April 2024

SS Andrea Doria lifeboat rescue illustration that appeared on the cover of an Italian newspaper, La Tribune Illustrate, August 5, 1956. Credit: John F. Moyer Collection

In July 2024, the U.S. Lightship Museum, owner of Nantucket Lightship/LV-112, and Mark Koch, owner of the restored SS Andrea Doria’s Lifeboat No. 1, will host “Celebrating Lifesavers at Sea” on the 68th anniversary of the MS Stockholm’s tragic collision with the SS Andrea Doria and its sinking, which occurred July 25–26, 1956. Our three-day event will begin at the New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre, on Wednesday, July 24, 5pm–9pm, featuring a cocktail reception and presentations by a renowned underwater explorer and survivors of the 1956 tragedy (see story below). Then on Thursday and Friday, July 25 and 26, attendees will have the opportunity to view an actual Andrea Doria lifeboat, which will leave the dock for brief harbor excursions. The event will also serve as a fundraiser for the restoration and preservation of Nantucket Lightship/LV-112, which was involved during the disastrous episode. Stay tuned for future updates in eNews and other public event listings.

(Image at left) SS Andrea Doria and MS Stockholm collide, July 25, 1956, within the sea lanes, 200 miles between the Ambrose and Nantucket lightships. Ambrose Lightship marked the entrance of the Port of New York, and Nantucket Lightship/LV-112 marked the entrance of the sea lanes, south of the treacherous Nantucket Shoals and Nantucket Island, known as “a Graveyard of the Atlantic." Nantucket Lightship also served as a substitute landfall, representing the first navigation aid sighting for vessels navigating from Europe and last navigation aid outbound from the United States to Europe, also known as the “Gateway of the North Atlantic.” Because of Nantucket Lightship's unique position at sea, it was nicknamed by arriving immigrants “The Statue of Liberty of the Sea.” The Andrea Doria / Stockholm collision took place in dense fog approximately 20 miles west of Nantucket Lightship and 50 miles south of Nantucket Island. Credit: John F. Moyer Collection. (Image at right) On May 15, 1934, the RMS Olympic, sister ship to the RMS Titanic, rammed Nantucket Lightship/LV-117 — again in dense fog. Credit: U.S. Coast Guard artist Charles Mazoujian. Both collisions resulted in the sinking of one of the two ships, lives lost and dramatic rescues at sea. 

This illustration shows the RMS Republic being rammed by the SS Florida in 1909 off Nantucket Shoals within the sea lanes, again in heavy fog — the most common hazard associated with collisions within this shipping route. It was reported that the Republic was carrying gold and other valuables when she sank, including $250,000 worth of American gold coins to be used as payroll for the U.S. Navy's Great White Fleet. In addition, various sources have reported on a much larger cargo of $3,000,000 in U.S. gold double eagles. To this day, the Republic’s cargo of gold has not been located. Illustration credit: RMS Republic.com

'The greatest sea rescue in history'

— Master Mariner, Capt. Robert J. Meurn (USN Ret) 

An extraordinary number of merchant, USCG and USN vessels (25 plus 32 lifeboats) were involved with communications operations and the rescue of the passengers and crew from the SS Andrea Doria and MS Stockholm. Of the 25 vessels, only five are known to remain, plus two Andrea Doria lifeboats. To view a list of boats/ships involved, click here. In addition, the USCG and USN provided air support and rescue. A total of 1,644 passengers and crew were saved, 46 people were killed on the Andrea Doria, and 5 crew members perished on the Stockholm. [Correction: The fall 2023 eNews stated 18 vessels were involved with the Andrea Doria / Stockholm catastrophe, which was incorrect.]

SS Andrea Doria’s Lifeboat No. 1 on board the luxury liner, mounted in its davits. Photo taken in July 1956 during the voyage that ended in the tragic sinking.

SS Andrea Doria docked in the Port of New York, 1955.

