As Paul Harvey used to say,
And now for the rest of the story...
In a nutshell
"The Fitzgerald sank because of human error. Everyone will agree to that. They just won't agree to which humans [were responsible], and generally, not me..."
Edward A. Perrine
20-year-veteran officer of The Lakes
Former Crewman of the Fitz
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Excerpted from "A Good Ship and Crew Well Seasoned"
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The Catalyst for Re-Examination
Capt. Dudley j. Paquette publishes The Night The Fitz Went Down
Although all the major Fitz-related texts prior to the release of Paquette's memoir did cover the controversy over the Coast Guard hearings and NTSB report, they shied away from questioning the actions of the captain, Ernest McSorley, or delving too deeply into possible corporate negligence.
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Paquette's book, released in 2000, broke open those topics and made them possible to talk about in a frank and direct manner. Paquette himself doesn't mince words. Take this excerpt, "...if the ship did need repair and McSorley chose to sail right into the front of that storm system, then you really have to question his fitness as a captain."
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Paquette was on Superior that night in the same storm as the Fitz. A thirty-year veteran of the lakes, he is a self-avowed weather fanatic. The memoir is fascinating and enlightening.
Other Re-Examinations
Rogue Wave or Human Error: What Sunk the Infamous SS Edmund Fitzgerald
Episode of Dive Detectives
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This episode of the investigative TV show Dive Detectives offers high-production values, great footage and information, as well as interesting theories about the sinking based on their dive. The show hosts, diving brothers, Mike and Warren Fletcher, do an excellent job of describing the dangers and horrors of the icy-cold Superior water.
There’s an ongoing thread about the sinking of the Daniel J. Morrell. The brothers dive to the Morrell's shipwreck (which broke in two on the surface before sinking) to compare damage.
The show also covers well the negative reactions to the findings of official reports and offers many interesting alternatives, as well as evidence to support them.
History Mystery Man interviews with Captain Darrell Walton and others
Highly Recommeded!
Through his Youtube channel, History Mystery Man (HMM) has been covering topics about the Great Lakes region for nearly a decade. One of his primary focuses has been on the Fitz, diligently tracking down anyone still living who was on the lake that night or had a connection to either the Fitz or the Anderson.
His interviews are conducted casually, often on-the-run, capturing analysis and opinions from people who have worked the lakes for a lifetime. They have no hidden agendas. Most seem willing to relieve their conscience of pent-up thoughts on the topic. And those thoughts are revealing.
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Recently, he started interviewing Captain Darrell Walton, now retired, for a seriesexploring issues related to the Fitz. It has become a popular series, but not popular enough.
Captain Darrell Walton's in-depth expertise and homespun wisdom makes for an entertaining watch and a re-thinking of old beliefs. These interviews are a treasure for every Fitz enthusiast. Yet, they haven't been seen by a widespread audience. Let's change that by subscribing to History Mystery Man's channel.
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You can easily get lost in these videos for an entire day. I included only a few below. In his Fitzgerald playlist, HMM has 43 videos. I suggest you subscribe, clear your calendar for the day, and hit "Play All."
What? That's what I did.
Title: Edmund Fitzgerald Story Time with Captain Darrell
Source: History Mystery Man
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Title: P2: Edmund Fitzgerald Hatch Covers; Story Time with Captain Darrell Walton
Source: History Mystery Man
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Title: P3: When did the Edmund Fitzgerald break? Plus news on the Arthur M. Anderson
Source: History Mystery Man
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Title: Sinking of the Fitzgerald ... Negligence or Nature?
Source: History Mystery Man
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