Edmund Fitzgerald, New Info, Structural Damage from the Start? Captain Darrell Explains

[@gregwhite8503]

Good stuff as usual. a couple things. I was an "oiler" on a hulett & a hi-lift operator. A hulett could, would and did punch holes in the floor and side tanks. It had that kind of power. When unloaded you could see the welded repair patches. It was said a grab of taconite was 20tons. If a cable on the leg failed and it had a full grab, I can see damage to the floor plate, but structural damage seems extreme. Having said that I was a dock worker not an engineer. I was told firsthand by a marine engineer who was on one of the boats that had an issue downbound - she was loaded - he was aboard - that both the company and the CG were concerned about the hull. This body of water was closed for two days.. both the CG & the company deemed her seaworthy. He wondered. I read the Paquette book when it came out. It sure is a great read but 20 years has fogged my memory. I know Capt. Paquette discussed how much water must have been coming in. Capt. McSorley reported he had both pumps on full. That allowed Paquette to "do the math".. the infiltration was extreme. But I also recall that one of the main winter jobs was keel work. I have this voice in my head that it may have been an emergency repair...was to stiffen or at least reweld the keel. You have the CG records you'd know. Paquette considered McSorley [my words] a bit of a "cowboy". Given what you pointed out by the launch & the engineering [bulkheads] and the added tonnage meaning reduced draft and the mindset of the industry she was an accident waiting to happen. Have an eggnog. Merry Christmas.

[@shawndavis8438]

Captain Darrell is a national treasure. As are you, Mr. Don. The Fitzgerald seemed like it was just worn out after being overloaded year after year. The screen bulkheads and load lines are basically what did it in. And I remember hearing about the Fitzgerald being at Bay Shipbuilding for an emergency repair job right before all of this happened. That L strait that Capt. Darrell was talking about along with the radars ultimately did them in. The Fitzgerald and its crew went through hell that none of them deserved. With all of that being said, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

[@K_Rich_1983]

Thank you HMM for the compassion for the Fitzgerald and thanks to the Captain for continuing to share information with us related to the loss of his uncle.

[@bobdobalina2931]

What an amazing man Capt. Darrell is. When the pair of you are together and feeding each other ideas it really seems like this mystery might one day be solved. The theory that the ship may have twisted or bucked and severed the power cables to the radar is highly plausible and yet I never heard that from anyone else. Even Capt. Darrell was surprised by it. In fairness, his research on the damage inflicted to the radars seems equally as plausible. Thank you for this, I can't wait for the next one,

[@Peter.w]

Any accident involves links in a chain and it takes one one more of those links to fail.. Capt Darrell continues to find those missing broken links in this particular case well done Sir! and Thanks HMM for this latest episode!

[@skycvg]

Another great conversation about the Mighty Fitz. Thanks for keeping her memory alive and remembering those that were lost. I appreciate your efforts into learning from things that went wrong so we don't repeat the same mistakes in the future. No one is trying to point a finger here and blame someone, only trying to make sure that this never happens again. Hopefully technology and training continue to advance to protect the men and women on the freshwater seas.

[@bradystalbaum2392]

Wow new info! Can’t wait to hear the rest of this story! Thanks gentlemen!

[@beberle9641]

Don and Darrell you two are relentless in your search for answers of the mystery of how the Mighty Fitzgerald went down. And we all appreciate that. Happy Holidays to everyone. Brian from Colorado 🤠

[@andreweggert3894]

I love all of the information that keeps coming out! I hope we could get the log book I think that would answer a few questions and solve some of the mystery that is hidden. Keep up the great work!

[@atomicwedgie8176]

This is what I have been waiting for... the nitty-gritty. Thank you, Captain Darrell! Merry Christmas, everyone!!!

[@robertayers9424]

Thanks for sharing all of the information! Captain Darrell just keeps digging up the nuggets. HMM thanks for putting it all together for us!

