Remembering the Edmund Fitzgerald: 50 Years Since the Tragic Shipwreck

Sat Nov 01 2025 09:25:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald disaster, a maritime tragedy that claimed the lives of 29 crew members in Lake Superior. As events unfold to commemorate the ship and its crew, memories of the past resonate deeply in the hearts of their families and the community.

On November 10, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior during a fierce storm, resulting in the loss of all 29 crew members onboard. The disaster is remembered for its tragic impact on maritime safety in the Great Lakes and is the subject of Gordon Lightfoot's famous ballad. As the 50th anniversary approaches, family members and communities honor the lives lost and reflect on the improvements made to ensure such a tragedy does not occur again.

MARQUETTE, Mich. — Spend enough time along the shores of Lake Superior and you can’t escape the memories of what has come to be known as the disaster that occurred when the 'gales of November came early.' This year marks the 50th anniversary of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, the largest and most recognized of approximately 6,500 ships that have sunk in the Great Lakes.

The Fitzgerald, a 730-foot freighter named after a Milwaukee insurance executive, sank on November 10, 1975, claiming the lives of all 29 men on board. Captain Ernest M. McSorley, aged 63, was known for his navigational skills but faced an unprecedented storm that day.

With waves reported as high as 25 feet, the ship was damaged during its final voyage, which had begun the day prior from Superior, Wisconsin, laden with iron ore destined for Zug Island in Detroit. A distress signal was never sent, marking the incident as one of the most tragic maritime disasters in North America.

As the anniversary approaches, events across the Great Lakes are planned to honor those who lost their lives. The story of the Fitzgerald has become a sobering tale that has spurred significant safety improvements in maritime operations.

Family members continue to gather on annual memorials, reminiscing and paying tribute to their lost loved ones. Gomez-Felder, daughter of a crew member, emphasizes a desire for their memories to be respected and preserved. It’s an honor to remember them and keep their legacy alive, she expresses.

The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald rests at the bottom of Lake Superior, submerged in 535 feet of water, about 17 miles north-northwest of Whitefish Point, Michigan. On this solemn milestone, we recognize the impact of the past while remembering those lost at sea.