By James Heinz
November 10, 2026, is the 51st anniversary of the sinking of the SS EDMUND FITZGERALD. Most of the stories about her concentrate on why she sank. But this story is to commemorate the human story, the story of the 29 men who went down with her. These are the faces and the names of her crew.
Check out last year’s bell ringing ceremony that was held for the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the EDMUND FITZGERALD.
“29 Bells” Bell-Ringing Ceremony only (7:40):
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Photo Courtesy of reddit.com/r/Shipwrecks
James Heinz is the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society’s acquisitions director. He became interested in maritime history as a kid watching Jacques Cousteau’s adventures on TV. He was a Great Lakes wreck diver until three episodes of the bends forced him to retire from diving. He was a University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee police officer for thirty years. He regularly flies either a Cessna 152 or 172.
