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The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald: The Loss of the Largest Ship on the Great Lakes
*Includes pictures*Discusses official investigations and amateur expeditions to the wreckage*Discusses the evidence and theories about the sinking*Includes a bibliography for further reading*Includes a table of contents"They might have split up or they might have capsized;they may have broke deep and took water.And all that remains is the faces and the namesof the wives and the sons and the daughters.” – Gordon Lightfoot, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”The Great Lakes have claimed countless thousands of vessels over the course of history, but its biggest and most famous victim was the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, the largest ship of its day to sail the Great Lakes and still the largest to lie below Lake Superior’s murky depths.The giant ore freighter was intentionally built "within a foot of the maximum length allowed for passage through the soon-to-be completed Saint Lawrence Seaway.” but despite its commercial purpose, the Edmund Fitzgerald was also one of the most luxurious ships to ever set sail in the Great Lakes. One person who sailed aboard the ship recounted, “Stewards treated the guests to the entire VIP routine. The cuisine was reportedly excellent and snacks were always available in the lounge. A small but well stocked kitchenette provided the drinks. Once each trip, the captain held a candlelight dinner for the guests, complete with mess-jacketed stewards and special ‘clamdigger’ punch.” Indeed, when it was completed in 1957, the Edmund Fitzgerald was nearly 730 feet long and dubbed “Queen of the Lakes”, and it was so popular that people would wait along the shores to catch a glimpse of the famous boat. The ship had already earned various safety awards and never suffered a serious problem when it set sail from Superior, Wisconsin with over 26,000 tons of freight on November 9, 1975 and headed for a steel mill near Detroit. During that afternoon, however, the National Weather Service, which had earlier predicted that a storm would miss Lake Superior, revised its estimates and issued gale warnings. Over the course of the next 24 hours, the Fitzgerald and other ships in Lake Superior tried to weather the storm, but by the early evening hours of November 10, the Fitzgerald’s captain radioed other ships to report that the ship was having some problems and was taking on water. In the ship’s last radio contact, the captain reported that the ship and crew were “holding our own,” but just what happened next still remains a mystery to this day. Minutes after that last contact, the Edmund Fitzgerald stopped replying on the radio and no longer showed up on radar, indicating that it sank, but no distress signal was ever given, suggesting something catastrophic happened almost instantly. At the time the ship went down with all 29 of its crew, winds had reached about 60 miles per hour, waves were about 25 feet high, and rogue waves were measured at 35 feet. The wreck of the ship was found within days, and the fact that it was found in two large pieces suggest it broke apart on the surface of the lake, but it’s still unclear how that happened. Since her loss with all hands, people from all walks of life have weighed in on the ship’s fate, including official investigators, sailors, and meteorologists, but no one has yet to come to a clear conclusion about what exactly went wrong. Various theories have since been put forth, attributing the sinking to everything from rogue waves to the flooding of the cargo hold, but the loss made clear that more stringent regulations on shipping in the Great Lakes was necessary, and it was also a painful reminder of the dangers of maritime travel.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2014
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Charles River Editors
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 11, 2015
A good summary of events before, during, and after the sinking, but if you want to read a more extensive book, I highly recommend Frederick Stonehouse's book The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
July 29, 2025
Not overwhelmingly riveting but gave some details that I didn’t know and was a nice pre-nap listen
March 7, 2022
Informative, and this is on me, but I didn't realize what I was buying. Other than a few short quotations from family members, there's not much in here that one can't get from a Wikipedia or other online article. The book is pretty short - less than 100 pages, I'd say (unsure because it doesn't have page numbers). I would have guessed that it's a self-published book that's printed on demand based on the number of spelling errors, and was surprised to see that it was published by Charles River Editors.
If you know nothing about The Pride of the American Side and want to get a general survey of her final voyage, this is a good resource. But if you're like me and want to dig deeper, skip this one.
If you know nothing about The Pride of the American Side and want to get a general survey of her final voyage, this is a good resource. But if you're like me and want to dig deeper, skip this one.
