How strong were the winds that sank the Edmund Fitzgerald?

around 50 mph
Around the time the Edmund Fitzgerald sank, the wind was blowing around 50 mph, with gusts reported by the Anderson of 70 to 75 mph, and waves of 18 to 25 feet.

How big were the waves that sank the Edmund Fitzgerald?

Edmund Fitzgerald sank at the eastern edge of the area of high wind where the long fetch, or distance that wind blows over water, produced significant waves averaging over 23 feet (7.0 m) by 7:00 p.m. and over 25 feet (7.6 m) at 8:00 p.m.

What was the storm like that sunk the Edmund Fitzgerald?

on November 9th, 1975 and was carrying iron ore to Detroit. On its route, the ship encountered a very significant November storm. The path of the Edmund Fitzgerald on November 9th-10th. This storm would ultimately be responsible for the sinking and tale of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Did a rogue wave sank the Edmund Fitzgerald?

If the Dive Detectives are right, the ship was in fact sunk by a rogue wave — a massive wall of water that can reach up to 10 storeys high but was previously dismissed as a sailors’ myth. A report by the U.S. Coast Guard had previously blamed the crew for the disaster on Nov.

How much did the Edmund Fitzgerald weigh when it sank?

13,632 tons
The Fitzgerald weighted 13,632 tons and was 729 feet long.

Were any bodies found from the Edmund Fitzgerald?

Although the captain of the Fitzgerald reported having difficulties during the storm, no distress signals were sent. The entire crew of 29 people died when the vessel sank. No bodies were ever recovered from the wreckage.

Can you dive the Edmund Fitzgerald?

On Sept. 1, 1995, Tysall and fellow diver Mike Zee, of Chicago, became the first and only people to ever scuba dive the Fitzgerald. The deep-water expedition landed the two men in the technical diving history books – and in hot water with some of the lost crew members’ families, who consider the wreck a gravesite.

Was the Edmund Fitzgerald overloaded?

The NTSB hewed to the Coast Guard line somewhat, agreeing that that non-weathertight hatch covers probably caused flooding during the trip, but the board ultimately concluded the probable sinking cause was “sudden massive flooding of the cargo hold due to the collapse of one or more hatch covers.” The heavy seas …

Did the Edmund Fitzgerald have lifeboats?

With the ship pounding and rolling badly, the crew of the Anderson discovered the Fitzgerald’s two lifeboats and other debris but no sign of survivors. Only one other vessel, the William Clay Ford, was able to leave the safety of Whitefish Bay to join in the search at the time.

How deep of water did the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in?

530 feet
Shortly after 7:10 p.m. on Nov. 10, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald suddenly sank in Canadian (Ontario) waters 530 feet (160 metres) deep after encountering a severe storm on Lake Superior.

What really happened to the Edmund Fitzgerald?

Almost 36 years after the Edmund Fitzgerald sank to the bottom of Lake Superior, taking its 29 crew members with her, mystery still surrounds just what happened on Sunday, Nov. 9, 1975 to sink the 729-foot freighter.

What was the wind on the Fitzgerald when it sank?

Edmund Fitzgerald reported winds of 52 knots (96 km/h; 60 mph) and waves 10 feet (3.0 m) high. Captain Paquette of Wilfred Sykes reported that after 1 a.m., he overheard McSorley say that he had reduced the ship’s speed because of the rough conditions.

What was the purpose of the Fitzgerald?

It was designed to carry taconite pellets (a type of iron ore) from mines near Duluth to iron works in Detroit and Toledo. It was the largest ore carrier on the Great Lakes when it entered service. Its first voyage took place September 24, 1958. The Fitzgerald met its fate while traveling on Lake Superior during a storm on November 10, 1975.

How many years did Edmund Fitzgerald carry iron ore?

For 17 years, Edmund Fitzgerald carried taconite iron ore from mines near Duluth, Minnesota, to iron works in Detroit, Toledo, and other Great Lakes ports. As a workhorse, she set seasonal haul records six times, often breaking her own previous record.