The Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim has completed a 411-mile relay across Michigan, following the route of the freighter that sank on Lake Superior in 1975. According to ClickOnDetroit, swimmers arrived yesterday at the Detroit Yacht Club, one day later than planned, where they were welcomed by supporters and family members of the lost crew. The month-long relay began near the Fitzgerald’s resting place and ended on Belle Isle with nearly 70 swimmers participating.
Event director Jim Dreyer said in a livestream that the relay marked a successful finish. WOOD TV reported that the swim required coordination across four boats, with the final 5-mile leg completed by four swimmers. Over the course of the journey, the team faced storms, poor air quality, and mechanical issues, but managed to complete all 17 stages, rotating groups of four swimmers every half hour.
Today, the Mariners’ Church in Detroit hosted a livestreamed memorial service, SooLeader reported. The church’s bell rang 30 times—once for each of the 29 sailors lost on November 10, 1975, and once more for all who have died on the Great Lakes. The service was held at the request of the event’s organizers to honor the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