After a restoration to its original configuration, the historic Lifeboat No. 1, shown with owner, Mark Koch (right), once again is seaworthy. Mark also owns Lifeboat No. 13, which will remain unrestored (the remarkable story about its discovery will be featured in an upcoming issue of eNews). These two Andrea Doria lifeboats are the only ones in existence. The No. 1 is a 26-foot lifeboat with a capacity of 56 passengers. The No. 13 is a 40-foot lifeboat and certified for 156 passengers.

An Andrea Doria lifeboat filled with passengers during the 1956 collision incident. 

Andrea Doria lifeboat during the 1956 incident, full of survivors, preparing to tie up with a rescue vessel at sea. The collision took place at 11:10pm on July 25. Survivors spent many hours in darkness at night in the lifeboats until they were rescued at daybreak on July 26. The Andrea Doria, listing in the background, finally sank at 10:15am on July 26 to her watery grave, 250 feet deep.

July 24: Reception and presentations

New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre

New England Aquarium’s plaza with Simons Theatre building on right. The New England Aquarium is located on the Boston Harbor waterfront, across the harbor from Nantucket Lightship/LV-112.

On Wednesday, July 24, 5pm–9pm, the introduction to our event “Celebrating Lifesavers at Sea” will be held at the New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre, 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA, located on the Boston Harbor waterfront. The cocktail reception will be 5pm–6:30pm. Legendary underwater explorer John Moyer, of Moyer Expeditions, LLC, will display a collection of the Andrea Doria’s historic artifacts that he recovered from the famous shipwreck and will be making a presentation about his fascinating experience making many dives with fellow divers on the Andrea Doria. Attendees will have an opportunity to talk with John Moyer and Andrea Doria survivors, who also will be present. 

During the reception, Nantucket/LV-112 will activate its main rotating light beacon, which can be seen from the theatre lobby. After the reception, the documentary “The Sinking of the Andrea Doria"” will be shown on the theater's main screen. Also, Mark Koch, owner of the only two surviving Andrea Doria’s lifeboats will present the unique story about Lifeboats No. 1 and No. 13. The No. 13 was found after being lost at sea for 25 years. Also, there will be a panel Q&A session with Andrea Doria survivors, who will share their rescue experience during the horrific tragedy.

July 25 and 26: Watch Lifeboat No. 1 in action

Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina, East Boston

On Thursday and Friday, July 25 and 26, the Andrea Doria Lifeboat No. 1 will be launched from the Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina’s East Boston waterfront, adjacent to Nantucket Lightship/LV-112. A total of 30 passengers will have the opportunity to experience what it was like at sea in one of the SS Andrea Doria’s actual lifeboats. All willing participants will be able to help operate the lifeboat for a short excursion into the harbor, propelling the lifeboat with its original hand-operated levers that connect to the propeller. The only difference will be the absence of the horrific night-time conditions that the original passengers must have felt during the 1956 tragedy.

Mark Koch stands next to stern of Andrea Doria's Lifeboat No.1

The Andrea Doria / Stockholm collision took place at 11:10 pm, during the darkness of night with very limited visibility, which made lifeboat deployment and rescue operations extremely challenging. Passengers and crew were faced with horrific conditions, having to board lifeboats already deployed into the water from the Andrea Doria and from the other ships that were assisting with the rescue efforts. Passengers and crew had to climb down makeshift escape ropes, netting, etc., which were very difficult to handle on a dangerously listing ship, presenting the specter of rolling over on them. Many passengers suffered rope burns from uncontrollably sliding down the ropes. Some passengers fell into the oil-slick-covered water and needed to be pulled into lifeboats.

Aligned with our event, on July 25 the U.S. Coast Guard may perform sea rescue demonstrations in Boston Harbor, in the proximity of Nantucket Lightship, berthed on the East Boston waterfront, depending on operational commitments, as scheduling usually cannot be confirmed until two weeks before an event. In addition, there will be historic Andrea Doria artifacts recovered from the sunken ocean luxury liner on display at the Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina, recovered by legendary explorer and deep sea diver John Moyer of Moyer Expeditions, LLC. John has dived on and explored the Andrea Doria shipwreck in more than 200 feet of water 120 times and will also be participating at the event in person. To learn more about John Moyer’s fascinating background, click here.

