The Gales of November by John U. Bacon
8.5 out of 10A large, long, freshwater freight vessel, The Fitz was commissioned by an insurance company and named in honor of an underwriter. After 17 years of relentlessly traversing the Great Lakes, on 10 November 1975, it was sailing from west to east on Lake Superior. That morning, the weather was unseasonably warm, but cold winds were coming. By the evening, roughly an hour away from the calm waters of White Fish Bay, misfortune hit. The ship found itself in the "Storm of the Century"--100 mph winds, regular bombardment from 30 ft waves, with some rogues nearly 2x that height, and whiteout snow halting visibility. The elite captain and experienced crew who went to their watery graves were in the worst place at the worst time. Soon after the final radio call, some nearby ships attempted reconnaissance search and rescue missions. But it was too late.
The story is tragic, though the writing style is very good. Bacon adds germane historical context to maritime activity in the region. He also illuminates points of interest about the personal lives of the 29 men who were aboard. Their loved ones grieved. Americans and Canadians reflected. Cargo companies adopted new technology to improve safety. Gordon Lightfoot sang a raw and pure song. The bell of the Edmond Fitzgerald was recovered from the wreck and will reside in a museum for generations to come.