Cathy Quinn Interview

December 5, 2000

This is an interview which was conducted on December 5, 2000 with Cathy Quinn, on air coordinator for North Shore Radio.  Here are the questions asked, and Ms. Quinn's answers. 

Question: Do you think that the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald got the attention that it deserved?
Answer: Yes!

Question: What do you think happened that stormy night of November 10, 1975?
Answer: The waves picked up the ship on both ends, and in the middle was 26,000 tons of taconite ore pellets, but no waves to support them.  With no support, the ship buckled and sank.

Question: Do you think that the bell of the Edmund Fitzgerald should have been removed from the original wreck site, and if so, is it a good way to commemorate the men that were lost?
Answer: Yes, I think it was appropriate to remove the bell.  I cannot think of a better way to acknowledge the loss.

Question: What draws you to learning more about the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald?
Answer: That such a wreck has happened in modern times to me is fascinating.  It puts into perspective the power of Lake Superior and all the other Great Lakes.  I don't think that the shipping industry can consider itself completely free of such a tragedy no matter the technology, the Fitzgerald only supports this point.

Question: Why do you think that out of the 6,000 Great Lakes shipwrecks that the Fitz stands out the most???
Answer: Because it has happened in relatively recent times and it happened to a ship that was considered as close to unsinkable as possible.  And, the media was very strong at the time and continues to be.

Question: Do you think that the Edmund Fitzgerald wreck site should be open for exploration?  Why or why not?
Answer: Only if the family members agree to it.  If the family members felt indifferent then I would say yes.  There is much to learn from what happened to this ship in terms of improving shipbuilding technologies and from a historical aspect as well.

Question: When did you first get interested in the legend of the Edmund Fitzgerald?
Answer: When I first moved to the shores of Lake Superior 7 years ago and learned of the accident and saw the power of Lake Superior first hand.

Question: As the song says, "the legend lives on from the Chippewa on down", do you think this is true, and if so, why is the legend still living after 25 years?
Answer: Yes, the legend definitely lives on!  I suppose because it was not that long ago.  Families of the men who died on that ship are still with us today.  In addition, because it is the most recent substantial Great Lakes shipwreck in our time.  I think we have somewhat of a false sense of security when it comes to our shipping technologies currently. 

Question: Why don't you think the Edmund Fitzgerald (only about 100-150 feet shorter than the Titanic) got as much attention, news-wise, as the Titanic?
Answer: Because of the class of people on board the Titanic versus the Fitzgerald.  As I understand it, the Titanic was quite the ship for its day whereas the Fitzgerald was bit more normal or average for its time.  Not to mention that many more lives were lost on the Titanic.  In addition, all of the hype leading up to the Titanic's voyage as opposed to just another day of work for the Fitzgerald.  I am not saying any of this is right or wrong, but I think that is just how it is or was.

Question: Do you think that if they had the equipment to do so that they should raise the wreckage?
Answer: No!  I think that the ship met its fate that cold November day for whatever reasons.  For some reason I believe it should lie at the bottom of the very waters that brought it down.  I'm not sure I can explain this feeling other than it is my "gut instinct".  If it were raised it could potentially become a tourist attracting money magnet.  It is the gravesite of 29 men and we should respect that.  At the same time, we should use this opportunity to learn from it permitting that the families of those lost gave exploration the approval.  If we could gain from this unfortunate experience to prevent future accidents, we should do so within the realm of respect to those that have passed.  Overall, I truly believe that it should be allowed to rest on the bottom of Lake Superior.