P2-WHAT HAPPENED TO THE EDMUND FITZGERALD? HEAR IT FROM A CREWMAN OF THE MIGHTY FITZ

There is arguably no person on earth more personally connected to the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald than Tom Walton. The former Editor of the Toledo Blade spent five months aboard the Fitzgerald in the summer of 1963, working as a Porter between school semesters at Bowling Green State University. There are only a handful of humans left on earth who actually worked on the Fitz. Tom's uncle Ralph Grant Walton was an Oiler on the Mighty Fitz and went down with the great ship during a horrific November storm on Lake Superior in 1975. Tom's father Wade Walton also served as Chief Engineer on the Edmund Fitzgerald. Tom is also the older brother of Captain Darrell Walton, already familiar to most History Mystery Man subscribers. Join me, the History Mystery Man on another fascinating deep dive on the Edmund Fitzgerald with someone who actually sailed on the Mighty Fitz. We'll find out what Tom thinks happened to the ill-fated freighter as it fought the monstrous waves on the "lake they call Gitche Gumee." Thanks for your support! #HIstoryMysteryMan #EdmundFitzgerald #LakeSuperior #GreatLakes #Shipwrecks

[@hscollier]

I was a Sr in hs when the song first aired on the local am station. The way that Gordon Lightfoot tied the Native American historical context to a modern American tragedy with the melancholy Irish tune and heartrending lyrics worked its way into my soul and has never left. Thank you for putting together these amazing videos that continue to help us understand the wreck of the Mighty Fitz & her crew, and for sharing them with us.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for taking the time to watch. The story of the Mighty Fitz grabs ahold and never lets go. Thanks for your support...HMM

[@jimarmstrong2630]

Born and raised in Michigan I can still remember how I felt when the local news carried the story. It was chilling then and still is.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for remembering the Mighty Fitz and her crew...HMM

[@ElizabethF2222]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I have never been further north than Dallas, as I don't like cold weather LOL I'm born and raised and still live in Houston, Texas. I am a scuba diver, however, and have dove many shipwrecks in the Caribbean, especially the old Spanish galleons in the Caymans and in Barbados. Seeing those wrecks and being able to dive amongst them is a thrilling but eerie and haunting experience at the same time. I do agree with all the families, that their graves in the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald at the bottom of Lake Superior should be left alone, so the men call all rest in peace. We will never forget them! Great video!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Elizabeth! My mom was born and raised in Lubbock; I've spent quite a bit of time down that way. Your scuba diving adventures sound amazing. Would you ever consider diving on a ship here in the Great Lakes? Thrilling and haunting seem to describe it well, even though I've only done it once. Thanks for your feedback on the Fitz...I can certainly respect your position on the matter. I appreciate your support. HMM@@ElizabethF2222

[@joelaichner3025]

A walkway the length of the ship , a lit hallway , the ship was twisting so bad , you couldn’t see the next light

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I know...that's sooo spooky. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@joelaichner3025]

I remember your videos , lessons in time

[@joelaichner3025]

The Muscle car known as Gitcha Gumee

[@rosiehawtrey]

Oh look, I was right, just from looking at the thing it was a disaster waiting to happen. Every single wave or fart in the wrong direction twisted and deformed the hull, until it failed. That's before mentioning the perennial overloading cos egotesticle.

[@tundrawomansays694]

Well, yeah. Ya have to have some kind of tensile strength in order for the ship to move with the conditions and forces rendered by those conditions. Notice how trees sway in a breeze or wind? If they didn’t, there’d be a lot more of them blown down in even moderate winds/storms. All ships move in this manner as do skyscrapers.

[@mikeryan6277]

The line that always gets me is “ Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn minutes to hours “ in the early 80s I was in the Coast Guard on the Coast of Oregon in a very small town and Gordon Lightfoot’s song always has resonated with me.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Mike. The song really hits home with so many...a haunting yet beautiful ballad. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@riccaruso7791]

My wife was born in 1973 in Izmail, Ukraine with her Dad being a Captain in the Ukrainian Merchant Marines. ~ Heard a few heartbreaking 💔 stories about his experiences upon the stormy 🌊 Seas!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@riccaruso7791 Super interesting...thanks for sharing that. HMM

[@TheKRU251]

I live in a small village in the UK. My father served for Cunard as a ships carpenter in the 50's. So why my interest in a ship lost many miles away with which I have no personal connection ? I think it's seafarers/men losing their lives just 'doing their job' in such circumstances on a respected ship. Men only really die when no-one remembers them any more. Your superb work is ensuring they 'live on'. Thankyou 👍

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You are so welcome; thanks for chiming in from the UK! That's sooo cool! And you said it better than I ever did...the bit about "Men only really die when no one remembers them anymore." In large part, that's only what I've been trying to say. Thanks for your thoughts, and happy New Year from the History Mystery Man!

[@dagvikings5340]

Remembering that terrible nite when it happened , i remember every November!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You and me both. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@loricharpentier1654]

I can't get enough of the stories about THE FITZ...

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You and me both, Lori...thanks! HMM

[@leftseat30]

Obviously we’ve heard from captain Bernie Cooper, captain Jimmy Hobaugh, captain Don Erickson….but why haven’t we heard more interviews from crew members out that night on the Anderson, Woodrush, William Clay Ford etc? I think their descriptions of the storm and search would be fascinating.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Absolutely...if I can find those crewmen, I'd love to interview them. Finding them though is the hard part. Thanks! HMM

[@leftseat30]

@History Mystery Man yeah I bet....I grew near Ashland Wi. Heard stories of guys who claimed to be on the Anderson that night...but it definitely made me wonder what percent truth there was! But some legit ones have to still be out there!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@deanladue5367 I've never seen that before. I need to dial that up and watch it. Thanks for sharing the info. HMM

[@susanmacdonald4288]

I saw a documentary about the Fitz, and they did interview a member of the Anderson. He said that he could actually see the bow and stern twisting in opposite directions. I don't know if some flexing in a ship that huge (not as bit as the Fitzgerald but still over 750 feet) is normal, but that just sounds terrifying. And shows what that storm was like.

[@ynotttt]

@@leftseat30……That would be my concern. Too many wannabe’s telling stories of adventures they were never part of. It might be hard to tell who was really there after almost 50 years.

