Exploring the Dangerous Depths of the Andrea Doria Shipwreck

Approximately 240 feet below the ocean’s surface lies the Andrea Doria shipwreck, often referred to as the ‘Mount Everest of shipwrecks’ due to its challenging conditions. Located off the U.S. coast, its depth and treacherous environment provide little margin for error.

Retired U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Aaron Davenport noted that even seasoned divers struggle with the site. After 70 years beneath the Atlantic, the Andrea Doria is now a deteriorating hazard. ‘The Andrea Doria is breaking apart. And as it’s moving around, things are falling,’ Davenport stated.

John Moyer, who has dived over 100 times to this site, said in a 2022 interview that divers have observed the wreck gradually collapsing. Speaking to dive magazine X-Ray Mag, Moyer shared his observations of the steel hull collapsing, describing it as being in its ‘final stage’ of flattening.

The Italian liner Andrea Doria sank after colliding with the Swedish liner Stockholm off Nantucket, Massachusetts, in July 1956. Divers have been fascinated by the wreck for decades. According to Divers Alert Network, the Andrea Doria is rapidly deteriorating based on research from OceanGate, which later operated the Titan submersible that imploded during a dive to the Titanic in 2023.

This deterioration may soon prevent divers from experiencing the legendary wreck as previous generations have, yet it continues to attract thrill-seekers who brave the risks.

Haunted hull

The collision of Andrea Doria with Stockholm on July 25, 1956, sent the liner beneath the Atlantic. The following morning, the tragedy unfolded as the U.S. Coast Guard rescued over 1,600 passengers and crew from Andrea Doria. Sadly, 52 individuals on both vessels lost their lives in the incident. Despite its dangers, Andrea Doria remains accessible to divers keen on exploring it.

The lure of retrieving artifacts and valuables from the luxury liner draws many to the wreck. However, it is hazardous. As of 2016, at least 17 divers had died exploring Andrea Doria. This number increased to 18 when British diver Steven Slater, 46, died on an expedition in 2017.

Davenport, an experienced scuba diver, highlighted the wreck’s accessibility. While other famous wrecks like the Titanic require submarines for exploration, Andrea Doria can be reached with scuba tanks.

Exploring Andrea Doria demands extensive experience and preparation. ‘It’s considered the Mount Everest of dives because it’s so challenging, so dangerous,’ Davenport explained. The wreck is strewn with nets, wires, fishing line, and other debris, which can entangle divers.

The Andrea Doria sank on its side, which creates disorienting challenges like sideways stairways and corridors. Despite these hazards, experienced divers with proper training can safely explore it. Davenport emphasized that experienced recreational divers—ready for extreme challenges—might attempt this dive before the wreck becomes inaccessible.