The Treacherous Allure of the Andrea Doria Shipwreck

Located 240 feet beneath the ocean’s surface, the ‪Andrea Doria‬ shipwreck poses significant challenges for divers. Dubbed the “Mount Everest of shipwrecks,” this site off the U.S. coast is perilous and complex. Its depth and harsh conditions offer little margin for error. Retired U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Aaron Davenport notes that even skilled divers find it challenging.

Over 70 years have passed since the Andrea Doria sank in the Atlantic, and the ship itself has become another hazard as it degrades. John Moyer, a seasoned explorer of the wreck, shared in 2022 that the steel hull is collapsing inward. He described the shipwreck as entering its “final stage” of flattening.

The Andrea Doria collided with the Swedish liner Stockholm near Nantucket, Massachusetts, in July 1956, then sank the next day. — U.S. Coast Guard data

A significant factor attracting divers is the wreck’s relative accessibility. More than 1,600 passengers and crew were rescued, yet 52 people lost their lives in the collision. While fewer divers have died during exploration attempts, at least 18 are counted among those who perished.

In 2017, British diver Steven Slater died in an Andrea Doria expedition. Davenport explains that despite its accessibility, the dive remains exceptionally hazardous. Unlike deeper wrecks requiring submersibles, divers can access this site with scuba gear.

The Andrea Doria is perilous due to entanglements from fishing nets, wires, and debris. Its side-sunk position confounds divers, as stairways and corridors present sideways obstacles. The risk of disorientation is high.

Despite these dangers, the lure of the Andrea Doria endures. The wreck attracts the intrepid, driven both by challenge and the potential for artifact recovery. Davenport asserts that those with considerable training and experience may still explore the site safely. The opportunity to visit such a storied site remains, but only for those ready to face its trials.