The DENNIS HALE STORY, SOLE SURVIVOR of the DANIEL J. MORRELL, with CAPT. DARRELL WALTON

The story of Dennis Hale and his harrowing journey on the Daniel J. Morrell is one for the ages. After the great ship broke in half with a full load of iron ore in Lake Huron during a horrendous storm in November of 1966, Hale survived 40 hours in a life raft in giant waves, 60-70 mph winds and unspeakable icy-cold temperatures to beat the odds. Sadly, his other three shipmates who were lucky enough to make it onto the raft, died of exposure before a Coast Guard helicopter made the rescue. Hale underwent more than a dozen surgeries following the ordeal, and later spoke about the tragedy to help cope with the mental and physical pain he carried with him till his dying day in 2015. In all, 28 good men died that terrible November day. Join me, the History Mystery Man, as we welcome back Captain Darrell Walton, who knew Hale and listened to his stories. Thanks for your support...enjoy! #HistoryMysteryMan #DanielJMorrell #DennisHale #GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #EdmundFitzgerald

[@kristopherjones126]

That guy must be tough as hell. I whine when my shower is below 100 degrees and then there’s this guy. God Bless him. Very inspiring.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Isn't that the truth. I don't like being cold. If I'm walking in winter time, I'm layered up times 10. I just can't imagine hanging on for 40 hours, wet, frozen with 60-mph winds, 20-ft. waves, iced over...can't imagine. And remember...they were tossed out of the raft several times at the start...so they started their journey frozen.

[@allthingshorror9754]

@@kristopherjones126 this man was my uncle he passed away some time ago

[@loricharpentier1654]

I think his childhood played a big part in the man he became because it made him tough. R.I.P. Dennis. You have earned your reward in heaven.

[@Jman771]

I never get tired of Capt. Darrel!! He is a wealth of Great Lakes knowledge and has great stories. Great video as always well done!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated. HMM

[@tonipaola1764]

Dennis and I were pen pals, and I love Dennis, I talk about him in the current presence because he was such a strong willed soul, never met anyone like Dennis, and I've met a lot, a lot a lot of people. He was extraordinary. Doc is what he called the man that met him on the raft, and he told him not to eat the ice off his lanyard and peacoat, it would lower his body temperature and kill him. Doc kept him going, while Dennis prayed to die. I am beyond grateful, beyond blessed to have been able to be in this world and be here while Dennis was still around. I love you guys, and I love this channel. Thank you so much for the content.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Absolutely...thanks for your kind remarks. It would be interesting to hear more about your communication with Dennis. Did you ever meet him in person? Thanks for sharing your thoughts here...stop by anytime. HMM

[@harpman6766]

Having had the great pleasure to meet him twice and spend some time with him was a great honor. A truly remarkable man!

[@tonipaola1764]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I unfortunately did not get the pleasure to meet Dennis but we talked on the phone a few times, he told me once the stern came up abreast of the bow, the men in it may have had the ability to keep it moving for those miles due to moving some valves and switches to somehow obtain some control over the wild beast. What a story.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

That is truly amazing. Wish I could have bet Dennis...thanks again.@@tonipaola1764

[@tastyteam]

@@harpman6766 Hi Captain Darrell Walton. I want to thank you for your knowledge and spirit to help us understand The loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald and would like more content.

[@Outdoor_Carnivore]

I had the honor of meeting Mr. Hale at a maritime convention. I was looking at the displays and came across the life vest that Dennis was wearing. I was enthusiastically telling my friend about the story of Dennis Hale, not realizing for quite some time that Dennis was sitting behind the table that held the life vest display. I was rather star struck when I realized he was sitting right in front me. He was very kind and gave me a signed photo of him standing on the prow of the Daniel J Morrell.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Man I love your story; thanks for sharing it here! I'm disappointed in myself that I didn't take the time to meet him and hear him speak. Stories like yours help in that regard. Thanks for watching! Let me know when you're cooking outside again; I'm super good at eating...one of my best skills. HMM

[@swampghost8256]

Man, how cool it would be to have a beer with you and Captain Darrell and just sit there and listen to you two chat ! Please keep these episodes coming !