[@joelaichner3025]

29 died onboard , 1 onshore died from grief & sorrow , 30 died !

[@JohnnyLaps]

And many lives were ruined

[@frankparis151]

A small side story. I am from a little iron mining town near Marquette, Michigan and remember the ships coming to Marquette to unload coal and load iron ore pellets. In 1978 and 1979 I was lucky enough to be a summer student worker in the mines as my father was employed there. It was a plum job as working three months in the mine paid for a year of college. There were openings on the ore carriers that paid well and provided room and board. Three years after the Fitzgerald went down very few chose the ore carriers.

[@scottpreston5074]

Back then, you could work a union job and pay for college. I miss those days.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting. I can relate as to why no one would choose an ore carrier as a profession on the heels of the Fitz tragedy. Thanks for sharing...HMM

[@Graveyardsfromthepast]

@ Frank Paris I was born and raised in Marquette,Michigan

[@lox_5017]

Here's a the lyrics to famous song The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald. By Gordon Lightfoot The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down Of the big lake they called Gitche Gumee The lake, it is said, never gives up her dead When the skies of November turn gloomy With a load of iron ore twenty-six thousand tons more Than the Edmund Fitzgerald weighed empty That good ship and true was a bone to be chewed When the gales of November came early The ship was the pride of the American side Coming back from some mill in Wisconsin As the big freighters go, it was bigger than most With a crew and good captain well seasoned Concluding some terms with a couple of steel firms When they left fully loaded for Cleveland And later that night when the ship's bell rang Could it be the north wind they'd been feelin'? The wind in the wires made a tattle-tale sound And a wave broke over the railing And every man knew, as the captain did too T'was the witch of November come stealin' The dawn came late and the breakfast had to wait When the gales of November came slashin' When afternoon came it was freezin' rain In the face of a hurricane west wind When suppertime came, the old cook came on deck sayin' "Fellas, it's too rough to feed ya" At seven PM, a main hatchway caved in, he said "Fellas, it's been good to know ya" The captain wired in he had water comin' in And the good ship and crew was in peril And later that night when his lights went outta sight Came the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Does any one know where the love of God goes When the waves turn the minutes to hours? The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay If they'd put fifteen more miles behind her 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 names Of the wives and the sons and the daughters Lake Huron rolls, Superior sings In the rooms of her ice-water mansion Old Michigan steams like a young man's dreams The islands and bays are for sportsmen And farther below Lake Ontario Takes in what Lake Erie can send her And the iron boats go as the mariners all know With the gales of November remembered In a musty old hall in Detroit they prayed In the maritime sailors' cathedral The church bell chimed 'til it rang twenty-nine times For each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down Of the big lake they called Gitche Gumee Superior, they said, never gives up her dead When the gales of November come early

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for sharing the lyrics; those are mighty powerful words. HMM

[@russellrobinson4888]

Ironically, I have listened to Gordon Lightfoot from around the time he released his album, "Sundown". I was oblivious to his song about the "Mighty Fitx" until I saw a documentary on the tragedy. This was about 6 years ago and the song was mentioned. The haunting guitar tone encapsulates the mood perfectly in my opinion and I still listen to it regularly.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yeah that's one song that grabs ahold and never lets go...thanks. HMM

[@ianross806]

I, too, reject the Coast Guard findings that the hatches were properly dogged down. The Coast Guard was complicit in allowing the load lines to be raised. They were covering their own butt. There should be an independent panel done - even today - on what happened, with witnesses who cared for the ship.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting thoughts; thanks for sharing them here. HMM

[@446hemi]

bottomed out on 6 fathom shoal

[@lgempet2869]

I agree, & to make matters even worse, the Coast Guard’s mistruths on the backs of “dead men” who “don’t tell tales.” Disgusting!😡

[@Play_fare]

It just seems that there are so many plausible causes, but it may have been the terrible confluence of so many of them at that moment, and just one overwhelming factor pushed the ship past the point of no return (and no, I don’t buy the loose hatch cover theory). I guess we will never truly know. RIP crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

[@Bryanja81]

@ianross806 I also disagreed with the hatch theory, but after hearing another point of view, it makes sense. Why wouldn't the captain divulge any information over the radio about why he had issues UNLESS he was purposely hiding it... He didn't want anyone knowing about the hatches because it would reflect poorly on him. Any act of God, you know he would have mentioned it. Just my two cents of course. We will never truly know why it happened.

[@kimfleury]

I'll never forget that morning when I awoke to my radio alarm playing the top of the hour news. I was stunned. I was just a high school girl in Port Huron, where passing and loading freighters was an everyday sight, and it was common to see sailors walking up the street to stretch their legs and shop, and hit the bars, of course. There were a lot of family bars in my neighborhood by the docks. I don't have any memories of drunks, just regular people socializing. Kids could go inside with our parents in the afternoon and have a pop. My brothers were precocious and interviewed the patrons, especially sailors. I'd also see sailors at the shops. I doubt the Fitz ever stopped here, as we didn't take ore, but it still made a sorrowful impression when she sank with all of her crew. It could have been any of the sailors who had come to town at one time or another. I had never imagined that ships could sink on the Great Lakes. I was just a baby when the Morell split up, and hadn't heard of it. I'm thankful there hasn't been another ship lost since then, and pray it doesn't happen again.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Kim...super interesting perspective; I appreciate you sharing it here. I spent some time in those Port Huron bars in my early years...a deckhand on the tug James A. Hannah. HMM

[@justonsullivan3807]

I'm from Lansing Michigan, and have seen all the Lakes, and they can be very Ugly, and they can be very Beautiful. That's what makes them so Great. R.I.P to all Sailors that have lost their lives doing there Jobs, that helped make this Country a better place. My Thoughts and Prayers go out to all the Family members and Friends who have lost someone to these Lakes. 🙏🇺🇲🗽🇺🇲🙏

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Well said Juston...thanks for sharing your thoughts here, as well as your prayers. Come back anytime...HMM

[@saltykrug]

I can't imagine how that feels. I've said farewell to co workers in construction but not 29 at once. Thanks for telling this story. It's a powerful one and haunting to any tradesman.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts here...and thanks for watching. HMM

