Family of Edmund Fitzgerald’s crew on hand as swimmers finish intended route to mark 50 years since sinking

The historic Old Mariners Church in Detroit, Michigan, became the setting for a poignant tribute to a group of swimmers who recently completed a remarkable journey. Following the intended route of the ill-fated Edmund Fitzgerald, the swimmers commemorated the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the American freighter.

Event organizer Jim Dreyer emphasized the significance of honoring the memory of the Edmund Fitzgerald and all mariners lost at sea. He highlighted the crucial role these individuals played in building the economies of both Canada and the United States, underscoring the perils they faced while navigating treacherous waters.

Sixty-eight participants took turns swimming the 650-kilometer route, mirroring the path the ship was meant to travel from Wisconsin to Detroit with a cargo of iron ore. The Edmund Fitzgerald tragically sank in Lake Superior on November 10, 1975, claiming the lives of all 29 crew members, including Blaine Wilhelm, who worked in the ship’s engine room.

Heidi Brabon, Wilhelm’s daughter, shared her memories of the tragic night when she learned of her father’s fate. The ceremony at the Mariners Church, immortalized in Gordon Lightfoot’s iconic song, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” provided a poignant setting for family members and participants to pay their respects.

As the bell tolled 29 times to honor each lost crew member and once more for all mariners lost in the Great Lakes, the emotional impact of the ceremony was palpable. Swimmer Barry Alper, reflecting on the experience, expressed how the event brought the journey full circle for him.

Despite facing rough weather conditions during their swim, the participants gained a newfound appreciation for the challenges mariners like those aboard the Edmund Fitzgerald encountered. The power of Mother Nature’s fury was keenly felt, mirroring the perilous conditions faced by the ill-fated freighter.

Brabon’s poignant bell-ringing tribute to her father and the symbolic completion of the journey left a lasting impression on all in attendance. The swim also raised nearly $200,000 for the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, earmarked for preserving the Whitefish Point Light Station, a vital piece of maritime history.

Bruce Lynn, executive director of the society, expressed gratitude for the funds raised, noting that they would likely go towards essential maintenance work on the historic lighthouse. The journey of the swimmers not only honored the memory of the Edmund Fitzgerald but also contributed to the preservation of Great Lakes maritime heritage.