[@robertschultz6922]

This is the reason I love your videos! New information comes out and tells more of the story. I really really hope that you are able to interview more family members and friends of the crew members from the fitz, the Anderson and the ford during the storm that sank the fitz!!!!

[@MissTerri207]

Again, thank you, Don and Captain Darrell Walton for another terrific discussion. As long as you keep doing these, I will watch faithfully. ❤

[@BarbaraVance-p4p]

Fascinating and informative, thank you Captain Darrell. What a cliff hanger! Can't wait for the next part!

[@Houndini]

I guess this is going to be tune in next week to find out deal. A cliffhanger type of deal

[@darlenejohnson8864]

I could listen to Darrell Walton all day. He's so knowledgeable about the Fitzgerald. Thank you hmm for the videos you show.😊😊😊😊😊❤❤

[@PocketSnacks91H]

Awesome...this new information has me even more intrigued then ever...great jobs fellas..I'm looking forward to the next video...I'm happy that the information was shared about the welding rods, and what not being crammed between the ribs of the hull...I watched a video where Red spoke about the times he was there when they installed the stern, and bow thrusters..he said there was all kinds of garbage they used to stuff under the ribs and keel of the Fitz...a local news affiliate did a piece with a welder for the Fitz..he said he re-welded in port holes because the portholes popped out during heavy seas

[@p.k.5455]

I absolutely LOVE these videos!!! HMM struck gold with the Captain here! Thank you both for your time and ESPECIALLY your KNOWLEDGE!!!

[@jamesmccarthy5086]

Thank you for sharing! These make my day! I’m always learning something new and thanks for that! I can’t wait to see what you guys have in store for next time. I still can’t believe that the Coast Guard didn’t fix the hatch covers despite the issues she had. I’m sure someone had to have made a complaint about them. The Herbert C. Jackson was the next ship built after the Fitz. She’s still sailing today, but I wonder if she had any keel issues as the Fitz did.

[@Kevv554]

You guys are my heroes. I can't thank you enough for the New information. I have felt so bad about the Fitzgerald for many years and maybe your research will someday lead to justice for the families and the crew. Huge hugs, guys, and I wish you both a wonderful Christmas!

[@maxnikolenko2302]

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME !!!! this is a bonus gift. Love this show. Merry christmas everyone

[@MissTerri207]

Merry Christmas, friend.

[@p.k.5455]

I wish a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and new year to HMM and Captain Darrell!!! God Bless you both and your families!!!

[@briansteinmacher5811]

Thank You Captain Darrell for some more pieces of the puzzle.

[@danielmcfadden1]

Gosh, the problems the Fitz had just keep piling up. I always thought that was a very violent launch and have always wondered when it smashed into that wall if it had sustained any damage. Thank you fellas for digging up all this information, very interesting!

[@tmayer0009]

I was so excited for this! Another fantastic episode! Thank you @History Mystery Man and Captain Darrell Walton! Have a very Merry Christmas to you both! Your biggest fan! Pari Ann

[@MarkHolt-p4w]

Very glad to see you guys again. My birthday is 12/23. This is a great gift!!

[@MissTerri207]

Have a Happy Birthday!🎉

[@AppalachianMountaineer1863]

Thank you for the Christmas break posting HMM you and Capt. Darrel and families have a safe Merry Christmas

[@williamcarl4200]

I was young when my Dad showed me the newspaper article about this tragedy. I remember the USS Belknap fire was around the same time. He always insisted that I be aware of the goings on in the world. I damn sure passed that on to my two kids.

[@danmay7495]

I love your informative content. I did a report on the Fitz in 7th grade (1977) and have been fascinated about the topic and great lakes shipping ever since. Thank you so very much for digging up all the interesting untold tidbits that tells the real story. Nothing much changes in the world we live in. Follow the $$ it will reveal the truth.

[@MrSEANDEERE]

I have never noticed the flex in the launch footage before I guess Cause I never thought to look for it but it's insane! Incredible content guys, a history major I love your channel. Great Sunday morning coffee content!

