Imagine plunging into the icy depths of Lake Superior to pay tribute to a legendary shipwreck that claimed 29 lives 50 years ago – a heart-wrenching feat that not only tests human endurance but also keeps alive the memory of those lost in one of the Great Lakes' most infamous tragedies. But here's where it gets intriguing: what if commemorating history could spark debates about whether such bold gestures truly honor the past or risk romanticizing danger? Join us as we dive into the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim, a 411-mile relay that symbolizes completing the doomed vessel's final voyage, from the wreck site to Detroit. This isn't just a swim; it's a powerful reminder of the mariners who shaped our world, and the emotional ripples they left behind. And this is the part most people miss: the personal connections that turned strangers into stewards of history.
News 8 is rolling out a compelling series of articles (https://www.woodtv.com/tag/edmund-fitzgerald-50-years-later/) building up to November 10, marking the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald's sinking. The series peaks with a special WOOD TV+ feature titled “The Fitz: 50 Years Later,” airing at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on that Monday.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — On July 26, a dedicated team of swimmers ventured by boat to the remote location of the Edmund Fitzgerald wreck, accessing waters usually restricted to the public. To celebrate the half-century milestone of the ship's tragic disappearance, the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim was designed to symbolically conclude the vessel's intended route, kicking off near the underwater resting place in Lake Superior and winding up in Detroit, spanning 411 miles. Nearly 70 participants took part in this relay event, swimming in remembrance of the 29 crew members who perished aboard the Edmund Fitzgerald, as well as countless other sailors who've met their end in the perilous Great Lakes.
This extraordinary endurance test will be captured in a documentary entitled “The Legend Lives On,” with its teaser trailer slated for release on November 10, coinciding with the sinking's anniversary.
‘A MEMORY ETCHED FOREVER IN OUR MINDS’
Prior to entering the water on that inaugural day, the swimmers conducted a solemn ritual at the wreck site to honor the 29 individuals who lost their lives five decades prior. They recited the names of each mariner from the Edmund Fitzgerald crew, releasing a white rose into the water and tolling the boat's bell after each one. A subtle drift carried the roses across Lake Superior's surface, creating a poignant visual trail.
“It’s an experience that will forever be ingrained in our memories,” remarked Jim Dreyer, the event's coordinator. “Glancing eastward, you could see those white roses drifting gracefully, and the entire scene was profoundly touching.”
Among those present on the boat that morning was Tammy Lenarz Carruth, an experienced swimmer hailing from Minnesota. With around 20 open-water swims under her belt, she was drawn to this deeply symbolic endeavor.
She chose to swim in tribute to Paul Riippa, a young deckhand aged 22 who perished in the disaster. Having reached out to his family beforehand, she received their heartfelt approval to represent him.
“His sister shared that they still cherish and mourn him, so they wholeheartedly endorsed this,” she explained. “It's almost dreamlike. Many of us are familiar with the Edmund Fitzgerald tale, but few delve into the stories of the individuals lost – their names and lives. I hadn't either, and discovering a bit about just one of them meant the world.”
Her segment of the relay, shared with three fellow swimmers, began above the wreck and concluded at the Whitefish Lighthouse. The event successfully raised over $200,000 (https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/MI/Paradise/EdmundFitzgeraldSwim) to aid in preserving this historic lighthouse, which went dark on the night of the ship's sinking – a small beacon that could have guided the crew to safety.
Lenarz Carruth described the swim as grueling, battling frigid waters and a relentless southeasterly wind. Departing the harbor at 4 a.m., they didn't reach the lighthouse until roughly 7:30 p.m. Though they alternated turns throughout most of the journey, the quartet united for the final few hundred yards.
Afterward, she headed home but stayed updated via online tracking.
“It was truly a privilege,” she shared.
Throughout subsequent stages, the group pushed through a barrage of mechanical hiccups and harsh weather, as Dreyer recounted.
“My team, including staff and swimmers, showed incredible perseverance. The cause transcended our personal struggles, fueling our determination,” he noted.
They cycled through four boats instead of the planned one. Near the Michigan Thumb, they encountered 10- to 15-foot waves en route back to shore, even after swimmers had exited. The vessel endured significant damage, Dreyer explained.
“There were moments where we'd swim in the morning, but by 10 p.m. the previous night, no boat was ready. My crew and I stayed up late plotting solutions. No one was willing to give up.”
‘AN ENCHANTING DAY UNFOLDS’
Sheila Fitzgerald tackled the penultimate leg, navigating the Saint Clair River near Port Huron.
For her, it held deep personal significance.
“Those mariners played a crucial role in shaping our society, and the 1975 disaster signifies the untold sacrifices of generations of sailors,” she reflected. “This resonates with me on a familial level, as my own relatives were part of the Great Lakes maritime industry.”
In fact, the ship's namesake, Edmund Fitzgerald, is a distant cousin of hers.
“Having a connection to the namesake Edmund Fitzgerald is deeply moving, as he embodies the broader maritime families in the region,” she said. “My lineage, like many others, included courageous souls who harnessed these lakes for trade, driving the development of the Great Lakes area and beyond. It's a beautiful chance to pause and appreciate that bravery and sacrifice that continues to enrich our lives.”
Additionally, she was motivated by memories of her mother, raised in Port Huron and passionate about swimming. Her swim began at the beach where her mom taught her to swim, passed ancestral farmland settled by Irish forebears, and neared her mother's childhood home.
In stark contrast to other challenging sections, Fitzgerald's portion enjoyed perfect conditions: a strong current, sunny skies, and warmth. As they traversed the river, several cargo ships passed by.
“They recognized our mission to honor fellow mariners,” she said. “Those vessels greeted us with horn blasts, which was exhilarating.”
She recounted a magical scene with the support boat and an approaching freighter, while a sailboat glided between them.
“We experienced a truly enchanting day on the Saint Clair River,” she recalled.
CREATING AND HONORING LEGACY
By August 27, the swim arrived in Detroit (https://www.woodtv.com/news/michigan/victory-day-as-swimmers-finish-the-edmund-fitzgeralds-journey/), effectively wrapping up the Edmund Fitzgerald's voyage and delivering a symbolic load of iron ore to the city, mirroring the ship's cargo.
“The participants crafted history while paying respects to it,” Dreyer observed.
Paddling alongside in a support kayak, Dreyer was greeted upon arrival by the daughter of a crew member.
“It humanized our purpose – to ensure the 29 men's legacies endure,” he said.
The next day, a commemoration unfolded at Detroit's Mariners’ Church, celebrating the swimmers and the 29 lost souls. Emotions ran high, Dreyer described, as bagpipes played “Amazing Grace” and a Gordon Lightfoot tribute artist performed “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” the ballad that cemented the tragedy in popular culture.
The church bells tolled 30 times: 29 for the crew and one for all other Great Lakes mariners who've perished.
“The tears streamed freely,” Dreyer shared. “These 29 men were husbands, fathers, sons.”
But here's where it gets controversial: Is staging such an intense, potentially risky event the best way to remember a disaster, or does it inadvertently glorify the very dangers that led to the loss? Some might argue that these memorials raise awareness and funds for preservation, like the lighthouse, while others question if they exploit tragedy for adventure tourism. And this is the part most people miss: the environmental footprint of boating in sensitive waters, sparking debates on whether honoring history justifies potential ecological disruption.
What do you think? Does a swim like this truly bridge the past and present, or is it just another way to sensationalize sorrow? Share your views in the comments – do you see it as heroic tribute or something more divisive? We'd love to hear your take!