July 29, 2021
A great read that you can easily complete in a single day. I've known some of the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald since the song written by Gordon Lightfoot was released (and I've sung that song for more years than I can remember). The book provides an accurate account of the history of the ship, including what is known of its last day at sea. I liked how the chapters were introduced with verses from the song, which is apparently an accurate account of what we know about the tragic sinking. (Gordon LIghtfoot is known for carefully researching songs that cover historic events.)
We still don't know exactly what caused the sinking, but all the current theories are explored. I was struck by many of the details such as the ship sinking in roughly 530 feet of water, but if she "nose-dived" as some theorized, that would have left 200 feet of hull sticking out of the water when the bow hit bottom. I found that description really eye-opening as to how bit the Mighty Fitz really was. There is also a description of a special appearance Gordon LIghtfoot made to sing the song, but I won't spoil it for those who plan to read the book.
We still don't know exactly what caused the sinking, but all the current theories are explored. I was struck by many of the details such as the ship sinking in roughly 530 feet of water, but if she "nose-dived" as some theorized, that would have left 200 feet of hull sticking out of the water when the bow hit bottom. I found that description really eye-opening as to how bit the Mighty Fitz really was. There is also a description of a special appearance Gordon LIghtfoot made to sing the song, but I won't spoil it for those who plan to read the book.
May 28, 2021
A fascinating book M
I remember when this happened! At the time I did not understand exactly what had happened but I knew it was bad, I was only 13 years old and had never seen a large body of water. But Gordon Lightfoot`s song " The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" has always been a favorite of mine. I heard it through first time on KPIK AM radio in Colorado Springs m Colorado., at that time owned by Pappy Dave Stone. It made me cry for years every time I heard it. This book was so interesting because I had never heard the complete story before. I am now 76 years old and I still cried a lot when reading it. It's one of the saddest stories I've ever heard. Highly recommended for all ages
I remember when this happened! At the time I did not understand exactly what had happened but I knew it was bad, I was only 13 years old and had never seen a large body of water. But Gordon Lightfoot`s song " The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" has always been a favorite of mine. I heard it through first time on KPIK AM radio in Colorado Springs m Colorado., at that time owned by Pappy Dave Stone. It made me cry for years every time I heard it. This book was so interesting because I had never heard the complete story before. I am now 76 years old and I still cried a lot when reading it. It's one of the saddest stories I've ever heard. Highly recommended for all ages
March 2, 2020
i will say that i am reviewing this with the thought of i read it on a kindle screen ...so the picture are extremely small ... and if i was reading this to a child (like i am sort of imagine that i am looking at it through their eyes, or how they might look at it) i feel this not great idea ... we need bigger / closer pics ... kids wanna get a close up view ... you will need a microphone glass to see them at all??! i was kind of shocked ...maybe if you have a real book it might be different??!
November 28, 2025
Quick but Flawed
If I hadn’t been able to read this for “free” under the kindle unlimited umbrella, I would’ve been sorry for purchasing it. While I did learn some new information from quoted first hand accounts that I didn’t previously know, the grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors were so glaring and distracting that I honestly laughed out loud at a few and finished this only to see if I could find one that could be as crazy as the last.
If I hadn’t been able to read this for “free” under the kindle unlimited umbrella, I would’ve been sorry for purchasing it. While I did learn some new information from quoted first hand accounts that I didn’t previously know, the grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors were so glaring and distracting that I honestly laughed out loud at a few and finished this only to see if I could find one that could be as crazy as the last.
March 24, 2017
Once again, the Charles River Editors have turned out another unedited mess. This has to be the fifth or sixth book I’ve read from this quote, “prestigious” group. Missing words, incorrect words, punctuation issues and italicizing ships names then not. No consistency.
The story itself is a decent primer for those not aware of the loss of this great ore ship. Gordon Lightfoot’s song covers all the important issues surrounding the loss.
I was not aware how many other ships were in the vicinity when she got in trouble. Other than that, listen the song. Nothing new here.
Three star push
The story itself is a decent primer for those not aware of the loss of this great ore ship. Gordon Lightfoot’s song covers all the important issues surrounding the loss.