The Andrea Doria shipwreck is located far off shore in the North Atlantic’s shipping lanes, which can be dangerous, prone to dense fog, the home of many sharks, hazardous surface and underwater currents, limited visibility and perilous obstructions on the wreckage. Referred to as the “Mt. Everest of diving,” it has claimed the lives of 18 divers. 

Other historic maritime lifesaving equipment exhibits will also be on display. In addition, several survivors from the SS Andrea Dorea / MS Stockholm collision in 1956 will also be attending the event to share their rescue experience during the tragedy.

John Moyer rises to the surface from a more than 200-foot dive with dinnerware that he recovered from the Andrea Doria shipwreck.

The Andrea Doria is said to be one of the most famous shipwrecks in history. The 150-pound bronze bell (see above, next to underwater photo) is from the ship's aft steering station. In photo directly above, John Moyer stands next to one of two rare abstract ceramic friezes that he recovered from the ship's deteriorating wreckage. These beautiful friezes had been commissioned for the Winter Garden lounge of the Italian luxury liner. Credit: Steve Gatto

Present-day USCG air/sea rescue assets. The USCG Air Station Cape Cod (ASCC), utilizes MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters and HC-144A Ocean Sentry fixed-wing aircraft.

(Left) HO4S-2 USCG helicopters were the type used in the 1956 Andrea Doria rescue operations. (Right) HO4S Helicopter airlifts LV-112 crew member for transport to Boston-Brighton Marine Hospital in 1956. Credit: USCG

USCG HO4S helicopter lands on Nantucket Island with rescued Andrea Dorea and Stockholm passengers needing emergency medical attention, who were transferred to the island’s hospital and Boston hospitals.

The SS Andrea Doria’s final moments on July 26, 1956, as she was sinking in North Atlantic waters off Nantucket, en route to the Port of New York. As the stricken ocean liner sank to her grave, many of the port-side lifeboats, which could not be lowered, broke loose and remained floating, becoming hazards to navigation. The USCG fired 50mm rounds at them to sink and eliminate them as navigational hazards. Credit: Nantucket Historical Association

The MS Stockholm with its crumpled bow after colliding with the SS Andrea Doria. The Stockholm, which remained seaworthy, helped with the rescue operations and proceeded to the Port of New York with survivors on board.

The world's largest sea lane is the North Atlantic route linking Europe and North America, which accounts for two-thirds of the world's ocean traffic (vessels). Back when Nantucket Lightship was in service (1854-1983), it marked the gateway of the North Atlantic. Nantucket Lightship served as a substitute visual landfall and represented the first sighting for vessels navigating to and from the United States and Europe — nicknamed by arriving immigrants “The Statue of Liberty of the Sea.”

Nantucket Lightship/LV-112 in 1956. LV-112 was a steam-powered vessel until 1960 when it was refitted and converted to diesel power. Nantucket/LV-112 guided the Andrea Doria to and from the U.S. and Europe during the Doria’s entire, albeit abbreviated, career, 1953-56.

Nantucket/LV-112 berthed on the East Boston waterfront, 2024.

The USCGC Hornbeam (W394) arrives on site, assisting with passenger rescue operations. An Andrea Doria lifeboat pulls alongside the Hornbeam to offer aid to the survivors. The Andrea Doria can be seen severely listing, prior to sinking later that morning, July 26.

This area was often referred to as the “Times Square of the Atlantic,” and the shipping lanes were designated south of the hazardous Nantucket Shoals. Dubbed “a graveyard of the Atlantic,” this area has claimed over 700 ships.

Crew from SS Cape Ann on site viewing the SS Ile De France and the sinking SS Andrea Doria on left in the distance.

Dense fog poses a significant problem to shipping during the summer, especially in July. Nantucket Lightship Station was the most remote and treacherous lightship station in the world — 100 miles off the U.S. mainland, 53 miles southeast of Nantucket Island, and 200 miles from the Port of New York.

One of the ships assisting with the rescue of passengers from the Andrea Doria / Stockholm incident, was the French ocean liner, SS Ile de France. Hundreds of survivors were brought on board the ship, seen here arriving in the Port of New York.