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Sure will keep them coming; thanks for your support. Come to town and we'll have that beer...HMM

[@swampghost8256]

@@HistoryMysteryMan sounds good, I see you’re big into race cars too. You’ve probably heard of my great uncle , Bud Moore

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@swampghost8256 Of course I have...the man is a legend. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@chuckg6039]

Don, about 10 years ago I attended a Great Lakes Shipwreck show in Ypsilanti, MI. There I had the pleasure of meeting Dennis Hale. He gave a VERY fine hour talk at the convention detailing that horrible event. I kick myself time and time again that I didn't purchase his book at the show. He was autographing copies. Dennis was a fantastic speaker Don. All the day's talks were moderated by well known Michigan shipwreck diver, author, film producer, and speaker Ric Mixer.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Okay...so now I'm completely jealous of you...that you got to have that experience. I'm mad at myself for not going to one of his events and meeting him...just the opportunity to hear him talk and share his stories. Wow...Ric Mixter too! Thanks again my friend...HMM

[@chuckg6039]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I actually attended two of those conventions up in Ypsilanti. Can't recall if they were in back-to-back years. They had quite a bunch of neat vendors too which I enjoyed. One guy brought a small research sub. Oh, thanks for replying with Ric's name. I mispelled his first name in my original note. Just corrected that. Really enjoyed this video Don. No matter how many times I revisit the whole story, I just can't get my head around how he survived. I just can't.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@chuckg6039 I can't believe I never took the time to meet Dennis. And yes...his story will never get old. Be cool to write the screenplay for the story/movie.

[@tjhookit]

Thank you! I would love to have the chance to have a drink with Darrell and just sit back and listen!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I hear you loud and clear. If you're going to drink a beer, you wanna drink one with Capt. Darrell. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@guitarfreak521]

I wish I had a chance to meet Mr. Hale. Shoot, I wish he was still with us.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Me too...I'm mad at myself for not taking the time to go hear him speak. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@JeremyKurtz-jz9io]

He spoke at an Amish reunion about 10 years ago I got to meet him but unfortunately was to young to grasp what he went through

[@todddickinson3262]

I am beginning to sound like a broken record, but the combination of History Mystery Man and Captain Darrell equates to the best maritime history channel on KZbin. I can tell by reading the other comments that I’m not alone in that belief. Thanks again for making these great videos!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Todd...we sooo appreciate your kind words. Thanks again for watching! HMM

[@bowslap]

Don, I enjoy the variety of topics you cover on this channel…motor sports being a strong suit. But these series of chats with Capt. Walton are real barn-burners! Told with a no-holds barred approach and plain spoken honesty, coupled with decades of experience that just can’t be faked or denied…I certainly hope the 2 of you continue to speak on these topics for some time to come.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Lord willing, much more with Capt. Darrell coming. Thanks for recognizing our work and taking the time to watch. HMM

[@toddgilmore8412]

An amazing story of survival of Mr. Dennis Hale, 40 hrs. on a life raft, another miracle! I would have loved to hear him speak in later years. The Morrell is yet another lake freighter that broke apart attempting to make one last trip. Keep up the awesome videos guys!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Todd. Capt. D. knew Dennis Hale; I wish I would have gone to hear him speak...what an amazing life lived. We really do appreciate your continual support, Todd. Please stop by anytime...HMM

[@Plug_McWalkin]

I grew up near the Ontario shoreline of Lake Huron. I remember in 2006 when I was a little kid my grandfather sparked my fascination with lake freighters, shipwrecks, and the Great Lakes when he told me the story of the Daniel J. Morrell while we were fishing together on a small boat on Lake Huron. Ive swam in a lot of places around the world but Lake Huron is the coldest water Ive ever swam in, especially in late autumn. Dennis Hale was tough as hell, I cant even been to imagine having to go through such a terrible ordeal on the lake.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

The story of the Morrell and Hale's survival is fascinating for sure. I'm glad your grandfather sparked your interest in the Great Lakes maritime industry. Glad to know the younger folks like yourself are taking an interest. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@jayhopkins6990]

hmm.. anothergreatstory thanks a lot very interesting.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...you're always welcome! HMM

