Stuff You Should Know The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald (not the song)
Jan 3, 2023
The hosts dive into the tragic sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, unraveling its historical significance and haunting maritime legacy. They explore the ship's design flaws and the environmental factors that contributed to the disaster. Key moments of decision-making by the crew during a fierce storm are examined, alongside the emotional toll of the event on rescuers. A robotic dive reveals the wreck’s split structure, prompting theories of human error and structural issues. Overall, it's a blend of remembrance, history, and the ongoing mystery of this maritime tragedy.
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Emily's Grandmother
- Chuck announces the passing of Emily's grandmother, Mary, at almost 102 years old.
- Mary enjoyed birthday shout-outs on the Stuff You Should Know Army Facebook page.
Misconceptions about the Edmund Fitzgerald
- Josh segues into the main topic, the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a Great Lakes iron freighter.
- Chuck admits he mistakenly thought the ship was much older due to the Gordon Lightfoot song.
Great Lakes Iron Ore Shipping
- Great Lakes iron ore shipping became a lucrative industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Companies, even those outside the industry like Northwestern Mutual, invested in ships for profit.