[@rogerozdarski2935]

Thank you again HMM! You and Captain Darrell I think have hit on all these little things add up to the unfortunate accident. Can't wait till the next video. Keep up the great work. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to both of you!

[@tommygunnz450]

When I see captain Darrell, I click.

[@gayprepperz6862]

Always wait with anticipation for a new posting from the History Mystery Man, especially if it's a session with Captain Darrell Walton!

[@jeffkaufman9875]

Fascinating as usual, though particularly-so with the “new” developments regarding a keel compromised upon launching (!) and a damaged, less-than-reliable radar; you just gotta suspect that the tragic destiny of The Fitz was already cast very, early-on in its inception, just awaiting the right/wrong set of circumstances and conditions to come to its final fruition…

[@Weez412]

Was on the edge of my seat. Cannot wait for the next one. Have a Happy Holiday Captains.

[@waynerafferty1048]

Thank you for your incredible videos, your amazing work is keeping the light of the 29 men and captain Darrell's father memory alive. Merry Christmas from Northern Ireland.

[@susanbelida6981]

Thank you Capt. Darrell. Lord bless you and yours. Lord bless and care for the souls of the mighty Fitz. May they rest in peace including your uncle Grant. HMM great job. May you both have a peaceful Christmas.

[@lilitharam44]

I love the info that you guys keep finding. Hope that you both have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! Best Wishes from Memphis, TN!~

[@RAV1953]

If you distinguished gentlemen ever do a "live" presentation, I would love to attend. Thank you so very much for sharing your insight, knowledge etc. May you indeed have a Very Blessed Holiday Season! (to all survivors of the "Big Fitz too!) May her crew R.I.P.

[@anvil49]

That pic at 9:39 shows Hewitt unloaders being used! So Cool. What a shame they were destined to the scrapper

[@stynger_OO7]

Fitz had 3 cargo holds Anderson had 5 wonder if structural integrity mattered. The tunnel underneath was lit up and when traversed it was claimed that in heavier seas the lights would disappear and reappear with the flexing of the hull. Can't wait for the next installment! Thanks for this, Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

[@CarreraTrackOntheFloor]

Look forward to the next part.

[@bluerazor7049]

I remember that Michael Armagost ordered the repair/replacement on the radars from watching a video. Like Darrell, I also believe that she was screwed from the beginning after slamming into the dock. I'm also curious as to why the steam winches were problematic to handle them compared to electric ones?

[@elroyelblander6277]

👍👍👍👍 interesting info brought to light...see you on the next installment. .. thanks feller's🎄👍👍👊

[@robr1656]

Another great episode. These are addicting to watch! Thanks again.

[@ripperace]

Captain Paquettes book is a “must read” for any Fitzgerald aficionado. I believe he pretty much sums things up by stating what sunk the Fitz was negligence. The further one digs, the more apparent Captain Paquette was correct. I had no idea, nor can remember reading anything about the Fitz having radar issues the prior summer. With that in mind, the issues already confirmed about not being able to close hatches, letting boats run deeper in the winter months, loose keel, etc etc etc. Captain Paquette was 100% correct. I still would like to know whose palms got greased to have the winter load lines changed. To me, that’s pretty darned stupid knowing what happens come November.

[@J.R.in_WV]

America loves Captain Darrell Walton! I hope he know he has actual fans out there.

[@simondaley2893]

So does Australia, Captain Darrell is a legend of a bloke.

[@pameladelucca3291]

Thank you, HMM and Captain Darrell!

[@tc25d]

What a fun series. Keep it going.

[@billbertagnoli4226]

It was common knowledge that the Fitzgerald was on it's last Leg. One of my best friends was working in the dry dock In Duluth/Superior when the Fitz came in for repairs. There Was I obvious cracking on the Interior hull. Instead of making Expensive repairs and losing Money the ship owners decided she was good for one More run. All about dollars and Greed.