[@bigpower491]

Excellent. I'm very familiar with the Morrell and Dennis Hales story. You and Capt Darrell put together another gem. Some of those boats of the past I seen at the end of their service life on the river, they were cool. It's hard to imagine with the technology of the times they lasted that long. And yes, this completely eliminates the theory of the Fitzgerald breaking up on the surface. The stern under power would certainly have at least past the bow section or have been a great deal farther away than it lies.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting commentary; thanks for sharing it here. I do think the difference between how the Morrell and the Fitz lay on the bottom help explain what happened. Thanks for watching! HMM

[@bigpower491]

@History Mystery Man I was fortunate enough to see the JH Sheadle, tho in the late 70s she was called the Meaford. Launched 1906, scrapped I believe 1981. The EM Ford, sailed for over 100 yrs. One wonders how with the steel they used at the time those vessels ran so long. The Sheadle made it thru the Storm of 1913 no less, with S A Lyons turning her 3 times on the south end of Lake Huron. So I don't think they were all that easy on her during her lifetime. On that note, you got a great thing going with these videos, and hopefully you may take an interest in putting one together about the storm of '13. One ship still undiscovered from that one, the SS James Carruthers.....hopefully I live long enough for them to find it

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@bigpower491 Thanks! So appreciated. Darrell and I have already discussed the Storm of 1913, and we'd love to do it...one of the most fascinating Great Lakes Maritime stories of all time. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@bigpower491]

@History Mystery Man I appreciate you taking the time to put these videos out. And Capt. Darrells time. This past Sunday was up in Port Hope MI visiting my old captain. We ran a charter on Erie for a lot of yrs. The weather wasn't so good on my return trip Sunday, as I wanted to stop by the grave of Edward Kanaby. Mr Kanaby was a Wheelman on the H A Hawgood, a vessel that was beached in Pt Edward ON during the storm of 1913. He was one of the last people to see the Regina, the Issac M Scott, John A McGean, and the Charles S Price afloat on lake huron. Next trip up I'll leave flowers. To this day, when the lake gets up in all her fury, coal from the Price washes up on the beaches near Lexington

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@bigpower491 Those are super interesting stories...thanks again. I just have to start digging into the Storm of 1913...fascinating! Stopping by Kanaby's grave is exactly the things that I'd be doing too. I always make time for that stuff. Thanks for your support...HMM

[@Bighead_Joe]

Daniel J. Morrell is one of my favorite Great Lakes shipwreck stories. Its so cool how the sterns lights stayed on for a little bit after the breakup!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

It's an amazing story. Can you imagine someone doing a major-league motion picture on this? More doable than one on the Fitz, because with the Morrell, we know what happened. Thanks...HMM

[@andrewnorris1514]

@HistoryMysteryMan I had a freind Tom Wills from Harbor Beach.On one of his talks Tom's dad presented Dennis with a wooden sign that said Daniel Morrel which had washed up in Harbor Beach

[@Bighead_Joe]

@@andrewnorris1514 Thats really REALLY cool!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@H-DAWG___12 That's amazing...stern lights ablazin'...

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@andrewnorris1514 Now that's a cool story! Thanks for sharing that here. HMM

[@andrewnorris1514]

That first shot of Dennis lying in bed he's having a smoke. How cool.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I know, right? So cool. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@bigmonmagoomba9634]

Ordered his book while watching this.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Excellent! Thanks for doing that...and thanks for taking the time to watch. HMM

[@robertschildt306]

I met Dennis years back at the New London library in Ohio and it was like I made a New friend because I showed intrest in the ships and his story he was a really nice person ! R.I.P. Dennis

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

So cool! I'm jealous that you got to meet him and hear him talk. I'm mad at myself for taking the opportunity to listen to him. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@rogerozdarski2935]

Just came in from snowblowing and I see a video from the HMM. Grab a cup of coffee and watch the video. The hair on the back of my neck was standing up when the Captian told the story about Dennis Hale crossing the bridge. Wow! Thank you again. You never have a bad video.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Roger; I really appreciate you. You've been with me from the start...and I'm so grateful. HMM

[@robertayers9424]

Another outstanding story! I cannot even imagine how being a sole survivor would effect a person. Thanks again!

