The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) and Big Fin Pictures are excited to announce the release of “We Finished Their Journey: the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim” out November 10th, 2026, in theaters and streaming.
The year 2025 marked the 50th year of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. This documentary was filmed to honor the 29-men who went down with the ship 5 decades ago. The idea was to have 70 swimmers, in 17 different stages, symbolically finish the Edmund Fitzgerald’s tragic journey.
The swim started July 26th, 2025, over the Edmund Fitzgerald. Proper permits from the Canadian Ministry were granted for a heart-felt ceremony that took place for the 29 lost Fitzgerald crewmen. From there the 411-mile-long adventure began. The goal was to deliver the iron ore the Fitzgerald couldn’t. The destination, Detroit, MI.
From start to finish this relay took over a month to accomplish. The swimmers experienced wind, waves, rain, lightning, injuries, currents, boat problems, more storms, blood clots, personality conflicts and even more storms…and there were actually good times. Beautiful weather, emotional moments, lighthouses, sunrises, sunsets, inspiration, currents that worked in the swimmer’s favor, historical places, rivers, freighters and the ending that may tear you up.
“This film tells the story of a remarkable journey, completed by good people for all the right reasons. These athletes pushed their personal limits to write a new chapter in the legacy of the Edmund Fitzgerald that memorializes the 29-crew members who perished.” Says Event Director, Jim “the Shark” Dreyer “The release of “We Finished Their Journey” is indeed a proud day for the swimmers and for me as the event organizer. We are most pleased that the families of the lost crew will have this film as another way to keep memories of their loved ones alive”.
“This has been quite a project. I’ve never had so many moving parts in all of the documentaries I’ve produced” says Executive Producer and Director, Corey Adkins, “in essence you’ll be getting over 20 completely different stories from dozens of different people…and Jim, well…you’ll see what he goes through, I’ll just say he had quite a month”. He added, “You’d think watching over 70 swimmers for all those miles would be boring…well that wasn’t the fact, and you’re in for a treat”.
The proceeds of this swim went to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society for the upkeep of the light-tower at Whitefish Point. The bell of the Edmund Fitzgerald sits proudly inside the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and each year thousands of visitors come to the museum to pay respect to the 29-men and see the bell. “We at the Shipwreck Society were truly honored to be the recipient of the funds raised by the swimmers … we cannot thank them and Jim Dreyer enough for considering us for the fundraiser”, reflected Bruce Lynn, GLSHS Executive Director.
If your organization, or theater, would like to screen “We Finished Their Journey: the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim” or for media interviews, video or trailers email.
Corey Adkins at corey@shipwreckmuseum.com Producer/Director and Content/Communications Director at the GLSHS
or
Jim “the Shark” Dreyer at eventmarketing@comcast.net Event Director