[@bradylane8502]

Love the videos you and captain darrell make. Im watchin from my home in maine

[@almirria6753]

Gee imagine that the dry dock inspections were "gun decked". Because unless she was underway with a full load, she was not makin money for the company, Captain & crew. Thank you for all the info that you guys have been providing on her loss. Which btw I still believe that it was a bunch of factors, that sent her to the bottom.

[@jeffhagelin940]

I was in kindergarten when it sank. And I've always been hoping someone would give more insight as to why it sank.. Thank you! These stories are very educational.

[@FrostJack-tv6op]

They don't call them the Great lakes for nothing . I lived on the lakes and rivers i learned to swim in 6 foot waves . The lakes are more dangerous than the oceans. They'll throw at you in a second what takes the ocean an hour to brew . Many great men live next to an rest eternal in these waters . The fits and her story I pray they are never forgotten. Children should be taught these invaluable stories, and way of life . OSHA says there are no accidents which in fact is true . Thank you for this interview, and guys coming forward.

[@garylefevers]

Thank you both for the many hours of hard work and research devoted to this haunting mystery. God bless you both and the families of those brave men who were lost that cold, terrible, stormy night. Merry Christmas to those who celebrate Christmas and Happy Holidays for those who don't. Stay safe good people. Teri Woolum LeFevers.

[@ronyantz7349]

Drinking some fine whiskey and a cigar while i listen fellows ! keep the video's coming !

[@critterscute3642]

Gosh, really seems like she was doomed from the start. Interesting, as always. Thanks Captain Darrell and HMM ⚓️🚢❤️

[@simondaley2893]

I wonder if there was an Anderson on the Arthur M Anderson on the night that the Edmund Fitzgerald sank? How do you find out the names of the crew of the Arthur M Anderson on November 9 and 10?

[@keystonepirate2534]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh yeah! 🪕🏴‍☠️ my two favorites dropping some video greatness on this wonderful Saturday! Cpt Darrell and Cpt Don! Just came out to sand some framing for a chair I’m making my wife. Just fired up the ol pipe 😎 kick on KZbin and here we go! Wonderful night! Bowl will be that much better 🙏✊

[@tjhookit]

Love these videos!

[@keithbaker1635]

There are ZERO cables that run from the radar's back aft. It's a direct hard wire job from the radar antenna down through the roof of the pilot house to the radar stands, in the pilothouse . The water getting into the unit can only happen if who ever worked on it weather it was Sperry the actual radar people or Benson Eclectic contracted out of Superior,WI. Didn't seal it up right enough with silicon caulking

[@darrellwalton938]

Thanks Keith. Stay safe and Merry Christmas!

[@michaelnault5905]

I think it's pretty obvious that negligence was common in regards to certain things. How long after the war were oceanic T2 tankers sailing? What's the 'real' condition of current rail road track across the country? There's good reason to keep asking questions. Great video as usual!

[@sectorz1019]

One thing is certain she was rode to her breaking point,that’s interesting about the radar being knocked out a few times that summer. Did they just do a fix or completely get a brand new radar for the fitz? And all that banging to her hull combined with all the stress,it just all adds up. Overtime the more use something has it speeds up it’s deteriorating process. I still say there’s something else behind this sinking,keep looking more into it Captains Darrol and mr mystery and I will as well.

[@Blrtech77]

HMM and Captain Walton, Thank You From the Bottom Of My Heart For All That You Do. What Amazing New and Interesting Information! Looking Forward To the Next Part Of the Mystery. The Both Of You Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2025 and Be Safe Out There! BTW I Seen An Old News Cast From November 26,1995 From WTOL 11 Vault On the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald. Captain Walton Had Great Information Back Then.

[@darrellwalton938]

My hair was darker and shorter back then! Ha ha ha. Thanks for watching and Merry Christmas!

