#great lakes

Fort Creek

The crew was aware of an inbound storm due to roll in overnight, but no one had predicted how two storm fronts, one from the southwest and one down from Canada, would clash over Lake Superior, causing what would be remembered as one of the worst storms of the century. McSorley was respected as one of the best captains on the Great Lakes, a heavy weather sailor who knew how to handle storms. McSorley rarely opted for cautious leeward routes but as this storm began to unfold he chose to keep close to Isle Royale and the Ontario shore. Our last communication from them was a message from McSorley to fellow freighter Arthur M. Anderson at 7.10 pm.

“We are holding our own,” they said.

It’s haunting to know that at this very moment fifty years ago they were probably in great spirits in good water, bringing the ship back on the last run of the 1975 season, looking forward to spending the winter at home.

This isn't about whether you think it's likely that you'll die in this body of water; it's about which body of water you would give the right to take you.

For example, for me it's Lake Michigan.