[@newoldvideos989]

God Bless the Entire Crew and Families... I only knew this from the Song when i was a teenager... RIP

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for remembering the Mighty Fitz and crew. HMM

[@wcf4sale]

Back in the 1970's my Iowa family camped in the summer months along Lake Superior, and other Great Lakes over the years. We grew a great personal connection to the legend of the Fitz. For decades since the mid 80's, some of us have gathered on the anniversary of its demise, to watch old VCR taped videos, and sing/ listen to Gordon Lightfoot's song, to commemorate this great ship, and her lives lost. We will never forget.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for sharing your story here. That's, in part, why I do these videos...to hear all these great stories like yours. Camping with your family along the Lake Superior shores sounds completely magical! Thanks for taking the time to watch. HMM

[@wcf4sale]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I'm so touched. Thank you, sir.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@wcf4sale Yes ma'am...Happy New Year from the History Mystery Man!

[@waynerafferty1048]

Wow fantastic video, to hear from someone who worked on the ship and the details. And that gentleman's father is the 30th victim of the sinking , to having to deal with the mental health aspect .not being able to truly speak about how it effected him, depression, survivor gulit.its an awful thing to live with. I was involved in the troubles in Northern Ireland near the late 70s & 80s due having a father in the RUC i am nearly 50 and still battling PTSD and Trauma and depression what myself and my family went through. Thank you for the interview , very powerful. The story of the Big Fitz never be forgotten . With your amazing work

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Wayne; I appreciate you sharing your personal thoughts here. I'll say a prayer for you and your family. Hope the New Year is a great one for you and yours. HMM

[@wendellellison3482]

Wow yes, this family is inextricably linked to the Big Fitz. Thanks for showing the interesting and somewhat haunting pics of her. Some of which I have never seen before!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for watching! HMM

[@dickcoughlin8338]

I always enjoy hearing about the Fitzgerald. I remember that tragedy well.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

It's hard to forget. Thanks for watching, Dick! HMM

[@harrietharlow9929]

Me, too. The Fitz was a well-loved sight on the Detroit River.

[@dickcoughlin8338]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Anytime sir. My uncle was an electrician at the Defoe Yard in Bay City.

[@Peter.w]

Another excellent story.. Have you thought of making a DVD of all of these Fitz videos?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I have not, but I appreciate your idea...thanks! HMM

[@tashalynn29]

​@HistoryMysteryMan yes. I would totally buy it to watch!

[@djquinn11]

I was a young lad in Detroit when the ship went down. I just recall thinking how terrifying it must have been for that crew, RIP to those men. When I first heard Gordon Lightfoot’s tribute I thought it was a masterpiece, and I still do.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

A haunting yet beautiful ballad. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@mikeb949]

Where and when does Tom do his presentations? This would be a must see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Each November in and around the Toledo, Ohio area. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@redtobertshateshandles]

I lost two brothers at a young age. It really hits you.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'm sorry to hear this. God bless your brothers...may they rest in peace. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@recoilrob324]

There was an old documentary where one of the divers who inspected the shoals swore that he found bottom paint...but the inquiry dismissed it. During the investigation I believe they found that the shoals were miss-marked on the maps and if they had admitted that the Fitz had indeed grounded then they would have been culpable in the sinking. CYA is endemic in Government Agencies.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting thoughts...thanks for sharing them here. And thanks for taking the time to watch. HMM

[@gregorylyon1004]

She definitely hit bottom. It's called hogging. That's why she had a broken fence rail

[@emdude1784]

I was 9 yrs old and living half way round the world in a small island nation. I remember hearing about the loss of the EF in a lake. I could not wrap my head around that there were lakes that big. Thanks for the great interview. May all the souls of EF the Rest In Peace

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for taking the time to watch. Which small island nation are you referring to? Happy New Year! HMM

[@emdude1784]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I was born in Sri-Lanka. Settled in Maryland for almost 40yrs. Thanks again for great videos like this

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@emdude1784 Cool progression of life experiences...

[@kyrengorkian]

Ireland calling. In 1966 I was a crew member on the MV Irish Rowan. We travelled the length of all 5 lakes discharging steel from Japan. We then loaded grain in Superior for Europe. Gordon Lightfoot gave concerts in Ireland on more than one occasion which I attended and I still listen to his records. The Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy therefore resonates with me and I thank you for this insight talking to a crew member whose uncle was one of the souls who went down with the ship.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Hey there Ireland...so cool to hear from you! What a memory you carry with you...loading in Superior bound for Europe. I haven't heard that one yet. Thanks for sharing your story here...and thanks for watching! Stop by anytime...HMM

[@danielmcfadden1]

Amazing video, love hearing these stories from family connected to the Fitz. Rest in peace to those great men!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Daniel...and thanks for remembering the Mighty Fitz and her crew. HMM

[@terrielilley3456]

Great interview. Humanizes everyone.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

So many thanks! Happy New Year from the History Mystery Man!

[@frenzalrhomb6919]

Australian here, and we certainly heard about it, long before Gordon Lightfoot's haunting tune. Happy New Year, Mr Mystery, from Australia 🍺

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Hey there Australia! I love hearing from you guys! I'm glad you all were in tune with the story before the tune. Thanks for your support from Down Under. Happy New Year from the History Mystery Man from Up Yonder...

[@gerrywood3584]

Happy new year's

[@Lbllrll]

Born and raised in Michigan, I just visited White Fish Point this past weekend. Gives me chills. Tremendous respect for sailors that take on the Great Lakes, especially Superior. My grandfather grew up on the Great Lakes in the UP, I wish he was still around to tell me more stories about the Great Lakes.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. I haven't been to White Fish Point yet but I'm aching to go. Thanks for taking the time to watch. HMM

[@logdog8920]

its always facinating and humbling to view your videos of the "Famous Fitz", and to listen to first hand accounts of people who had connections to the big boat. Thank U boys.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for watching! HMM

[@christinebingham4675]

In 1970, my family moved to a small cottage that faced the St Clair River in Sarnia Ontario Canada. The docks to the oil company extended about 50 yards from our house. We had a clear view of the ships that docked there. One of them was the Edmund Fitzgerald. We remembered because it seemed massively bigger than any of the other ships. When I was in high school, I went to pick up a friend and grabbed their newspaper off the front steps. A tiny article on the front page read :The Edmund Fitzgerald had gone down with all on board. My heart sank with it! To this day, I cry when I hear the Gordon Lightfoot song. Thank you for telling such a heartfelt rendition of those who were on The Fitz!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Christine; thanks for taking the time to watch. I love hearing the stories like yours. I spent a lot of time in Sarnia, waiting for our oil barge to fill up. Thanks for sharing your awesome story here. HMM

[@Acemechanicalservices]

My family moved to K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, which was just south of Marquette, the week of the wreck. I was 4 years old, and I still remember. Also, I hope you enjoy the racing from Tulsa in the coming weeks!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for watching...greatly appreciated. Chili Bowl! Happy New Year from the History Mystery Man!

