It had a loose keel. It was over loaded for that time of year. It touched bottom on the shoals it went over, which put a split in her back. It started filling with water and went down some miles after they touched bottom.
The cargo weight broke it up after it went under
They used stacked welding rods to help tighten the keel.
Word was, that boat was to be condemned from use. But, the shipping company had to get just one more run in.
Either six fathom shoals or superior shoals. The Fitzgerald’s course took it close to both.
CC