On November 10, 1975, AP reporter Harry Atkins covered the tragic sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a cargo ship that capsized in a storm on Lake Superior, killing all 29 crew members. Atkins, then based in Detroit, learned of the disaster from a local resident listening to ship communications. He quickly traveled to Sault Ste. Marie to report on the situation.
From a small plane, he spotted rescue efforts, noting cargo and Coast Guard boats searching the waters. His initial report described the grim scene, highlighting the absence of survivors. The wreck, which remains submerged, is protected as a cemetery under Canadian law.
The sinking became legendary, partly due to Gordon Lightfoot’s poignant ballad about it, released in 1976. Atkins later reflected on the impact of the event and its coverage, recalling the emotional weight of the tragedy and its lasting legacy in the region. As of now, families and enthusiasts plan to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the shipwreck.
Source link