I was not aware how many other ships were in the vicinity when she got in trouble. Other than that, listen the song. Nothing new here.
Three star push
November 16, 2021
Interesting and heartbreaking
No one will ever really know what happened to the Edmund Fitzgerald, but this book gives several plausible reasons. All we know is that 29 good men died leaving grieving families behind. This book does a wonderful job explaining the history of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
No one will ever really know what happened to the Edmund Fitzgerald, but this book gives several plausible reasons. All we know is that 29 good men died leaving grieving families behind. This book does a wonderful job explaining the history of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
January 3, 2022
Very good and easy read.
I've always been fascinated with the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I live on the shoreline of one of the Great Lakes and came of age as Gordon Lightfoot's song became popular. As an adult, I was more interested when I found out it was a true story. I really enjoyed this book.
I've always been fascinated with the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I live on the shoreline of one of the Great Lakes and came of age as Gordon Lightfoot's song became popular. As an adult, I was more interested when I found out it was a true story. I really enjoyed this book.
March 1, 2026
The remorse for the 29 lives and family…
The pain caused by the sinking and loss of all lives on the Edmund Fitzgerald was felt by many. Especially those in proximity to the sinking, but also to all the states upon which it berthed. It made a lot of history in life and death…
🤵🏻🤵♂️ Excellent 💥 Read 🧞♀️🙂🔔
The pain caused by the sinking and loss of all lives on the Edmund Fitzgerald was felt by many. Especially those in proximity to the sinking, but also to all the states upon which it berthed. It made a lot of history in life and death…
🤵🏻🤵♂️ Excellent 💥 Read 🧞♀️🙂🔔
October 7, 2017
The editing on this one seems to be especially bad. Missing words, words repeated, punctuation errors, etc. Unfortunate, considering the importance of the topic. I'd never heard of this wreck before and will seek other material to learn more in-depth information.
August 4, 2018
Fascinating read!
As a fan of my fellow Canadian, Gordon Lightfoot, and, the ballad quoted herein, I was anxious to read the story. I could hear invoice singing this song all through the book. I'm happy I read it, and recommend to one and all!
As a fan of my fellow Canadian, Gordon Lightfoot, and, the ballad quoted herein, I was anxious to read the story. I could hear invoice singing this song all through the book. I'm happy I read it, and recommend to one and all!
December 28, 2020
The Gripping Story Behind the Song
Short, sweet, and to the point, this book wastes few words in recounting the disaster of November, 1975. Many new and interesting facts made sure I finished the book in one sitting.
Short, sweet, and to the point, this book wastes few words in recounting the disaster of November, 1975. Many new and interesting facts made sure I finished the book in one sitting.
May 29, 2022
informative, Sad, Powerful
It is very that most outside of the Great Lakes area don’t know much about this tragedy beyond the amazing and agonizing song by Gordon Lightfoot, and this book provides a human side to a real and loan duo event in 1975. Strongly recommend this read.
It is very that most outside of the Great Lakes area don’t know much about this tragedy beyond the amazing and agonizing song by Gordon Lightfoot, and this book provides a human side to a real and loan duo event in 1975. Strongly recommend this read.
October 26, 2023
An account of this incredible ship.
I liked that this book included so many thoughts of those involved and related to the crew of this amazing ship. Anyone who has an interest in the Great Lakes and the amazing ship who sail it would enjoy this book.
I liked that this book included so many thoughts of those involved and related to the crew of this amazing ship. Anyone who has an interest in the Great Lakes and the amazing ship who sail it would enjoy this book.
November 25, 2017
Very informative
I loved learning facts I hadn’t known before about the captain, crew and all the circumstances surrounding that fateful day.
I loved learning facts I hadn’t known before about the captain, crew and all the circumstances surrounding that fateful day.
December 28, 2017
Great
Great books
Would read again highly recommended in all aspects great story with a lot of drama the best book
Great books
Would read again highly recommended in all aspects great story with a lot of drama the best book
February 20, 2018
Meh
I liked the pics that's about it. Didn't really ready mostly skimmed. Going to look for different books on subject matter.
I liked the pics that's about it. Didn't really ready mostly skimmed. Going to look for different books on subject matter.