[@difreighterwatcher8603]

Thank you so much for doing this one. I found Dennis ' story in a audio file from a radio broadcast years ago. While researching shipwrecks, I was surprised I had never heard of the Sole Survivor. Often overlooked but a amazing story. His recollections were so clear and I couldn't believe the conditions he endured and lived to tell. RIP Dennis your therapy in telling your story was a gift to us all.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for sharing your thoughts here. Love the way you explained Dennis's therapy as a gift to us all...so true. Could not have said that better. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@difreighterwatcher8603]

@@HistoryMysteryMan whenever somebody shares a story that reaffirms my Faith, I consider it a Gift. Thanks again for sharing your videos, really enjoy the Content.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@difreighterwatcher8603 Thanks...I love that!...the bit about reaffirming your faith. Thanks for sharing that...HMM

[@tmayer0009]

Glad to see this about this ship and her survivor

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...appreciate you taking the time to watch. HMM

[@leopardone2386]

I love maritime history channels that branch out into similar events from the house hold names from history. Also I love the approach you do of talking about the people as well as the vessel involved. Often you see just one of the two angles covered. I could listen for hours about the people involved. It adds humanity most documentaries miss. The story of the Morrell still gives me chills. I couldn't image the horror of such an event. Thank you for covering it. I look forward to more. Take care!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks! I really appreciate your kind comments. It's the humans who are the heartbeats of these stories...the rest is all steel, steel and steel. HMM

[@Trinitystillmyname]

Top notch story telling the truth. Is there a reason it took the coast guard 40 hrs to find him? Any info on how "next of kin " were compensated? This was 1966 after all.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Those are excellent questions! I'll see what I can find out. Thanks for sharing them here...HMM

[@wht-rabt-obj]

When it's not your time to go, it's not your time to go.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You can always say that again! Thanks...HMM

[@mikeb949]

Great Job on this one! I saw Dennis Hale give a talk on this years ago, and it was amazing to hear him tell the story. He suffered with survival guilt the rest of his life, but said talking about it certainly helped. RIP Dennis, you now sail in peaceful waters with your ship mates.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Whoa! I'm way jealous that you got to hear him talk. Thanks Mike, for remembering him and sharing your comments here. HMM

[@chuckg6039]

Mike, did you by chance hear Dennis talk in Ypsilanti at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Convention? That's where I got to hear and meet Dennis. Ric Mixer was the moderator that day.

[@mikeb949]

@@chuckg6039 No, I saw him at the Macomb College Campus, in Warren Mi. He was very interesting to hear and talk to afterwards. When he spoke, you could hear a pin drop, everyone was so quietly amazed by his story.

[@chuckg6039]

@@mikeb949 I really enjoyed the Q&A session after his talk.

[@TheClintmeister]

Fascinating, keep up the good work!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@critterscute3642]

What a story. What a guy. This got me watching and reading a bunch of stuff about Dennis Hale. Truly remarkable man. RIP Mr. Hale. Reunited with your crew once more ❤

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Very well said...and thanks for saying it. HMM

[@gorfpatrol2073]

Excellent 👍...the city of Bangor,, lake superior,, some of the rusty metal,, is still on the shore..seen it a couple years ago..

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks! And thanks for taking the time to watch...HMM

[@rileybridgham1963]

Great video, very interesting.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated. HMM

[@jimflys2]

Yes, keep it coming. We tune in every Nov. 10 in our shop to learn more and pay homage.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated! Gotta love that good-ole shop talk! HMM

[@jamesmccarthy5086]

Sometimes I wish I was 20 years younger and then I could’ve met Hale at my age that I am now 21. I would’ve listened like no other. I have seen interviews of him and love them. I’ve got to get his book one day. Just so unbelievable how he made it. Thank you to you HMM and Captain Walton for this amazing video/tribute about the Morrell.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, James. I would have loved to have met Mr. Hale. Capt. Darrell knew Hale and visited with him...HMM

[@jamesmccarthy5086]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I hope you guys can do another video about the Morrell. I’d love it!

