The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

miles on a bearing of 144 degrees T from FITZGERALD's position. FITZGERALD replied, "Thanks," and that (they) "wanted to be 2 to 2-1/2 miles off Whitefish Point." The Mate on ANDERSON estimated that with the drift, FITZGERALD was probably headed for that point. CAPT Cooper testified that at around 1800, when approximately 15 miles southeast of Caribou Island, and just out of its lee, ANDERSON encountered heavy seas with waves as high as 25 feet. At 1810, CAPT Cooper left the wheelhouse and went below. At 1820, the First Mate called FITZGERALD again and asked what course they were steering because they appeared to be working to the left of ANDERSON. They replied they were steering 141 degrees T. At 1900, the Mate informed FITZGERALD that they were 20 miles ahead and 1-1/2 to 2 miles to the left of ANDERSON's heading flasher, and that FITZGERALD was thus 15 miles from the Highlands at Crisp Point. At 1910, the Mate called FITZGERALD asked, "Well, am I going to clear?" and the Mate said, "Yes, he is going to pass to the west of you." FITZGERALD replied, "Well, fine." As the Mate started to sign off, he asked, "Oh, by the way, how are you making out with your problems?" FITZGERALD replied, "We are holding our own." This was the last transmission heard from FITZGERALD. Just as this conversation ended, at around 1910, CAPT Cooper returned to the pilothouse, and he testified that at that time ANDERSON was 25 miles north-northwest of Whitefish Point, with the radar showing FITZGERALD 9 miles ahead and a mile to a mile and a half to the east of the heading flasher. This was the last time that anyone on ANDERSON observed a target on the radar that they were certain was FITZGERALD.

Shortly thereafter, it stopped snowing and visibility improved considerably. Because FITZGERALD should have been closer, he was surprised that he could not see her lights. CAPT Cooper thought that FITZGERALD might have had a blackout and told everyone on the bridge to look for a silhouette on the horizon. At 1920, after adjusting the radar, ANDERSON had three distinct targets, but none was FITZGERALD. CAPT Cooper then tried to call FITZGERALD on VHF-FM, and there was no response. The Mate then tried to call FITZGERALD, and then one of the saltwater vessels, without success. He then called the SS WILLIAM CLAY FORD, which was

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