September 24, 2018
Interesting Z
A good read a d very informative. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know how the Edmund Fitzgerald went down. Very Thoroughly informative.
A good read a d very informative. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know how the Edmund Fitzgerald went down. Very Thoroughly informative.
August 7, 2019
Great tribute to the 29 and Fitz
I have always loved the song. I'm glad to know the story behind the tragedy. Great details about the wreck. I'm sad for their families.
I have always loved the song. I'm glad to know the story behind the tragedy. Great details about the wreck. I'm sad for their families.
December 23, 2019
Quick and knowledgeable read
Finished book in half hour. Enjoyable and knowledgeable. Great pictures accompanying the story too. Very light but good read. Recommend.
Finished book in half hour. Enjoyable and knowledgeable. Great pictures accompanying the story too. Very light but good read. Recommend.
December 8, 2022
Superb quick read
Enjoyed this informative review of the Sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. Very informative charts, graphed and photographs. Thank You
Enjoyed this informative review of the Sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. Very informative charts, graphed and photographs. Thank You
April 14, 2025
Sinking of Big Fitz
I thought the book was to the point on history of the Edmund Fitzgerald. The photographs were very interesting to look at.
I thought the book was to the point on history of the Edmund Fitzgerald. The photographs were very interesting to look at.
January 2, 2026
For landen because this is one of his obsessions and only makes me listen to the ballad forty times a year
June 21, 2014
Tragic and heartbreaking to read
Tragic and heartbreaking to read
Being from the Midwest and having been on some of those Great Lakes you can feel the intensity of the water. Knowing that 29 men lost their lives that stormy night breaks my heart and my prayers always went out to their families. This short story was illuminating since this occurred while I was quite young. Of course I know the song from Gordon Lightfoot but reading about the actual ship itself was interesting. I love these short reads by Charles River Editors that give us glimpses into the past lives of our history.
Tragic and heartbreaking to read
Being from the Midwest and having been on some of those Great Lakes you can feel the intensity of the water. Knowing that 29 men lost their lives that stormy night breaks my heart and my prayers always went out to their families. This short story was illuminating since this occurred while I was quite young. Of course I know the song from Gordon Lightfoot but reading about the actual ship itself was interesting. I love these short reads by Charles River Editors that give us glimpses into the past lives of our history.
October 12, 2014
A Tragedy Remenbered
A clear and crisp account of the tragic and mysterious loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Mysterious, because despite repeated examinations of the wreckage, it is still uncertain why the ship sank. The authors offer a fair airing of the theories advanced to explain the sinking and provide sufficient information about the crew members and their families to humanize the story. Fortunately, the authors do not use the sort of filler too often found in books trying to add pages to an interesting event that does not require hundreds of pages for an fully adequate recounting.
A clear and crisp account of the tragic and mysterious loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Mysterious, because despite repeated examinations of the wreckage, it is still uncertain why the ship sank. The authors offer a fair airing of the theories advanced to explain the sinking and provide sufficient information about the crew members and their families to humanize the story. Fortunately, the authors do not use the sort of filler too often found in books trying to add pages to an interesting event that does not require hundreds of pages for an fully adequate recounting.
July 15, 2014
Interesting Tribute!
This is an exceptional well written story of a great ship but also pays tribute to the 29 brave souls that were lost that day. Highly recommend this book especially for students and anyone who wishes to know the story of a famous ship and the brave men who served on her. Excellent!
This is an exceptional well written story of a great ship but also pays tribute to the 29 brave souls that were lost that day. Highly recommend this book especially for students and anyone who wishes to know the story of a famous ship and the brave men who served on her. Excellent!
August 20, 2014
Interesting, concise summary
Interesting, concise summary
This is a well written, concise summary of the history of the Edmund Fitzgerald wreck. I had always been curious about the ship after hearing Lightfoot's song. This brief summary gave an understanding of what happened.
Interesting, concise summary
This is a well written, concise summary of the history of the Edmund Fitzgerald wreck. I had always been curious about the ship after hearing Lightfoot's song. This brief summary gave an understanding of what happened.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews