EDMUND FITZGERALD MEMORIAL-CAPTAIN DARRELL WALTON NEW INFO UNCLE RALPH WALTON PERISHED

[@dougyoungs2599]

I was only 7 when the mighty Fitz went down in 1975. I remember it well.. RIP crew of the Fitz. You will never be forgotten.

[@jimwiskus8862]

I was almost 19. I remember it like it was yesterday. I live in Iowa, and it touched a lot of people all across America. They were all very brave men, with many hopes and dreams of tomorrow.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Well said Doug...thanks for writing in.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

And it's been touching people around the world ever since. Thanks James, for taking the time to watch.

[@harrietharlow9929]

I was 22 at the time of the sinking of the Big Fitz and I remember it well.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@harrietharlow9929 Once you know, it's impossible to forget. Thanks Harriet...HMM

[@historicalbiblicalresearch8440]

Very many parallels to the Titanic disaster and cover up. The regulations flouted, the bulkheads missing from the Fitz and not to the top on the Titanic , and then a bunch of bad luck all combining. Thanks for this heartfelt documentary.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for watching! HMM

[@kchapy720]

I got tears in my eyes when Captain Walton said his father was the 30th victim of the shipwreck. Thanks for interviewing him. What a fascinating man.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...I really appreciate that, and I know Darrell does too! HMM

[@kencooper5201]

The truth has been told. Great interview.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for watching, Ken...HMM

[@Bald_Cat2007]

For those of you who don't know, the SS Reserve that Darrell Waltons' father was on was a fleetmate of the Edmund Fitzgerald and was also a sister ship of the Arthur M Anderson. There were 7 other sister ships of the Arthur M Anderson, and their names were Reserve J.L. Mauthe Edward B Greene Cason J Calloway Philip R Clarke Armco William Clay Ford

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for the info...HMM

[@tripplelindy2]

The AAA class

[@dennisryan6370]

"We are holding our own"..... No truer words were ever spoken!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for watching, Dennis...HMM

[@sroevukasroevuka]

I'm from the up I remember this happening I was a kid but I understood. One of my mother's friends from high school lost her dad when the Fitz sank.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I wonder who that dad was? Thanks for watching! HMM

[@qqube4762]

I was in the Air Force when this vessel went down. 26 thousand tons of ore . I wil never forget those words. That was the words that came from the rock radio station I listen to in Austin Texas. The radio station went off the air for 3 mintues.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Wow...interesting that the station was off-air for 3 minutes. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@angelwalker3260]

What an amazing video! I'm from Michigan, I was 14 in Nov. 75. I remember. I was at my older sister's house visiting up in Boyne Falls. I do remember the storm. And I recall going to this little restaurant the next day and everyone talking about the Fitzgerald missing. This is the first I have ever heard about red paint on the rocks! Fascinating stuff!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Angel! I appreciate you taking the time to watch...HMM

[@mr.sherlockholmes6130]

So sad they sank and all those men died . A merchant marine is a hard job . Thank you for your service great History. Service has to be hard and they should not be forgotten.There memory should never be forgotten.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for taking the time to watch. HMM

[@kuznetskiibassein3840]

This is absolutely great. Thanks

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for watching...HMM

[@joelhenderson5404]

Wow pard this was very good stuff. I could not stop watching. Thank thank thank you God bless you!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Joel; thanks for watching...HMM

[@christophersims7060]

Thank for sharing this memorial and personal experience of the disaster, RIP to all involved and affected.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Christopher; thanks for watching...HMM

[@jackmehoff2961]

it still brings a tear to my eyes ...

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You and me both, brother...thanks. HMM

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Thank you for a great video. I'm 61 years old and have heard the song many times, of course, and just a few bits and pieces about the Edmund Fitzgerald, and it was enlightening to see this. *RIP Fine Men of the Edmund Fitzgerald*

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for taking the time to watch; I appreciate your support! I am also 61, almost 62. HMM

[@MyTube4Utoo]

@@HistoryMysteryMan 👍

[@simpsonrdlarry4385]

Wow, what an amazing story. I could listen to that guy tell all about his father and uncle and rest of his family’s experiences on the ship’s all day and then some! Great video!👍

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...greatly appreciated. HMM

[@deltaqueen5704]

I agree Simpson Rd Larry. That gentleman is a natural born storyteller. He must be Irish.

[@davemorgan1]

Wow this is a fascinating interview and video. I really enjoyed it. Thank you and have a good day.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Elliot; thanks for watching...HMM

[@swte82]

Great job with this Video! I used to work with John McCarthy. His Dad was Joe McCarthy on the Fitz. Never knew John’s Dad but John was a great guy.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks. I've heard from shipmates that his dad was a remarkable man. Any idea how I'd get in touch with John McCarthy? Thanks for watching! HMM

[@oldmountainmarineandmetals9736]

I have always been intrigued with the story of the Big Fitz, being a former Waterman from the Chesapeake Bay this was really well done and gave me chills

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Jeff; greatly appreciated. HMM

[@gregoryv.zimansr4031]

Very interesting. I have listened to the song many times. Now when I hear it I will think about this video.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Well thanks Gregory...that's a great compliment! HMM

[@imhere653]

Now, THAT was packed full of intensely interesting FACTS. Thank you for your diligence towards educating those of us who don't know much about it. For a strictly voluntary endeavor, your generosity is exemplary. Thank you.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks 'I'm Here'...I appreciate you.

[@jeffburnham6611]

Packed with heresay. One someone says, "I was told this by so-and-so", someone who wasn't on the Fitz when she sank, it's not facts they're speaking, it's non-supportive opinion. If the Fitz did strike the bottom because she was riding too low, that could've easily been determined. If she struck the bottom bow first, her aft section would be sticking out of the water. To this day, if anyone who has seen the wreck and knows what really happened...they're not saying.

[@jasonw4053]

@@jeffburnham6611 except people have BEEN saying what this guy says in the interview for a long time, just not openly. There are interviews with former crewmen, one a chief engineer, who state that they didn't feel safe on that boat and that it had major issues. McSorely himself said so. Add to that overloading for years, and a hard, heavy weather captain, and you have a doomed ship.

[@redlinemando]

@@jeffburnham6611 WOW!!!!!!! Defensive & condescending much?!?!?!? It's a theory & you need to calm down dude..............that is unless you're part of Northwestern Mutual or the coast guard group that cleared the Fitz to finish out the season. Seasoned captains & seamen, from that area, familiar with those waters have all been saying the same thing for YEARS!!!!!!! It's a strongly supported theory based on the testimony & experience of ppl who served on the Fitz as well as other iron ore ships in the area. Here some simple math for you to chew on: 36 feet (6 fathoms) of water and the ship was loaded to 27 foot of draft. I mean.......it would only take a 10 foot wave for her to bottom out. If she struck bottom, bow first, 26,000 tons of force would have continued to push forward on the ship causing it to lurch up & buckle somewhere. This would have warped the ship into somewhat of a rainbow shape. With two less bulkheads than a ship of that size should've had & carrying much more weight than she should've been carrying for that time of year, it's easy to see how a stress point & eventual break could've happened. I believe the warping from the impact would have caused the bow to dive more than usual into each wave, putting even more strain on the initial impact point, until she could take no more. In a storm of that magnitude, it would have likely been impossible to notice the grimness of their situation until it was too late. I believe McSorley knew he'd struck bottom & that's why he immediately radioed that he was taking on water.

[@douglasskaalrud6865]

For further enlightenment there are at least a dozen books on the Fitz, all with differing viewpoints. I know a guy at work who saw a TV special on the foundering so he thought he knew everything and came to tell me because he had been told I was a “Fitzgerald guy.” I gave him three books to read and they demolished the “facts” as he had been fed. It pays to read up on the Fitz and form your own opinion. Remember the phrase, “consider the source?” That’s especially true with this subject because there are egos to massage, reputations to salvage, asses to cover and scores to settle. In the end, I believe the storm was just the straw that finally broke the camel’s back. The story of the weary camel begins with the laying of the keel.

[@thomasayer7511]

Wonderful and extremely done documentary about Big Fitz.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Thomas...HMM

[@davedennis6042]

One of the sadest things about this story is that Captain McSorley was retiring after this trip. His wife was in a nursing home and he told her he was coming home and would never leave her again. Would you want to be the person that had to tell her that Ernest wasn't coming home? Sad.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Very sad. When Gordon Lightfoot had his concert at the University of Toledo, Mrs. McSorley attended the show in her wheelchair, and visited with Lightfoot backstage. Thanks for remembering the Mighty Fitz and her crew...HMM

[@jefferyashmore6477]

I feel very sad for her but mcsorley should not have went out overloaded a damaged ship.. his arrogance killed 28 good men. He could have waited till storm passed. His reputation preceeded him.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@jefferyashmore6477 You have some valid points. I would add though that McSorley was unaware of the impending storm and its severity. When he left the dock, there were no storm warnings issued...not even a gale warning. The gale warning didn't come until he was out in the middle of it...thanks. HMM

[@jefferyashmore6477]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I had never heard that. Thank you jeff.

[@gib59er56]

Titanic capt. Smith was to retire after the tragic trip as well. Eerie.

[@joeleaton607]

Wish they would make a movie on this ship and that night.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Oh I know...wouldn't that be awesome! Thanks for watching, Joel.

[@thealleys]

This was amazing. Far better than many big production documentaries I have seen.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks..so appreciated. Just me and my cell phone camera; I'm a one-man band, soup to nuts...HMM

[@Kevin-ix4qz]

WOW. Very interesting... Thank you for sharing!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Kevin; thanks for watching! HMM

[@stevep8445]

Great stuff!!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Steve P....HMM

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

Thank You, Truly Worthy and Informative Reverance to This Great loss due to overt negligence of structual safety_ May Light and Peace Always Surround Them All, Always⚓

[@DirkVaughan]

I wish so badly that I could go down and see the Fitz firsthand. I’ve dove the SS Emperor on Isle Royale - it really takes your breath away when you see it appear out of the darkness 150 feet down, but isn’t as big as the Fitz. Great video, well done

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Charlie...HMM

[@davidmartin7660]

Excellent documentary. The museum is now on the bucket list. Being from Buffalo I’m almost positive the Fitz docket here a few times and recall seeing her as I drove over our skyway into the city. Thank you for the newfound enlightenment!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome David...thanks for watching...HMM

[@MrLuckytrucker21]

Wow, didn't know she was loaded up to her summer draft line, when in a winter storm!

[@glenholmgren1218]

Amazing documentary! Thanks!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Glen; thanks! HMM

[@billyanthony88]

I had the privilege of talking in depth with 2 elderly gentleman who were cousins. One served 6 years on the Fitz. 3 with Capt Pulcher and 3 with Capt McSorley. He tried through the 74 shipping season to get off the Fitz but didn’t have seniority to bump to another ship without taking a cut in pay. He actually quit Columbia before the start of the 75 season. He said “quitting seemed to be the only way to get off that boat with McSorley as master.” He said “Pulcher may have loaded it heavy and set haul records and ran her hard, but he wasn’t careless with her. McSorley was.” He said “frankly McSorley scared the hell out of me and a lot of the crew and I had to get off and away from him.” He said that McSorley may have been a good rough weather skipper but the Fitz was NOT a good rough weather ship, especially in the last couple seasons. The other gentleman was a foreman at Fraser shipyard. He was one of the inspectors who recommended that the Fitz go immediately into repair 2 weeks before she sank, but were over ruled by the coastguard and allowed to finish the season. He said that Tuesday morning, November 11th,1975, they were told by the managers at Fraser not to answer any questions regarding the bad condition of the Fitz, the weld breaks around the keel, or anything about it being unseaworthy. Management said, “we were over road by the coastguard. It’s their liability now, not ours.”

[@ijinokm]

Interesting/Intriguing comment, Billy. Appreciate it!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Wow...this is very interesting commentary; thanks for sharing it here, Billy. I had to go back and read what you wrote a few times to digest it all. Thanks again...HMM

[@tammiadams4001]

The truth slowly comes out in time when those feel safe to talk about it. After all these years Hoffa's body may have been finally located. It's just a matter of digging him up. Of all the ways to dispose of a body, Hoffa was placed headfirst in a 55-gallon barrel, a 12-foot hole dug with an excavator with Hoffa placed in it first along with other barrels dumped on top of him. I can't wait for them to start digging.

[@shawnjordan3330]

What a shameful loss of life driven by pure ego. A good ship an crew lost from pure assholery.

[@banditeastlick2471]

Another good reason to get to the bottom of the Fitz

[@johnhoyle6390]

This was the most in-depth informative video on the famous EF that I've seen.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks John; I appreciate you taking the time to watch. Salute! HMM

[@scottrayburn5563]

I know this. The ship is your home, your office and the hard work each crew member gives makes her that much more special. God rest their Souls and God Bless their loved ones.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Well said Scott; thanks for watching...HMM

[@steventweed3599]

Outstanding! Well done, sir.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Steven...greatly appreciated. HMM

[@momv2pa]

Nicely done. I nearly cried at the end when they were ringing the bell and showing the crew’s pictures. Gif bless the crew, their families and friends.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks. Yeah...the end...going through the crew members is definitely my favorite part...HMM

[@Hansahola]

Wow this is awesome. I kept wanting more thank you 🚢

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated...HMM

[@gayprepperz6862]

This has to be the most enlightening interview about the Fitz that I have ever seen (since I watched my first documentary on her). I've heard a bit about it's construction issues, and alleged remarks made by McSorely about it, but interview had me mesmerized. Profit and greed sunk the Edmund Fitzgerald, just as sure as The Witch of November.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks kindly; I appreciate your kind remarks. Sooner or later, greed always seems to rear its ugly head in corporate America...

[@gregoryclemen1870]

they will always put "PROFIT OVER SAFETY"!!!!!, I was 14 years old when this happened, and it really hit home when gordon lightfoot released the powerful tune "THE WRECK OF THE EDMOND FITZGERALD" in 1976. the "FITZ" had another 60 year lifespan, but it was pushed until it "BROKE"!!!!

[@gregoryclemen1870]

thanks for the "HEART"!!, I will always remember as long as I live, it makes me upset when 29 lives were lost. I do not remember what insurance company that owned the "FITZ", it is real interesting that there is no "DIVING" / investigation of the wreck. gee, what are they hiding?????. I have never known of an honest insurance company, they only like to see the money go one way "IN"!!!, no payouts!!!!!

[@Random-rt5ec]

It is suggested that greed also sand the Titanic. Several wealthy anti-Central Bank passengers were on board the Titanic & the families behind the Central Bank needed these passengers disposed of. Today these families pretty much own the world.

[@michiganman9599]

@@gregoryclemen1870 indeed regarding the life span; the Arthur M. Anderson, which was slightly older than the Fitzgerald, is still going strong to this day, 46 years later

[@markeverson5849]

When I lived in the u p Wilderness up by Silver Mountain I homesteaded back in the woods there I knew an old sea captain he was sick and in the hospital I met him out on his farm I could have bought an anvil from him but I did not he had also a lot of old bulldozers and things from the old days from the early logging days anyways he was a sea captain on the great lakes and he knew the captain of the Fitzgerald the Edmund Fitzgerald,!he saide the cap was known to be RECLES TYPE PERSON!..........

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Cool story; thanks for sharing it here, Mark. HMM

[@saraanderson6615]

I only know about the Edmund Fitzgerald because of Gordon Lightfoot’s song. So it’s good to hear the personal side of the story.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for taking the time to watch! HMM

[@williamhowell2096]

Thank you,, That's all I can say,,

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome! HMM

[@marthav2772]

I remember vividly the day the announcement came over the radio. I lived in the Cleveland area at the time and to me Toledo and of course Lake Superior were SO far away. Anyway, I was instantly sad at this news and started to cry and then when the song came out, oh my the tears still flow when I hear it. To me, for some unknown reason, the sinking of the Fitz is as captivating and tragic as that of the Titanic. Ironically, now I live in Troy Township, 10 miles south of Toledo! Strange how life takes you places. I want to thank you for this very informative and well put together video. It answered some of my questions. Well done.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Martha; we're practically neighbors! Lightfoot's song is sooo powerful, as is the story of the Mighty Fitz. Thanks for your support...HMM. I love Cleveland!

[@allisonmanley3231]

Very well done, thank you!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Allison; thanks! HMM

[@j.l.mckelvey7569]

Well done!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...HMM

[@sarahbrown4820]

Thank you so much for a much more comprehensive report on the event. Why weren't major contributing facts (out-of-service radio beacon, defective light-house, unverified depth charts or notices) mentioned or heavily emphasized in other "historical" videos? I don't know anything about ships, but as an aircraft pilot I know that missing or defective nav-aids are government responsibility and liability... someone should have gone to jail!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Congrats on being an aircraft pilot...super cool...and thanks for watching. These things sometimes raise more questions than answers, but it's all very interesting...HMM

[@jeffbranchick1516]

Invaluable documentary interview. I see no reason to doubt the good Captain Walton regarding the inside details of covering up the Fitz bottoming out on the shoal and the red paint found there. As he stated, why would those people bullshit him? This was a different era, and unfortunately for the blue collar hard worker, keeping your mouth shut to protect your job was a common practice then. I didn’t know about the difference of two less bulkheads. It makes sense that would jeopardize the structural integrity of a boat that big. She was pushed beyond her limitations too many times. This was that one, once a century perfect storm, that became one trip too many, and 29 real good men paid their lives for company greed. The fascination of this tragic event never fades. Well done sir.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again Jeff. Once the story of the Mighty Fitz grabs hold, it never lets go...every November it just comes back for more. HMM

[@jeffbranchick1516]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Like clockwork. The circle just comes around once again. Appreciate your reciprocation. Give me a shout when you come back through the Land and we'll figure something out. Or I'll let you know when I decide to make another trip to the National Museum at the Maritime Center on the Maumee. That said, I sent you a DM connect msg on LinkedIn.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@jeffbranchick1516 Got it...done! We'll work something out for sure...HMM

[@hankhonkler4732]

Captain Walton gave a great interview. I really enjoyed the whole video, thank you

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Hank; I appreciate you. Ain't Captain Darrell great!? HMM

[@pacificoceantsunami8497]

I lived in Duluth years ago and was always fascinated with this story, I rented an apartment in Duluth from a man named Chuck Montgomery who came into my apt one day, saw my bookshelf with sea disasters and the book on the Fitz and told me he worked the engine room on the Anderson the night the Fitz went down, that gave me chills, I am a California guy originally and to actually meet and know someone who was connected with this tragedy was bone chilling and yet amazing at the same time...he is now deceased and I am in the deep south, but this video is good, definitely info here I had not heard, good stuff!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks; I appreciate you taking the time to watch. What a fascinating story you shared. I would have loved to have interviewed this person. HMM

[@adewey1970]

So much information I've never heard told. Thx

[@Brandonbuilt]

Wow! Thanks for sharing. That's best tribute I have seen for Big Fitz yet!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks! So appreciated...

[@coupe437]

was living on the iron range when she went down we got 28 inches of snow that night

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

That's a lot of snow! Thanks...HMM

[@coupe437]

@@HistoryMysteryMan i moved there in 1968 from Montana, found my dad, and better jobs there was working for anaconda in great falls after i got back from Vietnam it was a shit hole, i went to work in the mines there , then went to welding school, 7 years i stayed there , the got a job offer from Boeing, in Montana

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@coupe437 Thanks for sharing your story here...HMM

[@ks8452]

I reported to USCG TRACEN Cape May, New Jersey for boot camp that night. My dad told me about the sinking when I made my two minute call home.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

It's funny how we remember those moments, where we were and what we were doing. Thanks K S...HMM

[@matthintz9468]

I'm from Northeast Ohio (near Lorain where the American Shipbuilding Company was located) and several of the crew were from the Greater Cleveland area, along with many people who worked on the Great Lakes, and many here still speak about the wreck like it just happened.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I think it's important to keep the story of the Fitz alive. Thanks for helping. I love the Cleveland area. I was the first Captain on the Nautica Queen...down in the Flats.

[@stevieray6216]

Awesome content, sir! Cpt Walton’s testimony gave me goosebumps. Inside knowledge and compassion. So, you could argue that ultimately it was excessive profit seeking that brought the Fitz down. Missing bulkheads, overloading, poor maintenance b/c those runs had to be made. Amazing that the Arthur M. Anderson is still in service today, now almost 70 years old!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I know...the Anderson is a war horse! The Fitz is a sad story for sure...heartbreaking to this day. Thanks for watching Stevie...

[@Houndini]

I think Cpt. Walton is correct. That happens lot more than is officially noted in all dangerous occupations.

[@harrietharlow9929]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Love the Anderson! She's older than me and still workin'. She's one tough Lady. Long may she sail! And I agree--the Fitzgerald is very sad. I remember seeing the great ore ships and in a fit of four-year-old exuberance yelling "shippie!". As you can tell I've loved ships and the sea since little. And the Great Lakes of course since I grew up near the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair. Seeing their photos I can only think they should either be old men or have passed after long, hopefully rich, lives. May they all rest in peace.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@harrietharlow9929 Thanks for sharing your thoughts here Harriet. I too grew up in the Detroit/Toledo area and have always loved the Great Lakes...largest body of fresh water in the world; we are so lucky to live next to them. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@davebrunette6394]

That was very interesting.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Dave...

[@billyanthony88]

I’m going to add something that was told to me about a conversation between Capt Bernie Cooper and first mate Morgan Clark. The following was told to me by Cedric Woodard, who’s father was Capt. Cedric Woodard, who was piloting the Swedish vessel Avafores that night. Woodard was who McSorley told “was the worst seas I’ve ever been in,” and who heard “don’t let nobody on deck.” Morgan Clark told Capt. Woodard, at the investigation, that he brought to Coopers attention that, “if the Fitz stays on this course, they will steam right over that shoal. Should I warn the Fitzgerald?” Coopers response was “I’m not going to tell another captain how to run his ship.” Clark said the Fitz went right over it.

[@darrellwalton938]

Another piece to the puzzle. Thank you for the information.

[@ranmo8970]

Yes thank you very much. I don't know why one captain would not warn another of such a thing in such weather

[@laurapeter3857]

That would explain why Cooper was adamant that the Fitz had bottomed out on the shoals.

[@adammatthewssr.77]

Another fine piece of work. Thank you Don.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks again, Adam...HMM

[@robinwavestou5526]

Wow. What an awesome perspective this gentlemen has provided. The summer load lines could most definitely have had a major impact. Great commonsence insight. It's still sad when good men keep silent for fear. That Gordon Lightfoot song is what generated my interest in this whole event, even saw him sing it. Haunting.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Robin...I appreciate your thoughts...HMM

[@shawnjordan3330]

What a beautiful story. Thank you. God bless the big Fitz and their families.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Shawn; thanks for watching! HMM

[@brianparent8901]

That must have been an awful death...they either froze to death or drown. I feel feel just awful for the men and their families.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

It's such a sad story. Thanks for taking the time to watch, Brian. HMM

[@brentmack51]

Ex-coastie had my 30'er on Erie in 15' 🌊 noreaster 12 hours to go 40 miles back to NY. What a night

[@TSWest]

It was Gordon Lightfoot who first introduced me to the Edmond Fitzgerald. I can still feel my heart skip a beat when I listen to it and he sings that one line... "Does anyone know, where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?" That always gets me. Great video that has gained you a new subscriber.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks; i appreciate you taking the time to watch. Such a powerful song...HMM

[@jski7355]

Very accurate lyrics , That recording really gives you that gloomy feeling , I remember hearing that song as I was driving thru a snow squall on a somewhat desolate section of highway just prior to Thanksgiving I looked at the gray skies ,and the intermittent precipitation ,, that was snow , drizzle snow , freezing rain .It was by no means a major storm , but enough to proceed with extreme caution . And a typical late November depressing day .. I could feel those Seaman .. I'll never forget it ...Crazy

[@American4Kestrel]

Lightfoot's homage to the unnamed workers on the Fitz still haunts me; I regularly share the song and story with my classes.

[@nancyback]

❣️❣️❣️

[@bshingledecker]

Well done sir.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks! HMM

[@jameshepler62]

This has to be the most amazing & informative documentary on the Big Fitz I’ve ever seen. The “insider knowledge” of the conditions, construction (ie missing compartments & bulkheads), the shoal extending out further than the charts had it, & the survivor of the other ship that broke up provide many new insights indeed. This video is a MUST WATCH for anyone wanting to know about the Fitzgerald disaster.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks James...greatly appreciated. HMM

[@mbhinkle]

I'm in Sandusky Ohio and every November my thoughts are on the Fitzgerald

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Mine too...every November. It's crazy...it's an actual mood...the Mighty Fitz. Thanks Mark...HMM

[@nickpilkington9754]

Thanks for creating such an awesome, informative video. I was only twelve when the ship went down. It made the news bulletins here in Australia. It’s one of those sad ‘if only’ stories! 🙁

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Nick...so cool to hear from Australia! Thanks...HMM

[@farmshoffman8475]

Great information towards that ship!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Farms...HMM

[@garylefevers]

Thank you for such excellent work. I had never heard about a couple of things mentioned. R.I.P. E.F crew.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Gary; thanks for watching...

[@billc3271]

I have always been fascinated by this story dunno why.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Me too Bill...can't get enough. HMM

[@jimwoodard64]

Great work. Such a sad, haunting song that I had loved and performed so many times. I was stationed in Great Lakes, IL not long after, and people who have not seen those lakes in November can't imagine how immense and dangerous they are. Had a few close calls myself that I can look back and laugh about now, but when I was literally strapped in my bunk or walking down bulkheads as the ship rolled furiously, I could only pray I'd make it home. That song would creep in and remind me of my own mortality.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Jim...for sharing your thoughts here; I appreciate you! HMM

[@kennethwise7108]

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS DOCUMENTARY!!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Kenneth; thanks for watching!

[@toddgilmore8412]

I have just finished re-watching this amazing tribute, well done guys. I still just can't imagine what Capt. Bernie Cooper went through that night. First loosing sight and then radar contact with the Fitz, just a horrific and unbelievable feeling that she was probably gone. And then the call he received to go back out into the storm and search for his fellow mariners of which he did. Capt. Cooper is certainly a hero in this tragic story.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Capt. Cooper was amazing. I can't imagine going back out in the same storm that he knew took down the Fitz. Courage beyond words. RIP Capt. Cooper. Thanks Todd...we are really enjoying your contributions and support. HMM

[@OdinThriceGreat]

In one of the videos where they go down to the fitz in a submersible you can see a human skull when they are going past the pilot house window clear as day, and it's on KZbin

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Really? I've never seen that...HMM

[@OdinThriceGreat]

@@HistoryMysteryMan did you see it

[@MacGregor.]

Remember that Bell ringing on the evening news. Powerful. Have hade visuals of it picked up and dropped, with all that weight, she split maybe. Who am i to speculate. Awesome reference to your beginning" in' 78. Been all around Toledo. Comfortable for a Detroit born miscreant. Thanks for honoring the Men with their name, and picture. God bless.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Always appreciated MacGregor; thanks for chiming in. HMM

[@robertschildt306]

Judging from drawings and the side scan images something doesnt even look right! WOW! amazing thing you find out and hear ! I always wondered if those in investigates were covering something up where she came in to close and my speculation was dead on!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting thoughts...thanks for sharing them here. Stop by anytime, and thanks for watching...HMM

[@tonyfranks5829]

This story has always fascinated me. One of the crew members was living in my hometown of Fremont Ohio. I believe one was from Milbury. Excellent job very respectful tribute.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Tony...so appreciated. That sounds right on Fremont and Milbury.

[@darrellwalton938]

My Uncle Ralph Grant Walton was from Fremont Ohio. He signed on the "Fitz" in September, just before the vessel sank...

[@douglashurd8652]

Shoals had no mercy in the days of less technology as ourselves slammed whitefish fish shoals in a trough in 76 lost the dink in a roage few hrs before , but the sloop built for the north sea , said to myself these guys were victims of some really unbelievable unfortunate cicumstances ..i was 12 then as my dad was rather fearless captian but always repect the fitz crew to this very day . From the mines in hibbing where dad and gramps worked at times , to the rust belt furnaces , these laker ships and miners are the real essential workers of the world.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Well said Douglas; thanks for watching...HMM

[@turdferguson4124]

I agree with Captain Walton’s assessment of the ship bottoming over the shoals, sustaining damage below the waterline, and effectively slowly sinking before taking a nosedive. That theory fits the evidence the best of all theories that have been advanced. I’m extremely skeptical that divers would have been able to find evidence of the ship’s bottoming on the shoals-that would be like finding a needle in a haystack. I think it is also telling that Captain Cooper’s son said his father believed the Fitzgerald bottomed on the shoals. Ship captains tend to be reluctant to publicly criticize one another, which may have tempered Cooper’s public statements regarding the Fitz’s course, but what he said to his family in private conversations is telling. If you think about it, the Fitz’s ability to navigate without a functioning radar on board would have been severely impaired. They were relying on sporadic communications with the Andersen to get radar updates, and although the Andersen could see their position on radar, they would not be aware of course corrections or changes until well after they could see the Fitzgerald’s course change on the radar screen. By the time it was apparent on the Andersen’s radar that the Fitzgerald was heading toward the 6 fathom shoals, it might have been too late to warn them off. Captain Cooper also might have been reluctant to appear to be giving navigational advice to his counterpart, a seasoned Great Lakes skipper, even though McSorley was running blind. Reading between the lines, given McSorley’s reputation as someone who would push his luck to maximize revenue, Cooper may have thought McSorley’s ship handling in that moment was within character.

[@joachimguderian4048]

Turd Ferguson - Finding a large swath of hull red bottom pain and the red lead primer used back then ground into rocks/shoals is definitely NOT a needle in a haystack as they had survey divers comb most of the shoals. Mostly to survey EXACTLY where they were to improve maps and to look for evidence of grounding. The visibility in the water there is almost always very good (I’ve dived the area MANY times) and as a former Navy Diver, I’ve helped investigate a bunch of groundings and conducted a bunch of bottom surveys. You may choose to call what Capt. Walton had to say as hearsay but everything he said fits perfectly if you examine all the available evidence and take into account his personal experience.

[@joachimguderian4048]

PAINT not pain…dammit

[@Garryck-1]

@@joachimguderian4048 - See those three vertical dots to the right of your comments as you hover your mouse over it? Those let you edit the original comment. Saves having to post a second one as a correction...

[@twrecks4598]

I took my wife to the Schoonmaker last year... what an experience! You never really understand the scale of these giants until you have been on them and see them up close... particularly the cargo area! I've live between Detroit and Port Huron ... the Schoonmaker and Toledo Speedway are pretty close to me.. gimma a holler sometime mate. We can swap stories between a Navy vet and a Merchant Marine vet!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I grew up at Toledo Speedway! Thanks again my friend...stop by anytime. HMM

[@aspiceronni4462]

I was just in Toledo at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. Toured the Schoonmaker. Very neat boat. Here is an interesting tidbit...I own the cover art for Wes Oleszewski's book, Witch of November. The drawing is called "17 miles from safety", and portrays the Fitz before she went down...drawn by Tony Strublic. A friend of mine won it in a raffle and gifted it to me. 😊 Very interesting video you have here with very interesting information. Thank you!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're so welcome; thanks for watching...HMM

[@lesschoenberger3070]

This was so well done, and to hear that they found red paint on the rocks on Caribou Shoals leads me to strongly believe that Captain Cooper was correct, he always said he believed that they bottomed out on the shoals and were sinking ever since. That relative of a crewmember really told some things that we have never heard before, really enlightening facts. It's sad about his father, sorry that he had such a rough life.....

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Les...greatly appreciated. HMM

[@drforjc]

But none of the divers ever made a public statement setting the record straight?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@drforjc No idea...great topic for you to research...thanks!

[@lesschoenberger3070]

@@drforjc Probably because like he said it would put the shipping company at risk of being liable so they were "persuaded" to keep quiet about what they saw?

[@drforjc]

That was my question. How would the shipping company be at risk if the Fitz had bottomed out? That's a navigational error in a bad storm. They would have been far more liable if the cause of the sinking was a faulty ship, as some people have theorized.

[@doorattachment6926]

Can't believe its already 46 years since the tragedy.R.I.P. to all crew members.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for watching...HMM

[@mikeb949]

I totally agree with Captain Darrell! I had the honor of meeting and speaking with Captain Bernie Cooper back in the 1980's. He pulled no punches when he told me his true thoughts on the sinking, and I always will believe him over any Coast Guard reports. Anytime you're in the Harrison Township MI area Captain Darrell, drinks are on me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

How cool...a conversation with Captain Cooper! Thanks for watching...HMM

[@evrav4]

Take Bernie coopers word ship was over loaded to start with

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@evrav4 And Cooper was there...in that same sea. Thanks...HMM

[@mikeb949]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Exactly! And what some people may not realize, is that the Arthur Anderson was getting hammered by the same storm. Most of the crew on the Anderson were fearful they would not make either. That is why Captain Cooper (RIP) will always have my respect for going back to look for survivors.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@mikeb949 Well said Mike B...couldn't agree more on Captain Cooper. HMM

[@davidhansbury6247]

Well imagine that... Not only are we both open wheel fans.. Were also both ship nuts.!!.. And as usual, you knocked it right out of the park.!!... Well done.. This puts a whole new light on it.!!🙏🙏🙏💓💓💓

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Well thanks David; I sure appreciate it. #EldoraRocks!

[@BornToPun7541]

I wasn't born yet but my older sister was born 9 days prior to the Fitz going down.

[@ctg6734]

Incredible interview! There was another video I watched earlier this year that also mentioned concerns over cracks in the welds. I sure hope that the loss of the Fitz shook shipping companies out of their complacency and that they started to take safety and maintenance issues more seriously.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Fortunately, we haven't lost a ship on the Lake since the Fitz, so there were some lessons learned. Thanks! HMM

[@CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

Thank you for doing these videos on the admin Fitzgerald! Glad I found your channel!

[@CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

Flipping auto correct obviously it was meant to say Edmund Fitzgerald* Cheers

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks! Greatly appreciated. Can you help me find Hudson's Challenger?

[@CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Your video on the car was amazing!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@CoastalAutoReactionCAR Thanks...I really appreciate that. Stop by anytime! HMM

[@TommyTheCat42]

The best deep dive (no pun intended) on the Fitzgerald I’ve ever seen/heard. This video needs to be seen by anyone interested in the Edmund Fitzgerald! Thank you so much for making this video, from a history/folklore nerd in Rhode Island

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Hey there Rhode Island! So cool to hear from you. And thanks for your compliments...some of the best I've ever received...so grateful...HMM

[@TommyTheCat42]

I sent this video to my friend in the deep south who sparked my interest in the Fitzgerald. He’s gonna be thrilled, this confirms everything we’ve talked about for years

[@rcoleman6118]

Thank you for sharing this with us. Always was fascinated with the story, and the information you have provided really helps understand what went wrong. Outstanding video and information.

[@clearlycaribbeanreb7176]

The Big Fitz was an Ohio boat with plenty of native sons on her. We’ll never forget in the Buckeye State. RIP fellas 👊

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Well said...thanks for watching...

[@clayz1]

Judging by some comments by people in the know (?), it sounds like the cause is as much human nature than momma nature. The Fitz is still fascinating to this day. That ballad was a hit song, and it gave chills listening to it. Thank you Gordon Lightfoot for that. This short movie is a tribute also. Thanks for posting.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for watching! HMM

[@auntieclara1811]

This was so interesting. I always loved the song, of course. I went to White Fish Bay to see the bell. Rip to those brave man. Thank you so much for this documentary.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Auntie Clara; thanks for watching...

[@annawhitis4251]

God & Jesus Christ bless all of the hard working men who perished, on the Edmond Fitzgerald & their suriviving," beloved family members."They will all remain in everyone's memory. Kevin Phoenix

[@gregembrey2947]

Very interesting ,could sit back and listen for hours. a very sad story, thanks for sharing.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Greg; thanks again, sir!

[@mikefox1212]

thank you very much

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Mike! HMM

[@WillieWonka928D]

The Anderson was also lengthened to 767' and refurbished in early 1975. There were plans for the Fitzgerald to be lengthened to 825' along with extensive hull repairs in the 1975/76 winter layup, which had just been done to her sister the SS Arthur B. Homer. Speaking of the sister ship something I always found strange is that after the Fitzgerald sank, in 1978 the NTSB was denied permission to travel on the Homer by the company that owned her before she was laid up in 1980 then scrapped in 1987. While there was the steel downturn in the 1980s that caused a lot of great lakes ships to be scrapped (especially ones without self unloading gear like the Homer) it's rather odd that the Homer, which was even newer than the Fitzgerald, was scraped not long after considerable money and time went into lengthening and refurbishing the ship. Most ships scrapped then tended to be older and smaller ships. I personally think that furthers the case that both the Fitzgerald and Homer, sister ships built by the same yard, had the same structural issues which the companies tried to conceal.

[@danbasta3677]

I quite agree. Northwestern Mutual were the owners of both these vessels.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Super interesting perspective, William...sure makes sense. I didn't know that about the Homer; thanks for sharing it here...HMM

[@Cadet1008]

@@danbasta3677 The Homer was owned outright by Bethlehem Steel.

[@Cadet1008]

The Homer was scrapped 10 years after it was lengthened, but laid up since 1980. I don't think there was an attempted cover up, the ship built in between the Fitzgerald and Homer, is still sailing today; Herbert C. Jackson.

[@WillieWonka928D]

@@Cadet1008 That is true about the Jackson, though her design is different than the Fitzgerald and Homer as they aren't all considered sister ships. Given that the Fitz/Homer were both new designs and some of the first lake ships to be built at or near 730' it's not surprising that many people, both sailors and shipyard workers, have come out saying there were major flaws in both ships. I don't want to completely dismiss the downturn in the steel industry in the 1980s being a factor in the layup/scrapping of the Homer, but I personally believe the economy as well as her design issues and association with the Fitzgerald made her a prime candidate to for the company to let go.

[@777poco]

very interesting thanks

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Denis...thanks! HMM

[@chuckg6039]

Hi Don. I really, really enjoyed this one! Had no idea Captain McSorley once lived in Toledo. My Mom spent her high school years living on the northwest corner of Charlestown Ave and Kershaw Ave. Just north of McSorley's apartment. I'll have to tell Mom. Jen and I plan a trip to the Great Lakes Museum soon. As you know, I love history. And speaking of nautical museums, we visited Duluth a few years ago. They have an awesome museum right on the Duluth Ship Canal. Anyway, I'm making my way through watching all your videos. And going through you web site. Great stuff from a man with such an interesting background in life. Was saddened to read on Wiki where that monster tug James Hannah was scapped last year. But the memories you had on that vessel will last forever. Great seeing down at Atomic last weekend. Chuck (Dublin, Ohio)

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Chuck. That video on the Fitz is my highest/best performer so far. The Fitz has worldwide appeal, and I'd like to do more on the great ship. I was also saddened to hear about the James A. Hannah; that was my home for years...hell of a powerful tug. Great seeing you at Atomic. Time for lunch! HMM

[@charleshettich7396]

someone really needs to figure out if there is red paint on that shoal. can you imagine that headline............