On November 10, 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald disappeared beneath the waves of Lake Superior without so much as a distress call. What, exactly, happened out there 50 years ago?

This five-episode limited podcast tells the story of the Edmund Fitgerald from its launch to its loss — and explores the legacy of what has become one of the world's most famous shipwrecks. You'll hear from a former coast guardsman who was on a cutter participating in the search for the Fitzgerald; from a diver who saw the wreck firsthand; from the news anchor who broke the tragic story; and from over a dozen other experts. This podcast will take you beyond the song, and into the depths.

Edmund Fitzgerald: 50 Years Under is produced by the Duluth News Tribune, a newspaper that covered the Fitz during its heyday and has remained close to this story ever since. Find features that go into even greater detail, with photos and video, at duluthnewstribune.com.

Why was the Edmund Fitzgerald a legend long before its loss? What was it like to ride on the Great Lakes' largest vessel? We put the ship in historical context, explaining why ships like the Fitzgerald are crucial to American industry. You'll hear the story of the Fitzgerald family, learn about the ship's troubled launch, and hear how regulation changes may have contributed to the vessel's ultimate fate. Stories from the Edmund Fitzgerald's prime include a passenger's glowing review — and the time the ship was slapped with a speeding ticket!

Edmund Fitzgerald: 50 Years Under is produced by the Duluth News Tribune, a newspaper that covered the Fitz during its heyday and has remained close to this story ever since. Find features that go into even greater detail, with photos and video, at duluthnewstribune.com/edmundfitzgerald.

Written and narrated by Jay Gabler, with audio engineering by Wyatt Buckner and Dan Williamson. The audio of this episode was edited by Wyatt Buckner.

Our editors on this project are Katie Rohman and Barrett Chase, and our executive editor is Rick Lubbers. Original score composed by William Bruegemann. Newspaper archive excerpts were read by Teri Cadeau, Barrett Chase and Dan Williamson. Thanks to our guests on this episode: Elle Andra-Warner, Jay Austin, Tanner Johnson, Roger LeLievre, Bruce Lynn, Kaylee Matuszak, Paul Sabourin and Frederick Stonehouse.

Could anything reasonably have been done to avert the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald? What did Captain McSorley know about the weather he was facing when he steamed out of Superior on November 9, 1975? Listen to what the ship's last inspection revealed about the state of its hatches, and what we now know about why the next day's storm turned deadly. You'll also learn more about the Fitzgerald's crew, including the captain — who planned to retire after the season's final ore run.

Edmund Fitzgerald: 50 Years Under is produced by the Duluth News Tribune, a newspaper that covered the Fitz during its heyday and has remained close to this story ever since. Find features that go into even greater detail, with photos and video, at duluthnewstribune.com/edmundfitzgerald.

Written and narrated by Jay Gabler, with audio engineering by Wyatt Buckner and Dan Williamson. The audio of this episode was edited by Wyatt Buckner.

Our editors on this project are Katie Rohman and Barrett Chase, and our executive editor is Rick Lubbers. Original score composed by William Brueggemann. Newspaper archive excerpts and other historical documents were read by Teri Cadeau, Barrett Chase and Dan Williamson.

Thanks to our guests on this episode: Elle Andra-Warner, Jay Austin, John U. Bacon, David James Carlson, Tanner Johnson, Bruce Lynn, Kaylee Matuszak, Paul Sabourin and Frederick Stonehouse.