Scale model donated of

Nantucket New South Shoals No.1

Inside Nantucket Lightship/LV-112’s pilot house, Kathy Sanford holds the scale model of the historic Nantucket Lightship/LV-1 (served on Nantucket Shoals Lightship Station, 1856-92), also referred to as Nantucket New South Shoals No. 1. She generously donated this model ship to the U.S. Lightship Museum in honor of her late husband James, who crafted it from scratch. We keep the model on board LV-112 on top of the chart table in the pilot house to explain to visitors how the lightship crew members operated LV-1’s whale oil-fueled lanterns that served as light beacons. The light beacons were stored inside the deck houses and winched up the masts through the roofs of the deck houses. The deck houses' roofs on the scale model open and close, which are helpful when explaining to visitors.

James Sanford crafting a ship model — one of his favorite past times

James Sanford (1952–2019) had a deep passion for the sea and maritime history, by evidence of living in a coastal community and his interests in crafting ship models and building a full-size pirogue (a shallow draft row boat similar to a canoe). He was also a member of the National Maritime Historical Society. Jim was an environmental engineer by profession. Jim’s wife, Kathy, also shared his passion for the sea. Kathy requests that Jim's memory be honored the next time you are on an ocean beach by slowing down to notice the color and texture of the sand, the sizes and shapes of all the shorebirds and seashells, and the variety of ships and sail craft in the nearby channel or on the far horizon. Jim never had the opportunity to visit Nantucket Lightship/LV-112. However, we are pleased that an expression of his passion is now on Nantucket/LV-112 that will help others to learn from and enjoy. The U.S. Lightship Museum is sincerely grateful to Kathy Sanford for her generous donations in the memory of her late husband, James. May he rest in peace. Click here to view James’ obituary.

The U.S. Lightship Museum expresses its gratitude to everyone who donated to our 2023 Annual Appeal. A big thank-you to our volunteers and donors!

A special thanks goes out to our volunteers for their ongoing and many years of commitment and support, helping with tours, administration, education, restoration and historic preservation projects, putting a lot of their time and effort into helping the USLM. We also want to express our sincere appreciation to our many financial supporters and in-kind donors who donated material, supplies and professional services. Without the support of volunteers and donors, Nantucket Lightship/LV-112 would not be a floating National Historic Landmark for the public to learn from and enjoy. Thank you all!

Longtime USLM volunteer Jim Hewitt restores components in the main electrical service panel in Nantucket Lightship/LV-112’s auxiliary engine room. Jim has been generously volunteering his professional marine electrical services onboard LV-112 since the USLM acquired the historic lightship in 2009. Jim is a retired marine electrician and Field Service Engineer/Project Mgr. who worked for General Dynamics, Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, MA. LV-112 was a “dead ship” with no operational electrical systems upon the USLM’s acquisition. Jim was instrumental in bringing LV-112’s electrical systems back to life and is still volunteering his valuable expertise and services onboard LV-112. Jim also volunteers his services onboard the historic USS Cassin Young, berthed at the Boston Navy Yard, and also time managing a charitable food pantry in his community.

Volunteers (left to right) Sue Butler, Julia Lewis and Dima Gilmour prep for painting the heavy steel berth frames from LV-112's crew’s quarters. There are 12 crew’s berth frames that require restoration, installation, recanvassing with rope, new mattresses and bunk linens. LV-112 has a total of 21 berths — the Commanding Officer's state room, 6 crew’s state rooms (2 berths each), 4 officer’s state rooms and 4 passageway folding pipe berths.

Joe Mongrain, a long-time USLM supporter, stands next to LV-112’s main engine, an 8-cylinder 900hp Cooper-Bessemer diesel. Joe was introduced to Nantucket/LV-112 in 2010 when he worked at Cameron International, based in Houston, Texas. At the time, Cameron owned Cooper-Bessemer. Cameron and Joe became generous committed donors to LV-112’s restoration project. In fact, Cameron sent one of their Cooper-Bessemer technicians to survey LV-112’s Cooper-Bessemer engine for restoration feasibility. The last time the engine ran was approximately 35 years ago and is fortunately serviceable for future operation.