[@JohnnyLaps]

Just watching Mr.Waltons acct.Great,well spoken family.Enjoying my time as always on your channel Don.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks John...stop by anytime HMM

[@jayhopkins6990]

I could watch you guys talk all day it's so interesting to watch the the stories being told thank you very much.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated. Stop by anytime...HMM

[@dominotr]

I also tied myself to the bow of my ship in a storm when I was a porter, lol. It was something all right. I was determined I was going to ride the storm. Being a merchant marine was one of the most fantastic experiences ever in my life.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Wow...what a ride that must have been. Same here...my Merchant Marine days were the most rewarding of my life...terrifying at times, but rewarding. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@dominotr]

Some of the best people I've ever met were sailors. Salt of the earth, hard working, no nonsense, and pure@@HistoryMysteryMan

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Hey I'll buy that! I yam I yam...HMM@@dominotr

[@guitarfreak521]

I'm a teacher in Taiwan and I often talk about the Michigan and the great lakes with my students. Even when I show them pictures and videos of Michigan and the great lakes, it's hard for them to believe that the pictures and videos are real. It's unfathomable to them. What we have in Michigan and the those great lakes is something truly special and powerful. Those lakes even with people never ever seen them strikes fear into people's hearts and minds. Even from the the other side of the planet. And even with all our technology and training, these lakes can still take our lives in a heartbeat. These lakes are truly miraculous and mind-blowing.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for chiming in! I'm so honored to hear from a "teacher in Taiwan"! The Great Lakes are truly amazing! Please stop by anytime! Happy New Year from the History Mystery Man!

[@themagneticfishermen8510]

That's so cool! I have a buddy that's a teacher/missionary in Taiwan. And we were both from Michigan as well. I wonder how many Michiganders are in Taiwan lol.

[@guitarfreak521]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Thank you. Thank you for your amazing content. Happy New Year to you as well!

[@guitarfreak521]

@@themagneticfishermen8510 There's probably more Michiganders than what we can probably count. LOL However, I recently met a guy from Illinois that opened up a Detroit style pizzeria and was pretending to be from Detroit. I knew right away from the pizza and how he talked that he was a big fat phony. It was kind of funny. I don't think he was expecting a person from the Livingston county area, that isn't too far from Lansing and Detroit to come into his pizzeria. LoL 😂

[@themagneticfishermen8510]

@@guitarfreak521 I hear ya I grew up in Jackson lol but I live in Toledo now days btw what kind of guitar you rocking??

[@garylefevers]

Excellent content. I am so happy that HMM is making a series out of this tragic event. So many stories related is at risk of being lost. Thank you for making sure these are heard.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Gary...so appreciated. The reason these stories will be heard is because of good folks like yourself who take the time to watch.

[@kimberlyevans9637]

My dad would take out in Lake Erie, regularly. He said that it was a shallow lake. He was an experienced lake person, being born in Duluth, MN. The storms would come up in a heart beat. We would be out on the Lake in Big Gale Warnings trying to get across Maumee Bay. It could be very scary.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yep...Lake Erie can be a real bear...true of all the Great Lakes. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@DougFLTRX]

Fantastic work at usual, sir. Another great interview in the series.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated! Happy New Year from the History Mystery Man

[@americonoffroadadventures8132]

Truly fascinating. Thanks Don

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks kindly. Happy New Year!

[@robertohernandez1955]

I Remember as a kid I would be fishing in ballinger Park in River rouge, I seen the Edmund Fitzgerald pass by or leave as it was docked. I was just in awe on how massive the ship was. Never did I think all those men would lose their live, RIP Men of the Edmund Fitzgerald My respect to the families and friends of the all the crew members. It still to this day makes me feel sad for all who were involved. My deepest condolences. Your always in my prayers 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@partrickstowman8039]

This was a great interview.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated! HMM

[@kingtut8381]

GREAT ONE. GREA8 MUSIC 2 . THANX

[@rogerozdarski2935]

Thank you again HMM! Just so very interesting, each and everyone of your videos, but especially on the Fitzgerald. Thank you again, Happy New Year!! Will be looking forward to your videos in 2023.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Roger. You've been such a great supporter, and I'm so grateful. Thank you my friend...HMM

[@rogerozdarski2935]

@@HistoryMysteryMan it's a pleasure to watch your videos

[@fjbutchbragg8129]

Loved the part when he mentioned that Gordon Lightfoot recorded the song at night with all lights off out of respect for the crew of the Edmond Fitgerald and what they must have gone through in darkness.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I know...that's one of my favorite parts! Thanks for watching...HMM

[@KyleCowden]

I bought the album when it first came out. I had seen Gordon lightfoot in Dallas before and the song wasn't sung. In retrospect it was just before the wreck. What I didn't know until about ten years ago, thanks to folks on KZbin such as yourself, how contemporaneous the song was. I had lived under the illusion that he was writing about a tragedy that had occurred before my time. Learning more about it, I was further amazed at how accurate the song's description was of the events in such a poignant and beautiful poem. I have to say, hearing this from one so intimately involved with the Fitz is awe inspiring. Thank you.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@KyleCowden You're welcome; thanks for sharing your thoughts here. The song is amazing...and impossible not to listen to when it comes over the airways. Thanks for watching! HMM

[@kita6707]

@@KyleCowden same! I had the 45 as a kid and loved it. But I didn’t know until tonight that the song was written so soon after the tragedy. I assumed it happened in an earlier decade.

