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Collision Course: The Classic Story of the Collision of the Andrea Doria & the Stockholm
"Alvin Moscow's splendid book tells the full story . . . skillfully marshalling his facts, the author shifts back and forth between the two liners during those last eventful minutes before the collision."
-The New York Times Book Review
In 1956, two passenger ships-the MS Stockholm and the SS Andrea Doria-equipped with every known safety device, collided off Long Island. The Stockholm was able to make way under her own steam, but the beautiful Andrea Doria, pride of the Italian Line, slipped into the depths of the North Atlantic shortly after. Half a century later, the mystery of their convergence continues to fascinate readers and experts alike, right down to the myth of hidden treasures worth millions awaiting discovery deep in the Andrea Doria's decaying hull.
In Collision Course, author Alvin Moscow vividly re-creates the horror and the magnitude of the catastrophe for the passengers and crews of both ships with such compelling realism that the reader relives the terror and confusion. The collision itself still baffles experts and laymen alike by its enormity and utter that the two enormous ships, sailing in opposite directions on a calm sea, could converge at the same time and the same place. Moscow attended the four-month hearings that sought to find the causes of the disaster, and reviewed all available testimony and exhibits to discover what actually happened that fateful night. It is a tale of speed and human fallibility, and a must-read for any maritime history buff.
-The New York Times Book Review
In 1956, two passenger ships-the MS Stockholm and the SS Andrea Doria-equipped with every known safety device, collided off Long Island. The Stockholm was able to make way under her own steam, but the beautiful Andrea Doria, pride of the Italian Line, slipped into the depths of the North Atlantic shortly after. Half a century later, the mystery of their convergence continues to fascinate readers and experts alike, right down to the myth of hidden treasures worth millions awaiting discovery deep in the Andrea Doria's decaying hull.
In Collision Course, author Alvin Moscow vividly re-creates the horror and the magnitude of the catastrophe for the passengers and crews of both ships with such compelling realism that the reader relives the terror and confusion. The collision itself still baffles experts and laymen alike by its enormity and utter that the two enormous ships, sailing in opposite directions on a calm sea, could converge at the same time and the same place. Moscow attended the four-month hearings that sought to find the causes of the disaster, and reviewed all available testimony and exhibits to discover what actually happened that fateful night. It is a tale of speed and human fallibility, and a must-read for any maritime history buff.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1960
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August 5, 2022
One of my favourite types of nonfiction to read is shipwreck stories. Usually I prefer Holmes-esque mysteries (why did the crew of the Mary Celeste vanish? That sort of thing) but this time I decided to read about a collision where, in fact, the vast majority of both ships' crew and passengers survived, making it less of a mystery and more of a jigsaw puzzle.
Moscow, unfortunately, is not a great writer. He tells us the salient facts: the Andrea Doria of the Italian Line collided with the Stockholm of Sweden in summer 1956, just outside New York. A couple of scores of people died, mostly from the former ship, which sank hours later. (The Stockholm survived the collision well enough to sail back to port). He does do an adequate job of sketching out the main characters, and of the huge maritime rescue mission which ensued as passengers were taken off the sinking Doria, but unfortunately he fails to really explain the main thing: WHY DID THEY COLLIDE IN THE FIRST PLACE???
There's a lot of stuff about radar, but Moscow's explanations were difficult to follow. This book badly needed some diagrams to illustrate things like port-to-port crossings. The last few chapters are also incredibly boring; he suddenly goes off on long, boring lectures about the failed efforts to raise the Doria from the seafloor. You can also tell that he keeps appending chapters to the end of the book every time a new edition is released, without bothering to review what he'd written before, because it became insanely repetitive.
In short, what a slog.
Moscow, unfortunately, is not a great writer. He tells us the salient facts: the Andrea Doria of the Italian Line collided with the Stockholm of Sweden in summer 1956, just outside New York. A couple of scores of people died, mostly from the former ship, which sank hours later. (The Stockholm survived the collision well enough to sail back to port). He does do an adequate job of sketching out the main characters, and of the huge maritime rescue mission which ensued as passengers were taken off the sinking Doria, but unfortunately he fails to really explain the main thing: WHY DID THEY COLLIDE IN THE FIRST PLACE???
