The SS Edmund Fitzgerald, a massive freighter over 700 feet long, was once hailed as unsinkable.

Yet, on a stormy night in November 1975, it sank in Lake Superior, taking all 29 crew members with it and igniting a decades-long debate about the causes of the disaster. Recently, an underwater drone equipped with advanced 4K cameras and AI technology conducted the most detailed survey of the wreck, uncovering shocking findings that may finally clarify what went wrong.

The Fitzgerald was launched in 1958 and quickly became a symbol of engineering prowess, transporting iron ore pellets from Minnesota to steel mills in Detroit.

For 17 years, it earned a reputation for speed and reliability, becoming a beloved vessel among sailors and spectators alike. However, the Great Lakes are notorious for their treacherous storms, particularly in November, which sailors refer to as the “Witch of November.” These storms can produce hurricane-force winds and towering waves, making navigation perilous.

On November 9, 1975, the Fitzgerald loaded over 26,000 tons of iron ore and set sail despite ominous weather forecasts. After consulting with another freighter, the Arthur M. Anderson, Captain Ernest McSorley decided to proceed, believing they could navigate the storm together. Tragically, within 36 hours, the Fitzgerald would vanish without a trace.

As the storm intensified on November 10, winds reached over 80 mph, and waves soared to 35 feet. The Fitzgerald communicated with the Anderson throughout the day, but as conditions worsened, McSorley reported a “bad list,” indicating the ship was tilting. He assured the Anderson that the ship’s pumps were managing the incoming water.

In his last transmission, he confidently stated, “We are holding our own.” Moments later, the Fitzgerald disappeared from radar, leaving no distress signals or signs of life behind.

The wreck was discovered a few days later, lying in 530 feet of water, split into two sections. The Coast Guard’s initial investigation suggested flooding through ineffective hatch closures as the probable cause, implying crew negligence in securing the hatches. This conclusion was met with skepticism from the maritime community and the victims’ families.

Nearly 50 years later, the underwater drone’s survey provided new insights. As it descended into the depths, it captured stunning footage of the wreck. The drone revealed significant damage and missing hatch clamps, which were crucial for keeping water out.

The investigation showed that multiple clamps were absent or bent, suggesting systematic failure rather than crew error.

Perhaps the most alarming discovery was a completely sheared-off air vent, creating a gaping hole that would have allowed water to flood the cargo hold at an alarming rate during the storm.

This confirmed Captain McSorley’s concerns about losing vent covers and illustrated that the ship was likely taking on water long before the crew realized the severity of the situation. The weight of the waterlogged cargo would have masked the impending disaster, leading to a tragic and silent sinking.

The findings not only absolved the crew of blame but also pointed to critical design flaws in the Fitzgerald itself, compounded by years of stress on its structure. While some theories persist about rogue waves or harmonic resonance contributing to the sinking, the drone’s revelations provide concrete evidence of the ship’s vulnerabilities.

The tragic fate of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald remains a haunting reminder of the dangers of the Great Lakes, and the recent discoveries may finally shed light on the mysteries surrounding its loss.