What caused the SS Edmund Fitzgerald to sink?

Answer 1

It sank due to a freak wave during a gale storm. "Reports show three large waves were detected, two of which were reported by the Edmund Fitzgerald. As per the investigation, it was theorized that the SS Edmund Fitzgerald was badly battered by the first two waves, further damaging the dual radar (which shared a common antenna) and the hatch covers. It is surmised that the SS Edmund Fitzgerald took on water through the damaged cargo hold covers and subsequently was consumed by the third wave."

Answer 2

properly, there exchange right into a gale typhoon, yet no person truly knew what occurred. on the afternoon of November 10, Fitzgerald pronounced a catalogue and a few appropriate-area harm which contain the lack of radar, yet did no longer point out a severe issue. She slowed back interior selection of receiving Anderson's radar records and for a time Anderson guided Fitzgerald in direction of the relative protection of Whitefish Bay. The final communication from the boat got here at approximately 19:10 (7:10 PM), while Anderson notified Fitzgerald of being hit by potential of two freak waves that have been heading Fitzgerald's way and asked how she exchange into doing. McSorley pronounced, "we are protecting our very own." a couple of minutes later, she by surprise sank – no misery sign exchange into won. by potential of 19:20, Anderson might desire to neither advance Fitzgerald nor detect her on radar. At 20:32, Anderson pronounced the U.S. Coast shield of their undertaking for the boat.

Answer 3

Since there were no survivors nor witnesses,reports are based on testimonies and an underwater survey of the wreck. They suggest that the Fitzgerald was taking on water due to earlier damage from the storm and that around 7:15 p.m. it plunged headfirst into a large wave and sank abruptly.

Answer 4

According to the song lyrics in "The Wreak of the Edmond Fitzgerald"... "They might have split up or they might of capsized, they might have dove deep and took water." But when divers discovered the wreak a few years later it was found that the hull had broken in two. The wreak is now a memorial site to the 28 crew members that perished. It rests near Whitefish Bay in the upper peninsula of Michigan.

Answer 5

no one knows for sure, but after seeing a documentary on this event on the discovery channel, the common theory is that a couple hatch covers were left loose. blew open during the storm, and kept filling with water. these hatch covers were quite big, as they covered the compartments where the iron ore was kept in the belly of the ship. most all ships like this break in half as they start to tip one end down, as the other end wants to float. like the titanic did.

Answer 6

The ships cargo holds filled with water due to the wave action caused by a storm.

Answer 7

It is believed that the forward cargo hatches fell or were blown off of the boat. Then waves breaking over the vessel swamped the cargo holds. She then sank like a rock.

Answer 8

Storm produced waves bigger than it could handle.Or as the song says the main hatchway gave in.

Answer 9

The Witch of November mate.

Answer 10

It cracked in half when caught in a gale on Lake Superior