Detroit, Michigan, December 3, 2025
A life ring from the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald is up for auction on December 19, alongside a wooden plank from Lifeboat 1. The artifact, estimated to sell for $15,000 to $20,000, is a significant piece of Great Lakes maritime history, commemorating the tragic sinking that occurred in 1975, resulting in the loss of 29 crew members.
Detroit, Michigan: Edmund Fitzgerald Life Ring to Be Auctioned
Detroit, Michigan – A life ring from the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, the famed Great Lakes freighter that sank in 1975, is set to be auctioned on December 19, 2025. The artifact, along with a plank from Lifeboat 1, is expected to fetch between $15,000 and $20,000.
Details of the Artifact
The life ring is orange with white stenciled lettering reading “S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald” and features four black reinforcing bands holding a nylon rope. It is accompanied by a wooden plank from Lifeboat 1. The items were discovered on November 18, 1975, by Larry Orr, who found them washed ashore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, approximately 10 days after the ship’s sinking.
Background of the Edmund Fitzgerald
The S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald was a 729-foot-long, 13,632-ton Great Lakes freighter. On November 9, 1975, it departed Superior, Wisconsin, carrying a load of taconite pellets bound for Zug Island in Detroit. The following day, the ship encountered gale-force winds with nearly 100 mph gusts, 35-foot waves, and a blinding snowstorm. The ship sank more than 500 feet to the bottom of Lake Superior in Canadian waters near Whitefish Bay, resulting in the loss of all 29 crew members.
Recent Legal Developments
In October 2025, the state of Michigan acquired the life ring as part of a $600,000 settlement in a lawsuit filed by Larry Orr over police misconduct. Initially, Orr agreed to relinquish the artifact to the state as part of the settlement. However, following public outcry and further negotiations, the state agreed to return the life ring to Orr, while still honoring the financial settlement.
Upcoming Auction Details
The life ring and plank from Lifeboat 1 will be auctioned by DuMouchelles Auction House in Detroit on December 19, 2025. The estimated value of the items is between $15,000 and $20,000.
Key Takeaways
The auction of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald life ring represents a unique opportunity to celebrate and remember a pivotal moment in Michigan’s maritime history. Artifacts like this life ring not only evoke powerful emotions but also underline the resilience of Michigan’s maritime economy. Embracing such cultural legacies can inspire local entrepreneurs and innovators to draw from the past to shape a more progressive future for Detroit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the significance of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald life ring?
The life ring is a rare artifact from the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, a Great Lakes freighter that sank in 1975, resulting in the loss of all 29 crew members. It serves as a poignant reminder of one of the most tragic maritime disasters in U.S. history.
Who discovered the life ring and when?
The life ring was discovered on November 18, 1975, by Larry Orr, who found it washed ashore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, approximately 10 days after the ship’s sinking.
What is the current status of the life ring?
As of December 2025, the life ring is set to be auctioned on December 19, 2025, by DuMouchelles Auction House in Detroit, with an estimated value between $15,000 and $20,000.
What were the circumstances surrounding the life ring’s acquisition by the state of Michigan?
In October 2025, the state of Michigan acquired the life ring as part of a $600,000 settlement in a lawsuit filed by Larry Orr over police misconduct. Initially, Orr agreed to relinquish the artifact to the state as part of the settlement. However, following public outcry and further negotiations, the state agreed to return the life ring to Orr, while still honoring the financial settlement.
Key Features of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald Life Ring
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Artifact Type | Life ring from the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald |
| Discovery Date | November 18, 1975 |
| Discoverer | Larry Orr |
| Location Found | Michigan’s Upper Peninsula |
| Estimated Auction Value | $15,000 – $20,000 |
| Auction Date | December 19, 2025 |
| Auction House | DuMouchelles Auction House, Detroit |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Michigan Acquires Life Ring from Edmund Fitzgerald
Michigan Acquires Life Ring from Edmund Fitzgerald Shipwreck
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
