Ep 4. Winter of Disaster

In this episode of Deep Sea Detectives, the team investigates one of the most devastating disasters to strike the Great Lakes - the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. On November 10th, 1975, the massive freighter went down in Lake Superior during a fierce winter storm, taking all 29 crew members with her.

The episode begins with the team setting out on a frigid winter day to examine the wreckage of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which lies over 500 feet below the surface of the lake. Using state-of-the-art technology, including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and side scan sonar, the team carefully maps out the debris field and attempts to piece together what happened on that fateful night.

As they explore the wreck, the team uncovers a number of clues that point to a catastrophic failure in the ship's structure. They find evidence of massive hull fractures and torn-up decking, which suggest that the ship was overwhelmed by the powerful waves and winds of the storm. But they also find indications that the crew may have had a chance to escape - some lifeboats were launched, and there is evidence of a makeshift flotation device that may have been used by some of the crew to try to stay afloat in the freezing water.

Over the course of the episode, the team interviews experts and survivors of other Great Lakes shipping disasters to better understand the unique challenges of navigating these treacherous waters. They also examine the history of the Edmund Fitzgerald and its role in the Great Lakes shipping industry, including the controversial decision to allow such a large vessel to operate on the Lakes.

As the investigation continues, the team begins to put together a picture of what happened that night. They theorize that the ship was hit by a series of massive waves that caused it to pitch and roll uncontrollably. The crew likely struggled to keep the ship afloat, but ultimately the vessel succumbed to the forces of the storm and was torn apart. The team concludes that the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald likely had very little time to react, and that the disaster was unavoidable given the severity of the storm.

Overall, this episode of Deep Sea Detectives offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the most tragic events in Great Lakes history. Through careful analysis of the wreckage and historical context, the team provides new insights into the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.