There's a lot of stuff about radar, but Moscow's explanations were difficult to follow. This book badly needed some diagrams to illustrate things like port-to-port crossings. The last few chapters are also incredibly boring; he suddenly goes off on long, boring lectures about the failed efforts to raise the Doria from the seafloor. You can also tell that he keeps appending chapters to the end of the book every time a new edition is released, without bothering to review what he'd written before, because it became insanely repetitive.
In short, what a slog.
January 30, 2016
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.
I’m not sure when I first heard of the Andrea Doria. I think it was a series on the History Channel or National Geographic. There was some series about famous shipwrecks that was pretty awesome. That’s where I first heard about this accident that occurred in the 1950s.
The Andrea Doria was the ship of Italy. It was a flagship, a queen, an empress of the seas. She was the Titanic without the term “unsinkable” and the proper number of lifeboats. It sank hours after it was struck by the ship Stockholm. The reason for the collusion was the subject of court and lawyers.
Moscow’s account of the accident, republished in this edition by Open Road Media, traces the events leading up to the collusion as well as the successful rescue that occurred afterwards. While the writing is edge of your seat, even though you know what is going to happen, Moscow is even handed and fair in his reporting. And it is reporting.
While the focus is primary on those responsible for the two ships as well as the passengers (in other words, the crew of each ship), Moscow does relate the experiences of passengers from every class of the Doria as well as the experiences of some of those on the Stockholm and even the ships that arrived to rescue Doria passengers. Moscow does so in a way that is not melodramatic, and is all the more powerful because of that. From the then mayor of Philadelphia, Dilworth and his wife, to the 13 year old boy looking for his parents, to the three women sleeping au natural and finding themselves thrown around without clothes on - while not milked for the drama, the stories do not lack for impact. This is particularly true about Camille Cianfarra, a foreign correspondent whose was traveling on the ship with his family.
The viewpoints, or considerations, of some the captains on the rescue ships – ships who left their routes to come to the aid of the stricken Doria. This is particularly true with the ship Ile de France.
This edition includes updated information, including that about safety issues as well as the history of diving the wreck, including accounts from various divers. Moscow does debate the ethics of retrieving from the wreck (though he is careful to note that the many of the divers pass along “souvenirs” to souvenirs), for that would be outside the scope of his book. Yet, the section can give a rather disquieting feel to it. Also included are pictures, including the photo series by Harry A. Trask that won the Pulitzer Prize.
I’m not sure when I first heard of the Andrea Doria. I think it was a series on the History Channel or National Geographic. There was some series about famous shipwrecks that was pretty awesome. That’s where I first heard about this accident that occurred in the 1950s.
The Andrea Doria was the ship of Italy. It was a flagship, a queen, an empress of the seas. She was the Titanic without the term “unsinkable” and the proper number of lifeboats. It sank hours after it was struck by the ship Stockholm. The reason for the collusion was the subject of court and lawyers.
Moscow’s account of the accident, republished in this edition by Open Road Media, traces the events leading up to the collusion as well as the successful rescue that occurred afterwards. While the writing is edge of your seat, even though you know what is going to happen, Moscow is even handed and fair in his reporting. And it is reporting.
While the focus is primary on those responsible for the two ships as well as the passengers (in other words, the crew of each ship), Moscow does relate the experiences of passengers from every class of the Doria as well as the experiences of some of those on the Stockholm and even the ships that arrived to rescue Doria passengers. Moscow does so in a way that is not melodramatic, and is all the more powerful because of that. From the then mayor of Philadelphia, Dilworth and his wife, to the 13 year old boy looking for his parents, to the three women sleeping au natural and finding themselves thrown around without clothes on - while not milked for the drama, the stories do not lack for impact. This is particularly true about Camille Cianfarra, a foreign correspondent whose was traveling on the ship with his family.
The viewpoints, or considerations, of some the captains on the rescue ships – ships who left their routes to come to the aid of the stricken Doria. This is particularly true with the ship Ile de France.
This edition includes updated information, including that about safety issues as well as the history of diving the wreck, including accounts from various divers. Moscow does debate the ethics of retrieving from the wreck (though he is careful to note that the many of the divers pass along “souvenirs” to souvenirs), for that would be outside the scope of his book. Yet, the section can give a rather disquieting feel to it. Also included are pictures, including the photo series by Harry A. Trask that won the Pulitzer Prize.
March 13, 2023
I think I need a better understanding of how radar works and the system of plotting. Maybe it is just me but I could not for the life of me understand how the two ships hit until I watched a video on YouTube. Other than that, interesting story! Could've used a little more information about the aftermath, but this definitely included some wild details, like the girl who ended up on the Stockholm from the Andrea Doria.
