The legend lives on: New Edmund Fitzgerald book reveals new information after 47 years

In his new book, author Ric Mixter claims to have uncovered new information about the sinking of the doomed Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank 47 years ago Thursday.

Titled “Tattletale Sounds,” Mixter reports new information about the wreck. Some believe the last chapter of the Fitzgerald was written when the bell was raised from the depths of Lake Superior in 1995, but Mixter has found 300 pages of new material to share on the story.

“Tattletale Sounds” borrows its name from Gordon Lightfoot’s famous ballad, which gave the freighter worldwide name recognition. The six-minute dirge is a staple of maritime museums on the Great Lakes, but as Mixter points out, many of Lightfoot’s lyrics are incorrect.

Mixter says his book is told from the perspective of over a dozen eyewitnesses he has interviewed since 1994.

“I’ve interviewed shipyard workers, sailors and over a dozen people directly involved in the history of the Fitzgerald. This is really their perspective, I just put it in a text that’s easy to understand,” he said.

Mixter himself dove the wreck site in the Delta submersible in July of 1994.

“Tattletale Sounds” is an exclusive look at not only the Fitzgerald, but the Detroit River’s role in shipbuilding that ended with two other ships after the Fitzgerald.

“This includes two people who lost their lives building the largest freighter on the Great Lakes, which has not been published in other books,” Mixter said. “The new book also shares highlights from hours of previously unreleased commentary by Coast Guard investigators in 1976.”

"Tattletale Sounds" is the first book to share Mixter's exclusive interview with the cook from the Fitzgerald, who left the ship just a few weeks before the sinking. He provides insight into the structural problems of the ship that were investigated by the Coast Guard. It also has the only comments from Capt. Bernie Cooper, who was the last to see the Fitzgerald on Lake Superior.

“There are so many secrets that have yet to come to the surface,” Mixter said. “I’ve been lucky to find such amazing people who have shared their personal experience with the legendary ship.”

“Tattletale Sounds” is available online at many maritime museums or at Mixter’s website www.shipwreckpodcast.com.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Edmund Fitzgerald book, “Tattletale Sounds" reveals new information