[@ynotttt]

It’s amazing how Gordon puts you on that Freighter, in that storm….a tremendous musician recently passed.

[@nickefgen9219]

I cried listening while watching this, I had the song going through my mind while listening to both of you talk about it, I was only 7 or 8 when the song the wreck of the fitz came out, that was the first Gordon lightfoot song that heard

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts here; I appreciate it. HMM

[@gregj831]

Great stuff for a cold afternoon. So fascinating to be hearing this. Thanks HMM!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Definitely good cold weather content; thanks again, Greg. HMM

[@toddmccullough7778]

My cousin had a house, right on Lake Ontario. When Surf was up, it was extremely Choppy, and Violent. I watched the Freighters with Binoculars, and knew if they weren't loaded heavy, they would tip over like a tin can. Fitzgerald had a Very Violent Experience. No Doubt in my mind. May They Rest in Peace...

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting...thanks for sharing your story/thoughts here, Todd. May they rest in peace indeed...HMM

[@JohnBrown-qd4hv]

A movie or a mini series could keep there memories alive

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting. There have been several comments lately about a movie on the Fitz. I'd definitely be first in line to see it. Although I wonder how you'd end it?...given that we don't know what happened. I love Tom's assessment in this video and I couldn't agree more. We don't know exactly what happened but we know (in my opinion) what didn't happen...the hatch covers were not left loose and/or undone...that theory, who ever holds it, is poppycock. Thanks...and Happy New Year! HMM

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@deanladue5367 Interesting thoughts; thanks for sharing them here. Makes a lot of sense. The Fitz needed attention...and it just didn't get it. Thanks for watching...Happy New Year. HMM

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@deanladue5367 Wow...now there's a story!

[@RAV1953]

Thank you HMM!! Another excellent piece on the Fitz.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome! Thanks for your continual support! Happy New Year my friend...from the History Mystery Man

[@fluxerflixer1]

These videos are priceless!! Very grateful you are doing these. God Bless the both of you, I wish you many more wonderful fulfilling years. Happy New Year 2023!🎊

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...I really appreciate that. Thanks for taking the time to watch. Happy New Year from the History Mystery Man!

[@mattkaustickomments]

I first heard Gordon’s song around a campfire in Scout Camp. An older Scout with a guitar performed it really well. It was spookier than any ghost story I ever heard. It became extra chilling when my dad, who was on that trip, told me it was a real story. 25 years later my band did its own hard rock version of the song.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Man, that's an awesome story! Thanks for sharing it here. I'd love to hear your hard rock version of the song. HMM

[@tmayer0009]

Love any information of the Mighty Fitz, such a tragedy and a mystery one we will never know what happened in our lifetime, maybe one day the truth will be revealed all though Superior keeps her secrets. Thank you History Mystery Man for another excellent video! Keep them coming, look forward to them.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thank you very much...so appreciated. I really doubt will ever know, and of course knowing wouldn't bring back those 29 men anyway. Thanks for remembering the Mighty Fitz and her crew...Happy New Year!

[@stynger007]

Fitz had 3 cargo holds , Anderson had 5 ..searching now to find the cargo holds of SS William Clay Ford who also aided in the search with the Anderson for survivors. SS WCF was hauntingly familiar to the Fitz and the Anderson. Agreed, broke apart when it hit bottom.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts here...interesting. And thanks for watching...HMM

[@geraldnichols1853]

Great video thanks! My uncle lives in Duluth and is friends with some fellas that worked on these ships back in the day. One time I got to listen to some of the talk about these ships and the fury and power of the Great Lakes. Always a treat to see these videos and listen to the stories. I can't imagine the bravery of these guys on this ship that day just the events and what led up to the accident. Thanks again!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for watching. I appreciate your support. Happy New Year from the History Mystery Man!

[@FATRUCKING]

Thank you for doing what you do thank you for telling us about the Edmund Fitzgerald it really is a beautiful but sad story I'm from Kentucky and I hope when I get 23 move to Minnesota to get a job working on the Lakes my dad works on river boats and a lot of my family has worked on the rivers I wish to walk with my dad for a few years maybe before I move I have always been drawn to ships I'm sorry if my comment is very long but thank you for giving us these stories

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Not at all; I'm very glad to receive your comments. I think it's awesome that you're inspired to work on the Great Lakes. I can assure you it'll be one of your greatest learning experiences, and most memorable. Thanks for watching...Happy New Year from the History Mystery Man!

[@bobmckay8818]

Done well.. will be looking for more. That moment will not be forgotten. Just a teenager in Toledo then. Remember seeing the Fitz..sad store love to the families

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Bob. Being a Toledo guy myself, I'm sure I saw the Fitz but don't remember. I wish I would have payed better attention. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@themagneticfishermen8510]

I hope I get to hear Tom's presentation someday! Thanks hmm! I've enjoyed you talking to Darrell and Tom both seem like wonderful men. I could listen to them talk all day. It's tragic how it hit their father. I never worked a career on the great lakes to the top of my career. Then lost my brother and a bunch of friends at the same time. As well as a proud ship I used to take care of. then had the government trying to blame them for it. But if I had I probably would have declined in health for sure.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for your kind words; I appreciate you taking the time to watch. A very happy New Year to you and yours...HMM

[@watchfullwarrior8180]

I sailed on the Great Lakes for 15 years, there was an engineer in our fleet that got off a few weeks before it sank. he has some storys about how reckless McSorley was

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Wonder if that engineer is still alive? Thanks...HMM

[@watchfullwarrior8180]

@@HistoryMysteryMan He passed away a couple of years ago. It is also a really small world when I met someone who's grandfather had died on the Fitzgerald and was the Porter.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...God bless him.@@watchfullwarrior8180

[@Houndini]

Hatch covers. No way. I wouldn't be surprised if it was not triple checked once they saw bad weather was coming. If you notice appear the owners soon as it happened. The blame game started from there Headquarters to media friend's.

