Posted on 11/10/2005 1:43:45 PM PST by apackof2
What caused the ship to sink? There are a couple of theories cited in the "Marine Casualty Report" by the US. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation Report. Since there were no survivors nor witnesses, their report is based on testimonies and an underwater survey of the wreck. This report suggests that the Fitzgerald was taking on water due to earlier damage from the storm and that around 7:15 p.m. it plunged headfirst into a large wave and sank abruptly.
That's real macho for a Canuck. He was just lucky that my grandfather wasn't around to kick his a-s.
Harry Chapin was hitting on my date when we saw him in concert in 1977.
That is a GREAT tagline!!!!!
I have listened to that song a bunch of times, and it always gives me a sense of the feeling of helplessness that nature can engender amongst those who have seen it at its worst.
When experienced sailors look at each other and say "We're screwed..." it usually means something.
I am one... of many.
Harry Chapin should have known better not to take a VW Rabbit on the LIE.
I just read an article on Wikipedia about it a few seconds ago. At 19:10 the final transmission was sent saying "we are holding our own", but by 19:20 a near by ship couldn't find the Fitzgerald on radar.
Eerie.
One of the most haunting songs ever written.
"Does anyone know
Where the love of God goes,
When the waves to the minutes to hours."
I can really picture the horror those men suffered and it brings tears to my eyes.
gahh. Typical celebrity. He was probably in detox...
Usually sailors will put on a good show for each other. In addition to being an ego thing, it helps keep morale up just a little bit longer.
The tagline is the last part of a line from a show called "Slings and Arrows", which begins, "Many of you are under the impression that my reason is hanging by a thread. I'm here to tell you that the best stuff happens just before the thread snaps."
We now return you to your regularly scheduled discussion.
Well, isn't that special? I always had him pegged as a wuss, but now I guess I'll upgrade that to full-on jackass ;)
I ran a fuel bunkering operation in Duluth-Superior for 16 years and the captain of our lighter vessel helped put the last N6 oil on board the Fitz. He knew most of the guys who worked for Columbia Steamship Company, the ship's owner. He said the regular cook was ill and missed the last voyage. His replacement cook was a spooky guy and on the evening they left Superior he mentioned that he felt he was going to a better place sometime soon.
I agree. I'd also say that gazing out across a gray, rain-swept Lake Superior on a cold autumn day conjures up particularly forlorn, haunting emotions.
Great song, but "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" is even better, and Lightfoot's best song.
Gord sure can tell a story.
Oh I am sorry to hear that, sounds like he had an anger mangement and/or emtional problems
...and your mom did not have him arrested for assault or sued? Yeah right!
The Ftizgerald was famous on the lakes; set 2 speed records.
The owner died of a heart attack at the ship's launching when it lurched back toward the dock.
Everyone said it was cursed.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.