Edmund Fitzgerald

Date 9-9-06

When the master of the FITZGERALD first reported topside damage to the vessel at 1530 on November 10, he stated he had a fence rail down, had lost two vents, and had "both" pumps going. Flooding was occurring in one or more ballast tanks, the tunnel or a combination of ballast tanks and the tunnel. At the same time, because of the severe sea conditions, water was entering the vessel’s cargo hold through nonweathertight hatch covers. Between 1530 and the sinking, the FITZGERALD’s deck was awash with green water. Since the sheer strake extended 15 3/8 inches above the weather deck for the entire length of the vessel at side, water would have been trapped on deck. The combined effect of the water in the ballast tanks, the tunnel, the cargo hold, and on deck would have decreased the vessel’s freeboard, permitted more water to enter the cargo hold, and increased any trim or list initiated by the ballast tank or tunnel flooding.

During a taped conversation with his office, which was made a part of the record, the ANDERSON’s master stated that the FITZGERALD "passed right over that 6-fathom spot." The Canadian Hydrographic Service survey shows the water depth at this charted "6-fathom spot" is 52 meters (28.4 fathoms). (New survey may show water depth at 5.2 fathoms).

Estimations of Water Ingress through one eight-inch diameter hole, at bottom of the Edmund Fitzgerald hull plate.

Calculations:

TEST

• Location of hole in hull plate = 27'-0" below water line.
• Size and shape of hole in hull plate = 8" diameter hole.
• Water type = Fresh water at a weight of 62.4 lb. per cub. ft.

Water weight 62.4 lb. per cub. ft.
36 cub. ft. per ton. = (Long Ton 2240 lbs.)

Calculations were based on steady-state water pressure flow conditions through one breached 8" diameter hole in the hull at 27' below the water line. = (3,958 gal. per min.)

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