[@ajtoon5107]

Love these videos so much

[@BasilCooper-wv5nt]

In my youth I was fortunate to see placemats from the gallery that a man had give to my step grandfather I didn't realize the significance of see these placemats and later as being a trombone player in high school marching band we we practicing the same night the Fitz sank 😭

[@robertlivingston1634]

I don't buy that the keel was laid haphazardly with a good enough attitude, they had access to highly accurate transits and knew how to use them, however there seems to have obviously been a flaw in the hull. I seem to recall from somewhere that loading practice's could have stressed the hull if it wasn't done evenly allowing it to bend and over time could have led to cracking and eventual failure. I was 15 and remember that was one wicked storm.

[@darrellwalton938]

1957 technologies were no where close to what we have now!

[@robertlivingston1634]

@darrellwalton938 you mean the same era of engineers that built the SR71 and started the space program.

[@chrisbrady-t1u]

I bet Edmund Fitzgerald was pissed as hell when his namesake ship sunk

[@Samanthareneeheart1]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you & Capt Darrell HMM. On to business now. I'm finding this very interesting you two. I like learning new stuff & every time you two get together to talk about the Mighty Fitz and all the new information, Capt Darrell is getting sounds like the Fitz was a mess to begin with. I wonder if she was doomed from day 1. Jind of sounds like it to me. And THANK YOU BOTH for carrying so much to revisit this tragedy every year. On the video of the fitz launching was filmed by A. M. Anderson the same person who has his name on the Fitz's sister ship & his wife I presume founded the cathedral up there. Now that's some spooky stuff. Especially since the Anderson waste last one to seethe Fitz & the last ship Vapt Mc Sorly talked too before the Fitz sank (Capt Darrel, HMM, please correct me if I'm wrong.)

[@tgland02494]

USCG like the DOT with trucks should enforce weight restrictions according to the weight limits set by design

[@brt-jn7kg]

If you could walk to the documentary on how the Fitzgerald sunk you will see a clip in there of the hatch covers as they're setting them down. This is in 75 sometime in the summertime. Those hats covers look like if you hit them with a ball peen hammer they would just collapse They were so rust-pitted and in terrible shape. I've been around steal my whole life I've worked with it in every dimension and in every way you can think of and I wouldn't have bet my life on those things. As a matter of fact I was surprised at 7 tons each they didn't just fold up under their own weight they were in such shotty condition!

[@darrellwalton938]

Thanks for the great observation! Have a Merry Christmas and a great New Year!

[@Reginald-rr1gh]

For heaven’s sake, is the story behind this wreck bound to become the next Titanic legend?

[@TheParadoxDestroyer]

Come from a family of lakers, one went down with the Bradley. I will not rest until we know the truth about the Fitz.

[@stephenwest798]

And we will always wonder what the real reason is they no longer allow diving to investigate the sinking of the ship.

[@darrellwalton938]

We will soon find out the real reason! People in the know are starting to “Clear their Conscience”. Give it time!

[@stephenwest798]

@@darrellwalton938 Would be nice to actually know the truth, a lot of issues involved which contributed to the final end of the ship. So sad for the lives lost.

[@brt-jn7kg]

Does this mean we're going to revise the song and go back to the hatchways caved in?

[@wildcolonialman]

Fascinating. Engineering and money, agendas and secrets, and a trail of death and destruction. I knew nothing of this ships days, other than the Song, so very interesting.

[@JohnnyLaps]

You two need to go out to the site,and do what you do.Lets send Don some money so he can do more research.

[@jasminweeks9471]

Anyone that worked on it knew.

[@hauk65000]

A bad tragedy - as a result of a ship that was all, too heavily loaded. No mystery. In high waves and storms, it was inevitable to break and go under like a long, thin pencil.

[@jeffmilroy9345]

The inverted stern section intrigues me - how did it really get that way and still stay so close to the bow section? It has me thinking the vessel broke in two on the surface - maybe after the nose dive began.

[@clintonreisig]

Confirms my suspicions over the years

[@Houndini]

This one was so interesting I had to check felt like it was only 5 mins long. Then they added A Cliffhanger on us. Capt. Darrell is getting mean in his older ages!! A joke people now!! Don’t panic on myself now!

