TRAVERSE CITY, MI -- Today marks the 35th anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior.
The Great Lakes Maritime Academy holds a memorial service every year in Traverse City to remember not only those mariners that died that night 35 years ago but also to honor all those who have lost their lives at sea.
Former alumnus, John Hayes spoke at the memorial service this afternoon.
Hayes said, "During this tremendous storm on Lake Superior, people were gravely concerned. The coast guard searched to no avail. I remember that numb feeling I had because my roommate and my friend, Tom Benson, was on that vessel."
A bell was tolled for each of the 29 members of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald who perished in the wreck.