[@RAV1953]

Dear Mr. HMM, another outstanding video!! Your work is very much appreciated by myself. I thought I knew quite a bit about the Morrell, (met Mr. Hale in Muskegon Mi. yrs. ago)the Fitz etc. however, your vids, have been a wealth of interesting information. Thank you very much!! RIP to all who perished on these shipwrecks.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome! Good to hear from you again, RAV...thanks! HMM

[@apancher]

Wow, this guy is such a character! I'm glad you interviewed him. History like this needs to be documented. Captain Walton seems like a really awesome guy.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...yeah...Capt. Darrell is an awesome character. If you're going to drink a beer, you wanna drink one with him. Thanks for watching! HMM

[@apancher]

@@HistoryMysteryMan that's exactly what I was thinking. I'd love to run jn to him at some bar. I think I'd cover his tab for the night and locust let him talk. He reminds me of my grandfather and his steel worker friends.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@apancher Sounds like free beer Darrell!

[@WilliamBolger]

Another great interview with Darrell Walton, 👏 thanks Don

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, William...always appreciated. HMM

[@J.Runk81]

Another great great video HMM. You guys keep doing these and you’re channel is gonna blow up. Please bring Capt Darrell and his older bro back more often.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for your advice...some of the best advice I've received. I'll go to work on that for you! HMM

[@gregsimon9061]

Wow this is such an awesome story. Thanks Don

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Greg...good to hear from you. HMM

[@danielmcfadden1]

Wow! What an amazing story!! Can’t even imagine how horrific that would have been to go through.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Daniel...I can't imagine the suffering. Mr. Hale was the epitome of a strong man. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@MR-si1eq]

Very interesting. Thank you. Loved it.

[@charlesbosse9669]

Wow,this man met his Guardian Angel alright. I'm truly amazed that he alone survived. God bless this man.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

What a great major motion picture the Dennis Hale story would be. Unlike the Fitz, we know what happened to Hale. Thanks. HMM

[@KubotaBXathome]

Here I thought I would have to wait till next November for another laker video…I have never known of this story. Once again you and the Captain knock it out of the park and looking forward to the next installment. I should like to read his book, what an incredible story, thanks so much for bringing it to us!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Wait till November!? Heck no...Great Lakes Maritime stories are too good to keep waiting...and there's a never-ending supply! Thanks for watching! HMM

[@kimfleury]

Dennis Hale frequently came to the Boatnerd Headquarters at the Maritime Center in Port Huron, Michigan. I lived close enough to walk there, and did walk to the Saturday morning farmers market. And yet somehow I never managed to get to any of his appearances! I have a vague memory of having a short public exchange with him on Facebook after missing another one. If I had known he had cancer, I would have tried harder to arrange my schedule to be able to shake his hand and say a prayer with him.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'm so mad at myself for not taking the time to meet him. I had so many opportunities and failed to get it done. RIP Mr. Hale...HMM

[@MarkHansen1990]

I agree it would make a great movie. You are keeping history alive. I just love hearing it from those that lived it. Wonderful lakemen tail gentlemen.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Mark...so appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to watch. HMM

[@twisterzman]

Been waiting for this. Thank you, as I believe this is a story of absolutely incredible survival

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...the Dennis Hale Story is beyond amazing. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@andrewnorris1514]

Great Melody!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@andrewnorris1514 Thanks Andrew...HMM

[@Cashcrop54]

Love these videos with Captain Darrell. My best friends worked on the Lake freighters for Columbia and Ogelbay Norton in the 70's. He was on the Reserve and the Sylvania. I would take him down to the dock in Toledo when he was going out. I really loved seeing the ships that would be there especially when I once saw the Fitzgerald. The size took my breath away and never imagined what was in store for them. Thank you for the great info and stories Captain. Thank you for these videos!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome! Thanks for taking the time to watch. I often caught my tug (James A. Hannah) at the docks in Toledo...my hometown! HMM

[@Cashcrop54]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Is the Hannah still in service?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@Cashcrop54 Last I heard...no. It was somewhere in Canada waiting to be scrapped. That was 4-5 years ago, so I suspect by now, it's no more. But how I would love to go aboard her again and reflect. Thanks...HMM

[@Cashcrop54]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Thank you. It always makes me sad to hear about ships of any kind getting scrapped or sunk.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@Cashcrop54 You're welcome; thanks for your support. HMM

[@MacGregor.]

