The Winds of November came calling with ferocious seas in 1975  and sank the Edmund Fitzgerald . It happened so quickly no-one was able to do anything about it .

The Edmund Fitzgerald was the pride of the American shores . She had an experienced crew and they had all seen rough seas on the lakes . They were squeezing in one last run , carrying over 26000 tons of Taconite iron ore pellets  back across the lake .They were not the only ones getting in their last run . Many others were doing the same . Experience or not , it was bad timing and the 10th of November 1975 would be the last time they saw daylight . The Winds of November would see to that .

There were 29 crew members on board the Edmund Fitzgerald in total . The Ship was Captained by Earnest M McSorley . The crews ages differed greatly , the eldest being the Captain , (Above) and Wheelsman John D Simmons , both 63 . The youngest , Watchman ,Karl a Peckol who was just 20 yrs old .

All of them would soon be taken by Lake Superior . It is told that Lake Superior never gives up her Dead .If you have never heard the chilling song ‘The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald ‘ sung by Gordon Lightfoot , I highly recommend it . It may , like me , chill you to the bones . The words are as powerful and haunting as the tune . You will never forget it .

The Edmund Fitzgerald was launched in June 1958 . She was designed to carry freight across the great lakes . with a top speed of 14 knots , with a single propeller she was quick as far as freighters go . For 17 yrs she was setting various records , including breaking her own seasonal haul records. She was 729ft long and at the time she was built she was the largest on the lakes , earning her the title ‘Queen of the lakes’ .

I hope I have done them all proud with my painting of ‘ The Winds of November’ and the ‘Edmund Fitzgerald’. I am certain they will never be forgotten through many memories ,paintings and the song . May they all sleep tight .