The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

shoal than he wanted ANDERSON to be. At 1520, ANDERSON recorded steady winds of 43 knots from the northwest and it was still snowing. The seas were 12 to 16 feet, and ANDERSON was shipping a considerable quantity of water on deck.

The First Mate relieved the Second Mate of the watch at 1520, and between 1530 and 1535, FITZGERALD called ANDERSON. CAPT Cooper, on ANDERSON, answered the call and the two watch officers listened. Reports of this conversation varied, but it was generally agreed that FITZGERALD reported a fence rail down, two vents lost or damaged, and a list. Both the Master and the Mates who heard this report testified that they understood this to mean the loss of ballast tank vents and a small list. FITZGERALD told ANDERSON that she would "check down," i.e., reduce speed, to allow ANDERSON to close the distance between them. Whoever it was that was speaking on FITZGERALD did not identify himself, although everyone on the bridge of ANDERSON believed that it was CAPT McSorley. CAPT Cooper asked CAPT McSorley if he had "his pumps going" and the reply was: "Yes, both of them." CAPT Cooper noted that this time the radar indicated that FITZGERALD was approximately 17 miles ahead of ANDERSON and a point and a half to the right of ANDERSON's heading. CAPT Cooper agreed to keep track of FITZGERALD. None of the officers on ANDERSON who heard this conversation felt that it indicated any real concern about the welfare of FITZGERALD.

Shortly after this, ANDERSON received a Coast Guard broadcast that the Sault Ste. Marie locks were closed and that all ships should seek a safe anchorage. Between 1610 and 1615, ANDERSON was informed by FITZGERALD that her "radars weren't working." CAPT Cooper was not in the wheelhouse at this time. FITZGERALD asked if ANDERSON would keep track of them and provide navigational assistance, and the First Mate on watch on ANDERSON agreed. Sometime between 1600 and 1630, CAPT Cedric C. Woodard, of the Swedish vessel AVAFORS, answered a call from FITZGERALD for any vessel in the vicinity of Whitefish Point. FITZGERALD asked if Whitefish Point beacon or light was on. CAPT Woodard replied that he could neither see the light nor receive the beacon. Approximately one hour after his first conversation, CAPT Woodard called FITZGERALD and, after confirming that he was speaking to CAPT McSorley, told him that Whitefish Point Light

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