Appreciate your work. Real history.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...I appreciate that. It's good to hear from you again. HMM

[@MacGregor.]

@@HistoryMysteryMan thank you

[@hambam7533]

thanks for the video history man you should do a video giving us stories of your years on the great lakes i am sure you have a few good stories

[@critterscute3642]

I second that 👍🏻

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

That's a great idea. I only wish I would have taken a lot of photography along the way. We just didn't do that back then. Thanks for your support HMM

[@toddbell4334]

As a child and into my teens I made that trip on the Badger, City of Midland and the Spartan. I remember very clear a winter trip in 1985 it was so ruff the vending machines broke lose from being bolted to the wall smashing back and forth across lounge!! Back then they still hauled train cars and would only be a few people that didn't work for the ferry making those trips.

[@darrellwalton938]

If anyone wants to experience the power of Lake Michigan, take a trip on the Badger from Ludington Michigan to Manatuak Wisconsin. It is something to behold. Thanks for your comment!

[@PhatSlicks]

I really enjoy these interviews with Captain Walton! Would sure love to see more in the pipeline. Does Darrell still Captain boats on the lakes? Or has he long since retired?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Capt. Darrell is definitely retired, but his mind is as sharp as ever...and his storytelling attributes are off the charts. Thanks for your kind words...so appreciated. HMM

[@tonyortiz1890]

I’ve learned so much about these incredible men, and the vessel’s that they loved, really fascinating Thank you for these incredible videos.

[@georgeadams8230]

That's an incredible story

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

The book on Dennis Hale is even more awesome...thanks. HMM

[@JohnnyLaps]

HMM and Capt.Darrell means eat my lunch and watch! Thank you guys.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Ha! Thanks again John...HMM

[@JohnnyLaps]

@@HistoryMysteryMan thanks Don,looking forward to the next one. Started watching your auto racing stuff,our area although not having a major raceway(Pocono closest)we do have our share of small tracks(atco speedway ect).Great channel,my friends and colleagues are on board. 👍

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@JohnnyLaps Thanks again John. Having worked for the ARCA stock car series, I've been to Pocono a lot over the years...twice each season for 22 years.

[@JohnnyLaps]

@@HistoryMysteryMan for Indy and Nascar correct? I as a kid went to stock car racing add Maple Glen another track I can't remember but I saw Shirley muldowney and Big Daddy Don garlits and I just thought doesn't get any better than that

[@JohnnyLaps]

@@HistoryMysteryMan actually..you were at both nascar events.. 🙄 sorry

[@Badlatitude]

Wool keeps you alive even when wet.

[@JP24Mich]

Great story. Is their a name to the song that you use in the beginning of your videos? Thanks

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...it's just generic music off my video editor. I'll see if I can find a name. HMM

[@keystonepirate2534]

These have been great 👍 thank you

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated! HMM

[@TravisMSimpson]

You do a great job with your story telling big D. Almost as if you were an ARCA pit reporter ;)

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Ha! I love this one! Thanks for remembering! And thanks for watching...HMM

[@TravisMSimpson]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I enjoyed what you brought to pit road and to your front office role especially the live chat during races. That was so much fun, made me more of an ARCA fan then NASCAR because ARCA knew how to have fun at the time but Jim France happened.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@TravisMSimpson Thanks Travis; I really appreciate that. Stop by anytime! HMM

[@TravisMSimpson]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Will do. The Maritime Horrors channel has some videos on the ships you are covering plus the Mary Celeste, Doña Paz, scotch cap lighthouse tragedy and a couple more. He is active duty Coast Guard.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@TravisMSimpson Wow...I didn't know there was a Maritime Horrors Channel...thanks.

