What was the cause of the Andrea Doria sinking?

verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites

On July 25–26, 1956, the Andrea Doria sank after colliding with the Stockholm. While both ships were detected on radar, each mistook the other’s actual course; the Andrea Doria was traveling in a heavy fog that the Stockholm would soon encounter, and mistakes were made reading the radar. While the Swedish liner decided on the standard port-to-port pass (on the left), the Andrea Doria elected to pass on the starboard (right) side. At a distance of approximately two nautical miles apart, the liners finally established visual contact. It soon became apparent that they were heading toward each other. Traveling at a combined speed of some 40 knots, they were unable to make the necessary adjustments to avoid a collision. At approximately 11:10 pm on July 25, the Stockholm struck the starboard side of the Andrea Doria, which sunk the next day