[@radarmike6713]

I'm no expert. But I do know what happened to the Fitz that day. The "Witch" got 29 more souls and superior got herself another ship. But I agree with these theories. Look at the guard around the wheel house. Wave/water damage to shove it downward. And she steamed herself into the lake bottom with a rogue tail wave. And the stern just steamed and snaped off and flipped over. It's truly the most logical theory anyone has had.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Makes sense to me; thanks for sharing your thoughts here. HMM

[@mr.vancando4849]

There were actually 30 souls, not just 29 people lost there lives. They need to talk more about him

[@johnzeszut3170]

I have read of the November 1913 Great Lakes Disaster when two storm fronts met - I do not know if all the locations of the sunken freighters were ever discovered. It was the end of the world for them..

[@michaeldean9338]

Thanks for the interview Always love listening to the old-timers, (btw, R.I.P. Gordon Lightfoot)

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Michael...HM

[@robertayers9424]

Fascinating point of view! Thanks again for sharing! Happy New Year!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Robert! Happy New Year my friend!

[@edgrigsby8610]

I was six y.o. when the story broke. I remember the broadcast vividly. The song only emphasized the truth of it. The song was on a juke box at the local gas station. There was a pinball room in back. We used to walk 2½ miles to go there and listen to the song. It was always chilling, but yet, a great favorite. R.I.P. sailors. 😢

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. Those are some super interesting memories that will stay with you always...walking over two miles to hear the song...that's powerful. HMM

[@stevenknipe1624]

Don, Thank you so much for these videos. Happy New Year!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're always welcome Steven! Happy New Year my friend!

[@calfencer]

It's wonderful when one sailor interviews another sailor. My father was an IC2 USN from '53 to '57 even as his son I can't understand what it's like to be on a ship for months at a time. I found one of his ships had a reunion organized - he went twice. He was in his element. 🇺🇲🧑‍🔧⚓

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

And I'm in my element during these interviews. Thanks for watching! HMM

[@SweetZuni]

Thank you for this. I've read so many books on the Fitzgerald and it's always so sad the tragedy that happened.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

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

[@bigpower491]

Another fantastic video HMM. Very good. When my grandmother had the house on the St Clair river just south of Marine City, every once in a while we'd see the James Hannah. I remember the company and those tugs

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks! We made a lot of trips up and down the St. Clair River...love that area. Our regular run was from with Detroit or Toledo to Chicago. Happy New Year from the History Mystery Man!

[@craighanks429]

In answer of who did Captain Paquette hear the story from concerning crew informing McSorely “the keel is loose AGAIN” & McSorely’s reply was apparently a steward named Burgner that overheard . Captain Paquette apparently kept good relations up with all his galley staffs on whichever ships he was assigned. “The Night the Fitz Went Down” says that Burgner also testified to the Marine board in the 1977 investigation but I don’t think that incident was brought up in his deposition.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting. Wasn't Burgner the cook that begged off the Fitz for its last run...so a replacement went aboard for its last journey?...thanks. HMM

[@20thCenturyManTrad]

You can tell this mighty fine Gentleman that the people of Sault Sainte Marie will not ever forget as long as I'm alive.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for that! That's a super cool thing to say. Happy New Year...HMM

[@timklawon2973]

Another excellent video! Thank you! My only complaint is having to wait a week before the next video. 😁😁

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks! One of the best compliments I've ever received. Happy New Year from the History Mystery Man!

[@Biggie1231]

I really appreciate. Everything your doing Thank you so much.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You are so welcome...thanks for watching! HMM

[@danalarose846]

Oh boy! Another one! Thank you HMM.❤️

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Dana! Happy New Year! HMM

[@joshua4960]

Great video thank you

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

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

[@joshua4960]

Thanks for having me

[@ElizabethF2222]

Thank you Tom Walton, for recounting your time on the Edmund Fitzgerald. I'm with you. No way Bruce Hudson and the other deck hands didn't lock down those hatch covers. Bruce's mother, Ruth Hudson, said he was one of the best, as was Captain McSorley, and she would know. Bruce also told his mom, and this will haunt me, "When I die, the whole world will know it." We sure do, Bruce. The whole world knows how you died, along with the other 28 brave men on that ship. The whole world will never forget any of you!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Oh I know! That's sooo powerful...what Bruce said regarding his early departure. That's a story in itself. Thanks for bringing that back up; I had forgotten about that. HMM

[@juliesmithson4336]

I have not yet watched all your videos about the Edmund Fitzgerald, but this one is the most powerful yet (in my humble view). I, too, would very much like to attend one of Tom Walton's presentations. If you have information on how I might get on the list to attend one, I'd greatly appreciate it. I am in Ohio.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for watching; I hope you'll take time and watch the others too. Tom does his presentation in and around the Toledo area every November. Keep in touch and I'll keep you tuned in. Thanks again...HMM

[@chuckg6039]

I wonder if the Anderson might have gone down too without the ship lengthening (120 feet and 6,000 tons) it received earlier that year (May 1975) at Fraser Shipyard?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Will never know. I didn't realize the Anderson went through that modification...interesting. Happy New Year Chuck, from the History Mystery Man

[@chuckg6039]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Happy New Year Don. May 2023 bring you continued success with your channel. And peace and happiness to you and your family.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@chuckg6039 I'll take it! Thanks my friend...and the same for you and yours!

[@KubotaBXathome]

Thanks for the part 2, good news: there’s more! I’m afraid this has become holiday tradition, thanks so much for doing these, hoping you and family are having great holidays and have a blessed new year!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

All good here; thanks for taking the time to watch. Happy New Year from the History Mystery Man!

[@ianwestmoreland5950]

Excellent video. I live in England, UK, and remember the news reports back in November 1975. A few months ago I heard Gordon Lightfoot's song, and have become word perfect, I can sing to the video, which shows the 29 who perished. I play that video at least once a day, respect. We will never know how the Fitzgerald went down. It has been my belief she went down similarly to you said. For what it's worth, I think the stern broke off on impact when she hit the bottom. If it broke on the surface, the stern would have been a greater distance from the bow. The hatch covers were heavy (8 tons?) Any of the catches that were seen unfastened at the bottom could have sprung off on impact, because looking at pictures of the bow, it had a heavy impact. Like you, I believe it was the two rogue waves. God bless the twenty nine who perished, and their families. I'm eighteen months younger than Karl Peckol, the youngest member of the crew.

