Edmund Fitzgerald wreck weather re-analyzed
Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have re-analyzed the terrible weather that doomed the Great Lakes ore carrier Edmund Fitzgerald on Nov. 10-11, 1975. The ship's sinking was memorialized in Gordon Lightfoot's 1976 ballad "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald."
Combining all the data available from the period of the ship's sinking with modern computer modeling, the researchers have produced the most detailed and reliable estimates to date of the conditions that beset the ship and its crew of 29 that night on Lake Superior. The results, published this month in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, are terrifying.
The 729-foot ship, which was churning south toward the shelter of Whitefish Bay, appears to have encountered winds up to 69 mph, and gusts to hurricane force. Worse, the wind probably produced 25-foot waves - rare for the lake - running west to east, directly broadside to the ship. The conditions persisted for up to six hours. Earlier than that, or later, and the ship likely would have survived the night, the researchers suggest.
For the full report, click here, then click on "Print Version."
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November 10 - Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Service. A memorial service for the men lost on the Edmund Fitzgerald will be held on November 10 at Dr. Henri Belanger Park in River Rouge, Mi. The service will be held near the Mariners Memorial Lighthouse beginning at 6:00 p.m. The tug boat will be on hand to take out a wreath to be placed on the river. The service will feature a plaque presentation, bell ringing, lantern lighting, and refreshments will be served. For more information call Roscoe Clark at 810-519-2148 or Dolores Swekel 313-842-7822.
The service will be at River Rouge Michigan on the Detroit River next to where the ship was built at the slips and on the other side is where Zug Island is.
A special Edmund Fitzgerald open house will be open to the pubic from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the River Rouge Historical Museum
Posted by: ssEdmundFitzgerald.com | November 1, 2009 2:30 AM
I am honored and excited to be invited to attend the upcoming service held this
November 10th in River Rouge.I will be coming from Kansas to honor my dad and the other
28 crewmen.My father was the " Old Cook" referred to in the Gordon Lightfoot song.
There will be so many events having to do with the FITZ I hope to be able to fit it all in.
I think it's great to include the school kids learning about the Great Lakes and the ships
that have sailed on them.
I grew up in Toledo Ohio and watched from many ports my dads ship sail off with a load
of iron ore or coal. Those good memories never go away. Hope to see you there.
All are welcome to honor and remember that fateful night.
Pam Johnson
Daughter of ROBERT C. RAFFERTY
Posted by: Edmund Fitzgerald Service | November 2, 2009 11:36 AM