[@james9347]

i respect all the sailors on the greatlakes the fitzgearld sank before i was born i grew up hearing the stories about the great lake a frioend of mine saw thje fitzgearld when he was aboy in detroit and he said it was big.thanks for the stories

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome James; thanks for stopping by...HMM

[@jamesbraun9842]

I was hoping you would do this or another ship wreck. The Morrell often goes forgotten outside the lakes community. I would like to see an interview from an actual survivor of a sinking ship.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks James...so appreciated. Frank Mays, who survived the Carl D. Bradley shipwreck just died fairly recently. I'm so mad at myself for not reaching out to him while he was still here. HMM

[@user-ct7ye1nw6q]

Tough as nails...

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

No truer words...thanks. HMM

[@timothybrown579]

There are some KZbin videos of some divers on the Morrell. In the stern wrenches are still hanging on the wall.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Super cool; thanks for watching! HMM

[@TravisMSimpson]

First flight was in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina four miles south of Kitty Hawk not Cape Cod.

[@rc44004]

My Dad sailed on the Ashtabula Ohio Car ferry and the BF Jones Oar Carrier. Two people died on the Fitz were from Ashtabula Ohio

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting. Is you Dad still alive? Thanks...HMM

[@Bald_Cat2007]

One thing, and it has to do with the Bradley, Morrell, and Fitzgerald. When you listen to the testimonies of Frank Mays, Elmer Fleming, and Dennis hale, they all say the same thing: "The hull hogged and sagged and tore like paper" now the things is, ships built before 1948 were made with steel similar to the titanic and couldn't flex, it had a high sulfur content meaning when it got real cold, the steel would get brittle. Ships built after 1948, for example, Wilfred Sykes, AAA class lake freighters, Edward L Ryerson, Fitzgerald class, were made with a different kind of steel and were designed to flex with the waves.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Excellent observations, John; thanks for sharing them...HMM

[@thesuneversets]

Grew up in Johnstown PA

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I love Johnstown! Spent a few days there this past fall...made a video about it, which is on my KZbin page. Thanks for checking in. HMM

[@vincemcmain663]

What is the music at the beginning I love it

[@craighanks429]

I dine out Fridays with 2 old high school friends & gab about whatever. They’re retired railroaders. What I noticed immediately is the work culture. It’s the same corporate management vs the unions & employees. All tonnage, no safety. Like ship’s Captains being afraid to anchor in safe harbor while dangerous storms rage, vs gotta go, gotta get this cargo in. A ship anchored doesn’t make money, etc.. I remembered Captain Paquette saying Captain McSorely was always a “company man” & how it was always “full speed ahead”, push, push, push. Cause he wanted to satisfy the company overlords who may just can you if you didn’t get your loads in fast enough. That’s a horrible work environment. Causes people to take unnecessary risks.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Well said, Craig. It's a lot easier to push, push, push from behind a desk...thanks again. HMM

[@guymerritt4860]

Funny, almost at the end this guy says something - referring to Lake Michigan being rough - "If you wanna experience something like that go take a trip on the car ferry, 'The Badger''". I took car ferries a lot and the only time I ever experienced sea sickness was on that damned 'Badger' in some very, very rough seas on Lake Michigan. I tried everything to feel better - went out on the bow, etc. Finally, I bought one beer and drank about half. Me and the wife had gotten one of those little state rooms and I went in there, barfed once in the sink, and - thankfully - fell asleep for the rest of the trip. That thing was up and down like a roller coaster or something. I'm a fair weather sailor I guess. Man, that was rough. And I'd been across a half-dozen times before - at least - and it was pleasant as hell. But Lake Michigan can get rough. I was kinda surprised we were even out there on a damned car ferry. I kept worrying about whether cars....and they have train cars down there, too....were gonna break loose. I love these interviews.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I can relate. I've been seasick numerous times on Lake Michigan. I eventually got over it, but it took a couple years. I found that the only way I could keep from getting sick was to lie flat on my back.

[@guymerritt4860]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Sleeping worked wonders...ha ha. I woke up in Wisconsin.

