On Nov. 10, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald, a freighter nearly 730 feet long, sank during a brutal storm on Lake Superior, taking all 29 crew members with it. The ship was loaded with iron ore pellets bound for Detroit when it encountered hurricane-force winds gusting 50 knots (57.5 mph) and waves over 25 feet high. Despite its experienced captain and sturdy build, the Fitzgerald went down just 17 miles from Whitefish Bay, leaving behind a haunting mystery.
What makes this story so unforgettable? For one, no one knows exactly why the ship sank. Some believe massive waves breached the deck or that the ship struck a hidden shoal, while others suspect structural issues. The Fitzgerald’s sudden disappearance and the lack of answers made it a chilling tale, one that Gordon Lightfoot immortalized in his iconic song, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” To this day, the ship rests over 500 feet deep in Lake Superior, forever lost to the lake that claimed it.
For students at Michigan Tech, the story of the Fitzgerald feels especially relevant. We’re close to Lake Superior, so we understand its power in a way few others do. Whether you’re hiking along its shore, sailing, or studying environmental science, the lake is part of life here. In a world increasingly focused on environmental extremes, the Fitzgerald reminds us of nature’s force and unpredictability.
The wreck also feels personal. Many Tech students are drawn to careers in engineering, technology, and environmental studies—fields that touch on safety, resilience, and innovation in the face of natural challenges. The anniversary of the Fitzgerald’s sinking isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a reminder of the responsibility and respect the lake demands from anyone who navigates, studies, or simply admires it.