[@dmoney4414]

Is Mr Evans coming on the show

[@darrellwalton938]

We hope so!

[@joshua4960]

Merry Christmas hmm and uncle jesse

[@robwiggins6319]

Left me with a cliff hanger!

[@garymckee63]

Merry Christmas to all 🎄 🎅 🌲

[@monexpo86]

Interesting

[@Dannyedelman4231]

The sartar tugboat Jimmy L is still in service, but the kicker that boats original name is the USCGC Naugatuck WYTM-92

[@anthonyplanas3606]

Could a big wave have damaged the radar more during the storm.

[@darrellwalton938]

The damage occurred earlier in the year!

[@ZombieSlayer-dj3wb]

Does anyone notice fitzs hull flex and twist after its launch

[@kevinj2412]

I remember it being said that it was loaded down and sitting deeper in the water then it should have been for that time of year. Has anyone else heard that before?

[@darrellwalton938]

Watch our previous videos that explain the whole sordid process on “Load Line Reductions! Thanks for watching!

[@BlitzenSpeaks]

Omg, a cliffhanger!!!😮

[@matthewwood5754]

Great men of the Great Lakes 👍 🇺🇲💪✝️

[@therealpatriarchy]

Explain the collapsed bridge canopy.

[@darrellwalton938]

The “nose dive” she took flattened it! If she had broken up on the surface, the “Sun Visor” would have been bent upwards as she sank straight down. Thanks for watching!

[@ajbaumgart4774]

History mystery man i been trying to solve this mystery myself I'm not sure if you can answer this or captain Darrell but who was the crew member who was in a the United states's marine's in one of the memorial video's they showed a crew member in a us marine uniform ive been trying to figure out who that guy is but anyway may you and captain Darrell have a wonderful blessed Christmas and new year's thank you so much for doing these video's guy's two great men doing these wonderful video's enjoyed every single video i even shared them with my older brother who loved the Fitzgerald just as much as i do

[@alcapone7319]

Ransom Cundy?

[@tgland02494]

The fact is money has been more important than safety and the people who sail on these boats.

[@2201652]

Well it's a shame I think he bottomed out , water filled the tanks. When it hit nose first the torque of engine twisted back off , the family's are the victim hear the company killed there family loved ones no money will bring back. But to shut them up for penny's to void law suit is nuts , those people deserve every last penny to the dollar for the hell they went through . And also it's a grave diving should not be allowed for recreation investigations I think need to owed to the family , ya I sank ya captain is responsible, but a faulty welded boat should have never left the dock ,

[@v1-vr-rotatev2-vy_vx31]

As a Layman I see the point he is making,, and you can watch the first video and see the flexing of the side of the ship...

[@lonnyjaw]

Did the 'love of money' cause all of this disaster from day one?? One can believe so.

[@garybensman1358]

I've never heard in any of these discussions , the fact that the Fitz was cut in half and lengthened at Fraser Shipyard in Superior. The men at Fraser said the keel was in horrible condition with welding rods, nuts and bolts, etc found in between the keel plates. They said the Fitz was always loaded to the Max and run hard. She often had the record yearly tonnage on the Lakes.

[@darrellwalton938]

Sorry, she was never cut in half, nor lengthened. The Anderson was lengthened. You can take that to the bank.

[@garybensman1358]

Thank you! I stand corrected. But certainly the men at Fraser were down at the keel making repairs on a keel in poor condition.

[@darrellwalton938]

⁠They knew the truth!@@garybensman1358

[@phillipgarrow2297]

Darrell do you think she broke up on top of the water like The Daniel J Morrel?

[@darrellwalton938]

I do not! In my opinion and the opinion of my Dad and several other Captains, the “nose dive” from the three sisters waves pushed her down. Look at the sun visor on the pilot house being smashed down. Thanks for watching!