[@zacbostic6461]

Ask cap about the big fitzs sister and what happened to her. Thats another interesting point.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Her sister? Are you talking about the Homer? Thanks...HMM

[@jimguelde4068]

I was a young seaman aboard one of the search vessels… Coast Guard Cutter “Mackinaw”.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I've seen the Mackinaw many times. As I recall, it was an icebreaker too? When we were breaking ice under the Mackinaw Bridge, it seems like the Mackinaw came out to help a time or two. Thanks...HMM

[@jimguelde4068]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Thanks for the comment. Yes, WAGB-83 (Icebreaker). Sailing under the bridge was always awe inspiring.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@jimguelde4068 I was a deckhand on the ice breaker tug James A. Hannah...one of the few boats on the Great Lakes that worked through the winter...breaking ice ahead of our oil barge.

[@jimguelde4068]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I wonder if we crossed tracks... I was on the Mackinaw from April of 1966 to the summer of 1968.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@jimguelde4068 Doesn't sound like it. I was on the James A. Hannah from '78 through '82.

[@joeanderson9852]

👍👍

[@literallyshaking8019]

Dennis deserved to go to heaven because he already went through hell.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Very well said. No one earned it more...HMM

[@huns12345]

Is there any documents about Dennis Hale,like story's he said about exactly when,how,what happened in his own words?,that's what we need to hear,I thought everyone died in stubborn consequences,this person was a miracle,what about his story,this was a good story,not about pirate story's but about great ships

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

There is a book out there regarding Hale's experience when the Morrell went down. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@darrellwalton938]

It's called "Shipwrecked", an autobiography by Dennis Hale. Facts on this video are from that book, plus from speaking at length with him

[@huns12345]

@@darrellwalton938 wow,,I am going to try to find the link if there is one.Thank You

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Time for 1913...@@darrellwalton938

[@BryanEberle]

HMM you better watch out; you got A shark in your swimming pool. If Capt. Derrel ever starts his own KZbin channel; you might be out of the shipwreck telling business. 😁🚬

[@J.Runk81]

Whenever these two get together it’s pretty much gold! I hope they cover lots more shipwrecks.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Ha! That's a good one. I've actually encouraged Capt. Darrell to start his own channel. It's like anything else...you have to be willing to commit to it 10 hours a day, every day. But yes. his channel could be awesome. But...don't forget, I'm a Merchant Marine too...you'll never get me out of this business. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@J.Runk81 Thanks...so appreciated! HMM

[@harpman6766]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I am very happy to be interviewed by Capt. Don! I think we make a good team, as former shipmates telling it the way it was. Running our farm with the chickens, the horse, dogs & cats keeps me pretty busy. Don is the master of these video's, we'll let him keep doing the excellent job that he does!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@harpman6766 Whether it's your channel or mine, we'll still be talking to each other...either way works! Thanks all...

[@allthingshorror9754]

This man was my Uncle

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Dennis Hale was your uncle?

[@allthingshorror9754]

@@HistoryMysteryMan that is correct through my Grandma Linda Hale but yes his was my Uncle I have a photo album with a new paper clipping she had all on him his wifes name was Barb

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@allthingshorror9754 Super interesting. I'd love to learn more about Dennis...thanks for sharing your story here. HMM

[@allthingshorror9754]

@@HistoryMysteryMan there's for much about him to know we have a pic that belonged to my grandma in fact it wasn't even a pic but a painting of the Daniel J. Morrell

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@allthingshorror9754 How well did you know him?

[@flhxri]

Lake Michigan is the most dangerous great lake

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

They're all pretty mean...thanks for watching! HMM

[@TempoDrift1480]

Can't keep this bottled inside? What are you talking about? I'm pretty sure he got the story pretty widely known. 🤷

[@alanmoberly64]

I wish the interviewer would stop interrupting.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yeah...I'm working on that. HMM

[@cindythorn3212]

CAPT. DARRELL WALTON didn't have to say anything the guy who was asking the questions was giving the answers worst interview ever

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for your feedback...HMM

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Your last name fits you well!

[@bobvalentine8927]

Very interesting video s

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thank you sir...HMM