The Old Mariners Church in Detroit, Michigan, served as a poignant location to commemorate a remarkable feat achieved by a group of swimmers. These swimmers undertook a challenging swim mirroring the intended path of the Edmund Fitzgerald, marking the 50th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the American freighter.
Event organizer Jim Dreyer emphasized the significant role played by the Edmund Fitzgerald and other lost mariners in shaping the economies of both Canada and the United States. He highlighted the dangers these individuals faced in their endeavors, underscoring the perilous nature of maritime activities.
A total of 68 participants took part in the swim, collectively covering 17 legs spanning over 650 kilometers. The route closely followed the path the ill-fated ship was supposed to take while transporting iron ore from Wisconsin to a steel mill near Detroit. The Edmund Fitzgerald met its tragic end in the Canadian waters of Lake Superior on November 10, 1975, resulting in the loss of all 29 crew members.
Among the crew was Blaine Wilhelm, an engine room worker, whose daughter, Heidi Brabon, attended the commemorative ceremony. Reflecting on the tragic night, Brabon recalled her fear and uncertainty upon learning about her father’s fate, a memory that remains vivid in her mind.
The ceremony held at the Mariners Church, mentioned in Gordon Lightfoot’s iconic song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” included a poignant tribute where the bell tolled 29 times to honor each lost crew member, with an additional toll dedicated to all mariners lost in the Great Lakes.
Participant Barry Alper from Toronto expressed the profound significance of being present at the church and participating in the service, reflecting on the emotional impact of the event and the timeless relevance of the song.
During the swimmers’ challenging journey, they encountered adverse weather conditions reminiscent of those faced by the Edmund Fitzgerald. The experience of navigating Mother Nature’s fury on the Great Lakes underscored the raw power and unpredictability of these vast bodies of water.
Brabon had the poignant honor of ringing the bell in memory of her father, marking the symbolic completion of the ship’s unfinished journey. The swim also raised nearly $200,000 for the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society to support the preservation of the Whitefish Point Light Station, a historic lighthouse near the Edmund Fitzgerald’s resting place.
Bruce Lynn, the executive director of the society, expressed gratitude for the funds raised, highlighting potential restoration projects such as repairing the lighthouse keepers’ quarters to withstand harsh winter conditions.
