Edmund fitzgerald lifeboat
The Fitzgerald cannot pick up the Whitefish Point radio beacon. The Fitzgerald radios the Coast Guard station at Grand Marais on Channel 16, the emergency channel. Anderson requesting radar assistance for the remainder of the voyage.įitzgerald: "Anderson, this is the Fitzgerald. I have lost both radars. Can you provide me with radar plots till we reach Whitefish Bay?"Īnderson: "Charlie on that, Fitzgerald. We'll keep you advised of position." Radio transmission between the Fitzgerald and the AndersonĬaptain McSorley (C.M.) to Captain Cooper (C.C.):Ĭ.M.: "Anderson, this is the Fitzgerald. I have sustained some topside damage. I have a fence rail laid down, two vents lost or damaged, and a list. I'm checking down. Will you stay by me til I get to Whitefish?"Ĭ.C.: "Charlie on that Fitzgerald. Do you have your pumps going?" Anderson watches the Fitzgerald round Caribou Island and comments that the Fitzgerald is much closer to Six Fathom Shoal than he would want to be.Īnderson reports winds coming from the Northwest at 43 knots. Winds are at 35 knots, waves of ten feet. This is the last weather report that the Edmund Fitzgerald will ever make.Ĭaptain Jesse Cooper, (J.C.) of the S.S. The report from the Fitzgerald shows her to be 20 miles south of Isle Royale. Winds are at 52 knots, with waves ten feet in height. The National Weather Service issues gale warnings for the area which the Fitzgerald is sailing in. Captain Cooper on the Anderson radios a freighter (the Edmund Fitzgerald) that he spots. The Fitzgerald departs Lake Superior en route of Detroit with 26,116 tons of taconite pellets. The Edmund Fitzgerald is loaded with taconite pellets at Burlington Northern Railroad, Dock 1. The ship is scheduled to transport the cargo to Zug Island on the Detroit River. The Edmund Fitzgerald hits a Soo Lock wall, causing additional damage for the second time in one month. The ship loses its bow anchor at about one mile to the west of Belle Isle, on the Detroit River. 1973 Mayĭamage is sustained by hitting a Soo Lock wall. 1972Ĭaptain Ernest McSorley takes command of the Edmund Fitzgerald. McSorley is the last captain the Fitzgerald will sail under. 1971-1972ĭuring winter maintenance in Duluth, Minnesota, the Fitzgerald is converted from running on coal to running on oil. The Edmund Fitzgerald is damaged when it hits a lock wall. This is the third time the Edmund Fitzgerald has been subjected to significant damage in only 12 months. Hochelaga collide, causing damage for the second time in less than eight months. Internal and external damage occurs when the Edmund Fitzgerald hits ground near the Soo Locks. Pulcer becomes captain of the Edmund Fitzgerald 1969 The Edmund Fitzgerald is assigned a new captain: Captain Larson 1966 The Fitzgerald takes her first voyage under Captain Bert Lambert through the Soo Locks. Upon returning, the ship breaks the record for the largest load carried through the Locks. Operation of the ship is handed over Oglebay-Norton. Testing of the seaworthiness (sea trials) of the Edmund Fitzgerald begins. Passing these trials will allow the Edmund Fitzgerald to officially begin sailing and carrying cargo under the supervision of a crew. Edmund Fitzgerald is christened, making it the largest freighter sailing on the Great Lakes.
The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company officially announces they will name the ship for the recently elected chairman of the board, Mr. The keel of hull number 301 (the Edmund Fitzgerald) is laid in River Rouge, Michigan 1958 A contract is signed between the Great Lakes Engineering Works (GLEW) and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company stipulating that GLEW is to design and build the largest ship on the Great Lakes.