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New book: 'Preserving America’s Lighthouses: The Memoirs of a Coast Guard Ocean Engineer'

The U.S. Lighthouse Society has published a new book titled "Preserving America's Lighthouses: The Memoirs of a Coast Guard Ocean Engineer," by retired Coast Guard Rear Admiral Daniel R. May. A 1979 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, RADM May is the recipient of a Distinguished Service Medal and many other awards. During his career, he served as the engineer for major lighthouse projects, including the relocation of Block Island Southeast Light in Rhode Island (the first move of a major lighthouse in the United States), the relocation of Highland Light on Cape Cod, and the design and construction of a revetment to protect Montauk Light on Long Island, New York. This book tells the story of RADM May’s decades of working to preserve America's lighthouses and other aids to navigation. RADM May has also been a U.S. Lightship Museum volunteer and contributor. His book may be purchased on Amazon.

Book: 'Chasing Ships' — a life at sea 

Capt. Mingta Yuen (Master Mariner) was born in Germany and has lived in many countries around the world (France, Italy, Spain, UK, Hong Kong and Singapore). He began his career at sea at the age of 17 as an OS (Ordinary Seaman) on a general cargo freighter in Germany. He is a friend and supporter of Nantucket/LV-112. 

The anticipation of adventure motivated Mingta "Ming" Yuen to head to sea to work on ships. Ming's book describes the process of pursuing a seagoing position, chronologizing over three decades of his career, running the latitudes and longitudes around the world. Sailing on a large spectrum of vessels, including freighters, tankers, bulk carriers and cruise ships. his book describes the changes that he experienced within the industry, ranging from navigation to propulsion, pollution laws and communications. Accounts of shipboard life for men and women while at sea or in port further enhances the narrative. Ming is also a technical and recreational SCUBA instructor and builds ship models as a hobby. He became fascinated by Nantucket Lightship's history and built a scale model of Nantucket/LV-112. He is also a contributor to LV-112's restoration and preservation. For more information about Capt. Yuen, click here. His book may be purchased on Amazon.

2024 season visiting hours for Nantucket/LV-112

Visiting hours and tours for 2024 will be on Saturdays, April 27 to Oct. 26, 10am–4pm. Tours also can be arranged throughout the year by appointment for individuals and groups. For more information, please forward inquiries to: rmmjr2@comcast.net. Thank you!

The U.S. Lightship Museum is now a member of 'Museums for All'

The U.S. Lightship Museum (USLM) has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), to encourage people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. The program supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits, who can visit Nantucket/LV-112 for free, up to four people, with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Similar free and reduced admission is available to eligible members of the public at more than 850 museums across the country. Museums for All is part of the USLM’s broad commitment to seek, include and welcome all audiences. For more information about Museums for All, click here.

"Massachusetts Lighthouses and Lightships" by Arthur P. Richmond is an indispensable addition to the lighthouse enthusiast's library, required reading for those interested in New England maritime history, and a delight for anyone who enjoys coastal Massachusetts. More than 800 images, many never before published, include historic plans that describe the details of these aids to navigation, and archival and contemporary photos that trace through their history. The book covers all the lighthouses and lightships that marked the shores (exclusive of Cape Cod and the Islands) and guided mariners through the challenging waters surrounding Massachusetts. This volume also explores the interiors of towers, shows the lantern rooms of rarely-visited lighthouses, and gives fascinating facts about these beacons through their 200-year history. U.S. Lightship Museum (USLM): Excellent book-one of the better books published, about lighthouses and lightships. Credit: Review-Amazon Books/USLM

Nantucket/LV-112

Ambrose/LV-87

Overfalls/LV-118

Chesapeake.LV-116

Portsmouth/LV-101

Huron/LV-103

Swiftsure/LV-83

Columbia/WLV-604

Relief/WLV-605

At left, students visit LV-112's pilot house and pretend they are steering the lightship. At right, a crew member rings the bell on the foredeck of Nantucket New South Shoal No. 1 during low-visibility storm conditions. The illustration is from "Life on the South Shoal Lightship" by Gustov Kobbe, Century Magazine, August 1891.