, Max. Perfect to include Gordon!
Thank you Dana so much! You have to with this ship now…the two cannot be separated.
The song works as a beacon for curious people, even after all these years. That is the power of what is dismissed as ‘popular song.’ Those lakes make a damned cold graveyard.
Yes it does obbverse. It made so many people like me aware of it. Yes they do…that number really shocked me.
“The legend lives on…” Good write-up, Max. I watched the short videos and the 30 minute one. Unsettling listening as events unfolded.
Yes it is Lisa…very unsettling. Thank you again for reading and watching. The numbers on how many have been lost in the Great Lakes…shocked me….but I can see it. The bad thing is…this one is just the tip of the iceberg.
I do see where overloading giant ships and sending them out in the “gales of November” would be a problem on The Great Lakes. All driven by $$$$
Yes…that happened to a lot of them and I totally agree…especially those cargo freighters like this one. I have another one coming up Friday with a twist….it was eerily like the Fitzgerald… just a decade earlier. Those long freighters scare me because of the way they are designed…but some have lasted 100 years….which is crazy! I so respect those sailors who do this to this day.
Was the one you’re covering on Friday mentioned in the 30-min video?
Yes… In fact I wrote up both of the ones they mentioned. I try to put myself in their position…what a hopeless feeling.
A dangerous line of work for sure. I had at least one great great uncle who worked on the ships on the lakes. I remember he used to stay with my grandparents when he was ashore. He was my grandma’s uncle iirc.
I bet he had a lot of stories. I hope I can run into someone like that. Sorry I was so late in responding. Busy day…tomorrow I go back to work…boooo…lol.
Max, I didn’t know you were on vacay. Sorry it was so busy for you, but I think some of it was fun. I was thinking about this… as you do your research, if you find any registry of people who worked on the ships of The Great Lakes, will you please send it to me. I was too little to hear any stories from that uncle or uncles. They were on my grandma’s side of the family.
On grandpa’s at least 1 or 2 of his brothers worked on the railroad. And I think you heard me talk about my stepdad being a career railroad man.
Oh yes…we had fun…we finally got out together and that was cool.
I did run across something like that. I’ll list a couple at the bottom…I’m not sure about names but ships yes.
I’ve learned more about the Great Lakes in the last few months than I ever knew. These are two links I’ve used before…I had them bookmarked….but there is more…when I find something better I’ll send it to you.
https://greatlakesmuseum.ca/research-collections/ship-lists/
https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Michigan,_Crew_Lists_for_Various_Ports_-_FamilySearch_Historical_Records
Thank you very much!
I just looked through some of the national archives and that second link. I think I could find them in one of these if I were to try. I bookmarked the pages. Thanks again, Max!
No problem! And if you need any help just say the word!
Geez this is in my backyard and I didn’t know there were that many boats and crews lost. Lake Superior is a nasty lake as I told you a few weeks back as I have seen it firsthand. If on one of our drives of the Northern route to Sudbury if along the coast line of the waves are nasty I’ll take some footage for you and send it…. It’s intimidating even being a few miles up on shore haha
Just that short clip you sent me one day on the rocky shore was scary enough. You guys have a lot of stuff up there.
I’ll post it soon…there is a yacht around 50 miles from you that sunk in 1911 I think…dude it’s still beautiful…they say a guy from Thunder Bay tried to raise it and he went from Riches To Rags…lol…lost everything. I can see why…it would be tempting.
10,000 shipwrecks is insane. Awesome song though.
Before I started to read about this…I never knew the Great Lakes were that huge…it’s crazy.
https://theelephantstrunk.org/2026/07/07/holding-our-own-ss-edmund-fitzgerald/
Thank you again so much!
You’re batting average is thru the roof, Max! Another intriguing, informative post.
Like you, I know of the tragedy from the song (never cared for it much, to be honest, though I really like Gordon Lightfoot.) I never realized until now that it happened so recently. (I know it was 50 yrs. ago, but I thought it happened in the 1800s.) Thanks for educating me.
Thank you Pam! It is sad…I’m learning as I go with this. I always had this passion but now am fully exploring it. If I had to go out on a ship…a long narrow cargo ship would be my last choice. The Great Lakes are full of them on the bottom. On the other hand…some last 100 years.
When it comes to Mother Nature Max “all debates ” are off. Who knows the exact cause. When hit like that all bets are off.
I warmed up to the song over the years because of the story.
I’m glad he did it…because people like me who live nowhere close would know. Yep…you can’t beat Mother Nature…she has a winning streak that never ends.
A real tragedy, Max. I learned a lot from this post. Gordon’s song really did kickstart awareness about this event, especially with me.
It really was…I’m happy that he wrote that song so they would be remembered.