[@atomicwedgie8176]

I believe the hatch covers were 7 tons. She had 3 main cargo bulkheads, compared to the Andersen's 5(greater rigidity). There was another sister ship to the Fitz, can't remember her name offhand. that was retired, soon after. They KNEW there was a design flaw and covered up the grounding, due to the money that would be saved by not having the families able to sue, the shipping company. The charts were old, outdated, and the coordinated were WRONG! Big coverup, that's it's the ONLY shipwreck not allowed to be dived on, on the Great Lakes. They are so scared someone is going to dive in 530 feet of water and find out their secret! Very few people can safely dive to that depth.

[@ianwestmoreland5950]

@@atomicwedgie8176 - Yes, it's acknowledged the charts weren't accurate, which would have made a big difference to a ship low in the water. The Fitzgerald continued it's journey away from the shoal. The ship 729 feet long went down fast in 530 feet of water, and had a heavy impact on the bow. She must have turned quickly from horizontal, possibly the load shifting. The freak waves the Anderson experienced could have made the load shift, quickly. All the crew members perished, no one will ever know what happened to the Edmund Fitzgerald. Twenty nine crew members lost, twenty nine families devastated, loved ones lost. The Arthur B Homer was the sister ship, a foot longer. It was laid up on October 4th 1980, three years later, due to a shortage of work, and work started to cut her up late in 1986.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Hey there! Thanks for chiming in from the UK; that's so cool! I agree with your thoughts, and I appreciate you sharing them here. And thanks for remembering the Mighty Fitz and her crew. Happy New Year from the History Mystery Man!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Are you referring to the Fitz's sister ship, the Homer? Interesting thoughts Atomic; thanks for sharing them here. HMM

[@ianwestmoreland5950]

@@HistoryMysteryMan - Thank you. It's good that the Mighty Fitz is never forgotten. Over the years you must have heard lots of theories about how it happened, there are many pictures to see taken under water for anyone to come up with their theory, but sadly no one can tell us what happened, so we will never know. I aim to come across in 24, or 25. I want to visit the museum, I want to see a Laker. I know I will most likely see more on KZbin, but I actually see one. Thank you for taking time to make these videos, and Happy New Year to you too History Mystery Man. 👏👏👏

[@libertarianman69]

Good job Don and I noticed you are winning more subscribers.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Doing my best; thanks for noticing...and watching! HMM

[@spirg]

When I was 11 or 12 , I got a 45 rpm record , as a christmas gift , with this song on it from GL , the other side had '' The house you live in ", Always loved this song even as a kid , I wore the record out from playing it so much..

[@mrmanandvan]

as someone who is an outsider and totally unbiased to all of this , the only mystery is which of the many factors was the final blow,

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

That's an interesting way to size it up; thanks for sharing your thoughts here...and thanks for watching. HMM

[@stevehruska7970]

my dad sailed on the Fitz, '65. he was a wiper in the engine room. still alive & well in the u.p of mich where he has lived his entire life exept for a tour in Vietnam after being drafted during winter lay up.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Wow! That's so interesting. Would your dad ever considering doing a video story with me? Thanks for chiming in...HMM

[@stevehruska7970]

He doesn't have a cell phone or email (old school) but I will run it past him on our next contact. I especially took note of your mention of how the lights in the tunnel would go out of sight! terrifyingly fascinating!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Steve...appreciate it. HMM@@stevehruska7970

[@kelcritcarroll]

I di the arms open thing on the bow my first trip ever on a frieghter too! I think that as far as those latches …they are latched then checked by other crew before they sail…at least I remember that happening in the 90’s when I was on the armo and reserve…..my husband was a second assistant engineer so I was able to go with him on the boats a couple times a year …a trip each time ..id drive the four hours ten minutes from west Michigan down to toledo…catch the boat there usually..then go to deluth then back to toledo where id jump off and drive home! Got on once at drummond island..and once got on in Milwaukee too! It was fun and exciting and I was usually the only wife on so I had lots of guys to talk to! Going thru the locks at the sault was cool! Im on some different peoples home videos as The people that are tourists wait for u to come thru and they always looked amazed that there was a pretty blonde woman up on that big ship leaning against the rails with those men….im guessing they thought I was a sailor too….but they would wave and get so excited when you waved back… you know …like when the train engineers wave at ya when they drive by…its just cool…i miss going on the boats..its been just over 22 years since those days and my husband of ten years is now my ex husband but he is still one of the most colorful people ive ever met in my life and our sons dad so we still see each other ! He has been retired almost ten years but he is still adventurous and has a business that installs docks and removes them …he hauls things over whitelake or muskegon lake for people….ect…so that is that story!😁😁🥹 oh, i did a trip or two on the middletown and the buckeye too….and a deisel called the raosh ..im sure i mispelled that…my husband liked the steamers and hated the deisels…..he liked to keep busy! I know that this mans dad had a really good job that had alot of responsibility too so he deserved to make big money..and the cheifs quarters were really nice and big….I certainly remember that too!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

How cool...to have all those amazing memories to carry with you. You were very fortunate to have had the opportunity to sail on those iconic Great Lakes freighters...experience of a lifetime. You know, sailing on the Great Lakes as you did is way more interesting to me than...say...going on a Caribbean cruise, or something similar. I miss it too. Once it gets in your bones, it's for good. Thanks for your support...HMM

[@craighanks429]

All we can do is hope & pray that for the crew it happened so fast they didn’t suffer. Thought it was a great thing that after Gordon Lightfoot died they added him to the crew as the 30th man & they now ring the bell during the memorial service 30 times. Gordon would have been honored. Oh also, commenting on finding the center section of the ship on radar?? Wouldn’t any damage to the ship if she hogged at 6 fathom shoal been in the middle section? They’ve always made a point to mention there’s no evidence she struck the shoal only looking at the inverted stern.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Great points Craig. Exactly right on the middle section. I mean, there's more than a 100 feet missing from the middle so we certainly can't rule out that she hit somewhere in the middle. And yes, Gordon would be, and I think absolutely is, honored. Thanks...HMM

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

Again, thanks for telling your story sir, and thank you for sharing this with us. I subscribed

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for your subscription...so appreciated! Stop by anytime...HMM

[@harryurban4219]

I have been to Lake Superior and it is no joke . Even in late June and July it’s freezing cold . The waves mean business as well . I can’t imagine what that storm must have been like that night.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for your perspective Harry. She's a mean animal...that Lake Superior. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@don66hotrod94]

Thank you for this enlightening video. Just an FYI, a band called Simon Barr Sinister did a hauntingly beautiful, slightly rock version of Gordon Lightfoot's masterpiece. Heard it on a Marquette, MI radio station many years ago.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Wow! A slightly rock version?! Man I'd love to hear that. Nice to know it's out there somewhere! Thanks for your support...HMM

[@don66hotrod94]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Just do a search on KZbin and you'll find it. Hope you like it.

