SHINING A LIGHT ON HIDDEN TRUTHS
In the recent past I do recall that President George Walker Bush spoke of a "THOUSAND POINTS OF LIGHT" to further the progress of our great country. My interpretation of his intent was that the generation of such light should come from our able citizenry, and mainly through daily contributions in thought, word and deed to our society…and most notably in the form of volunteerism.
Many of us have responded and experienced success or failure, together with criticism having either justified or unjustified bases. In the latter case, some unwarranted criticism has been based on rumor filling a vacuous state of disinformation and a general lack of appreciation regarding our motivational goals…especially when directed at our volunteer group known as CASUALTY RESEARCH ASSOCIATES (CRA). We are composed of senior citizens and other having comprehensive technical credentials and experience in the maritime field and, as retirees of sound mind, we have freedom of thought and action unrestricted by management constraints affecting income and tenure.
While one of our initial goals was to develop an objective three-part "cradle-to-the-grave" historical documentary covering the development, construction and operation of S.S. EDMUND FITZGERALD, our investigatory efforts have experienced considerable difficulty for reasons not fully expressed by knowledgeable persons ranging from the shipyard tradesmen to executive and government regulatory levels. (i.e. "Gag" orders prevalent).
Based on these circumstances our original investigatory scope has been expanded to encompass "We don't know what we didn't know" avenues that have led to startling legerdemain discoveries in our self-motivated search for truth.
2009
the 22nd
Gales of November
4:45-5:30
Ballroom J
Capt. Dudley Paquette, Jerry Lawson, Joe Burbul,
Capt. Richard Orgel & Thomas Druillard:
“The Myths and Truths of the Sinking of the Fitzgerald”
The men who sailed on, repaired and had construction knowledge of the Edmund
Fitzgerald have come together to tell their stories. Jerry Lawson - 10-years as a vessel
agent and oversaw hull and machinery repairs on ships from around the world
will address design specifications and the relaxation of “Load Line Freeboard Rules”
without proper reinforcement of the hull; Joseph Burbul - shipyard boilermaker
and fitter who worked on the loose keel of the Fitzgerald; Capt. Dudley Paquette -
30-years as an officer and captain with Inland Steel and who sailed several hours behind
the Fitzgerald on the str. Wilfred Sykes relates the storm conditions; Thomas
Druillard - 55-years as a specialist in welding technology, metallurgy, and nondestructive
testing discusses the condition of the steel and construction of the ship ;
and Capt. Richard Orgel - 48-years on U.S. ships on the Great Lakes and at sea,
and sailed on the Fitzgerald in 1972, will discuss the inspection and maintenance of
the Fitzgerald.
Capt. Dudley Paquette & Capt. Richard Orgel
November 10, 1975
View Video
LSMMA
PO Box 177
Duluth, MN 55801-0177
(218) 727-2497
info@lsmma.com
www.LSMMA.com
Author, Raymond Ramsay M. Sc. was a member of the original design team at Great Lakes Engineering Works during the design and construction of the largest and fastest ore carrier ever built on the Great Lakes.
The author, together with a group of volunteers retired Ship Captains, Designers, Video Experts and Maritime Experts have uncovered secrets and unveiled evidence to prove why the ore carrier sank to the bottom of Lake Superior on November 10, 1975.
CRA
.....
Raymond Ramsay, M.Sc.
50 year Anniversary of Hull 301 VIDEO