[@susankenney7536]

My uncle's worked the docks loading and unloading ships. I so wish they were alive so I could talk to them. Also my husband is a tug captain out of Ny. We live in MD. I have been on the tug with him traveling and down the Chesapeake Bay. He was in NY when the twin towers went down. That has left a lasting effect on him. He's got pictures of the second plane hitting the second tower and them coming down . Not the same as a ship going down. Emotional memories for anyone having seen or witnessed any kind of horrible things that happen. I hope one day they will find out what happened. I don't agree with the raising though. To me this is the burial site better left alone.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Super interesting thoughts; thanks for sharing them here. How cool that your husband is a Tug Captain! He and I would have a lot to talk about. I also spent some time on the Chesapeake Bay, when I attended the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, where I also received my Tug Captain's license. I spent all my time on tugs on the Great Lakes...fascinating adventure. Thanks for watching! HMM

[@michaelstamper3444]

I agree with Capt. Darrell. Go down long enough to get the ships log and let the crew remain undisturbed. Maybe more questions would be answered and it would be done with dignity.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

It's always been my opinion that no matter how many times we dive on it, we'll never know for sure what happened. Yes, we can always learn more, but we'll never know exactly why/how it sank. At this point, I say leave the site alone, as a consecrated memorial site. Good to hear from you again, Michael. HMM

[@Mike-wu9gg]

I believe, it did hit bottom,, But long as she was, & being overloaded,& size of them waves,, I've convinced, she broke in half. I was 5'yrs old, & she is why I love my boats to this day,,. Think you MR, LIGHTFOOT.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for chiming in; your input is always welcome here. Happy New Year from the History Mystery Man!

[@craighanks429]

Concerning Captain Paquette’s version of how the Fitz sank, he surmised the ship broke at “the hinge point”, the hull already cracked & failing, it completely tore about one-third the way forward from the stern. IT BROKE UP ON THE SURFACE. He believes from prop action the stern rolled over after tearing loose from the midsection & immediately sank. The tearing action of the hull & weight of the cargo shifting forwards pushed the bow straight down burying the nose in 20 feet of bottom mud & it settled the way you see it now. He bases his assumption of breaking on the surface by the wide separation of the two ship halves on the bottom. I always believed it was forced down by one of those huge waves that previously hit the Anderson and the bow plunged into a deep wave trough, and submarined straight to the bottom plowing into the mud and the sudden stop caused the center of the ship to fold up & crush like a beer can while the stern, 200 feet of it, sticking out of the water was pushed over by the force of the surface waves & sank inverted. Either way, it was so sudden, violent & fast the crew had no time to do anything.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Those are two very possible scenarios...but we'll never know for sure. Thanks Craig...

[@elroyelblander6277]

👍👍 your version like many other's is very plausible...I watched,( don't have a link), a presentation where a man named Paul Hainault,( perhaps misspelled), had an excellent take on it ... also,there's an actual sonar image,from year's ago,of the ships remains that show that it is in fact in 3 peices...the center did not disintegrate...which may possibly indicate that it may perhaps, completely broke apart before the bow hit the bottom... either way,it was an awful tragedy that many believe/ ed was/ is being covered up ..but anyway 👍👊👊

[@elroyelblander6277]

I'd like to read/ watch Captain Paquette's theory, makes a lot of sense... wonder if I could find something on it somewhere

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@elroyelblander6277 I'm sure you can buy his book online at Amazon...thanks! Worth the read...HMM

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@elroyelblander6277 Thanks for your support, Elroy. Bottom line, we'll never know for sure what happened to the Mighty Fitz, but it's fascinating to wonder about. HMM

[@oldmanfunky4909]

I do not believe for a second McSorley hit bottom. I'm a Toledo boy born and raised and its never sat right that the crew and captain have been the blame in one way or another. From hatch covers to hitting bottom. The ship was over loaded in bad weather, the Fitz was used and abused and put away wet. The ship had a lot of wear and tear and had broken welds on its final voyage. I will always believe it was stress fractures that caused the slow flooding of the Fitz. Had the families allowed diving on the wreck perhaps we would know. But they knew that the companies want to play the blame game and the media wanted a sensational story so they closed down any options of diving the wreck. It boggles my mind that the coast guard and the ntsb still to this day blame hatch covers.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Good points...sure makes you wonder. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here...stop by anytime. I'd say, at the very least, stress fractures in bad need of repair, contributed to the Fitz's failure. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@Jfk3434]

But! What about the description of the fences down, that Captain Cooper gave in his interview?

[@northlander4370]

Even from the top of the C N Tower in Toronto you still cant see the other side of Lake Ontario...lotta water

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Ha! Good one. The Great Lakes are massive in size and bite. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@ericpieper1704]

I heard him talking at the Main Library in downtown Toledo

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I love that library...thanks! HMM

[@gmyers4366]

Read the book " by these waters" and it says that the fitz was layed up for repairs on the pumps that removed sea water from the ship and 2 of the 4 pumps werent working and the owners decided to pull her out of the layup brfore the pumps could be repaired and get one more load and if you read the coast guard repair list the fitz needed from the book then you will put the blame on the owners at that time not the crew.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for the information. I didn't know anything about this. I'll check into that book...very much appreciated. HMM

[@waden404]

Thnk u for these vids. Like others, the story just fascinates. On a side note, name is Wade as well and his uncle was from Freemont (where my ex wife is from.) Interesting.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Small world! Thanks for watching...HMM