September 7, 2020
Beautifully written and meticulously researched book.
A tragic event which is covered very well in this book. The author gives you background information about the main people involved in the story and some poignant stories about some of the people whose lives would never be the same again. I also enjoyed the fact that the author wrote about divers who explored the wreck afterwards. Bit of a cautionary tale there!
Well worth the read.
A tragic event which is covered very well in this book. The author gives you background information about the main people involved in the story and some poignant stories about some of the people whose lives would never be the same again. I also enjoyed the fact that the author wrote about divers who explored the wreck afterwards. Bit of a cautionary tale there!
Well worth the read.
October 15, 2011
I was just 5 years old in 1956 whem my family returned from a trip to Denmark . We had traveled on the Stockholm and much to our surprize the ship had it's collision on it's very next trip between New York and Copenhagen. I've read this book several times and it's very hard to put down once you start.
May 27, 2022
The Andrea Doria was an Italian ocean liner that frequently carried passengers on Transatlantic trips. The ship was launched in 1951, with her maiden voyage taking place in 1953. The ship collided with the Stockholm, which resulted in massive damage to the side of the ship due to the construction of the Stockholm's prow. The fuel tanks were ripped open, allowing them to fill with water. That, in combination with the construction of the Andrea Doria and the top heavy design, caused the list to become well over the design allowance. The ship eventually capsized and sank. Andrea Doria stayed afloat for eleven hours after the incident, though the list rendered some lifeboats unusable. At the time of the incident, there were 1,706 passengers and crew members on board. 1,660 were rescued, while 46 passengers and crew members died. Interestingly, Cary Grant's wife, Betsey Drake, was on board the ship. She survived. Also on board was Linda Morgan, daughter of Edward P. Morgan, a prominent New York broadcaster. She was traveling with Edward's ex wife, her new husband, and their daughter. His ex wife, Jane, survived, but her new husband and their daughter died. His emotional report on this incident was well remembered for years. The Stockholm was the smallest passenger liner in operation at the time, and was half the size of the Andrea Doria. The maximum passenger capacity for this ship was 548 passengers. The Stockholm often sailed in icy water, and was fitted with an ice breaking prow, which caused the massive damage to the Andrea Doria. The prow actually protected the ship from worse damage to itself, and the Stockholm was able to make it to port under her own power after the incident, but was escorted by the US Coast Guard. The Stockholm was actually on a course that was not recommended for ships leaving the United States, as it sent them into oncoming traffic, however the crew chose this route to save time. After the accident, a congressional review of the time table, actions, and aftermath was held.
I find it interesting to note that even though the Stockholm was traveling against the recommended traffic pattern, most of the fault seems to lie with the Andrea Doria. The book went into great detail about the events on the ships at the time of the incidents, as well as what was found in the congressional hearing. The Andrea Doria was found to have been speeding through fog without using the fog horn. The Andrea Doria did not properly use charts and radar to plot their course and failed to notice the course of the Stockholm because of this. Additionally, they did not follow the general rule of turning to avoid a collision, and turned the opposite way from what they should have if they had followed those rules. They also did not have sea water in their empty fuel tanks to preserve proper ballast, and it appears that a watertight door was missing from the ship. The Stockholm and the Andrea Doria were both experiencing different weather conditions at the same time, which added to the issue. The Stockholm also made errors regarding the radar. This was a very detailed book, which I greatly appreciated. I had heard of the Andrea Doria, but for some reason, I had it meshed in my mind as being the one at the bottom of one of the Great Lakes? I had my facts all messed up, so I learned a great deal from this book about both ships and the incident. This was a really good book. (I have the Audible version.)
I find it interesting to note that even though the Stockholm was traveling against the recommended traffic pattern, most of the fault seems to lie with the Andrea Doria. The book went into great detail about the events on the ships at the time of the incidents, as well as what was found in the congressional hearing. The Andrea Doria was found to have been speeding through fog without using the fog horn. The Andrea Doria did not properly use charts and radar to plot their course and failed to notice the course of the Stockholm because of this. Additionally, they did not follow the general rule of turning to avoid a collision, and turned the opposite way from what they should have if they had followed those rules. They also did not have sea water in their empty fuel tanks to preserve proper ballast, and it appears that a watertight door was missing from the ship. The Stockholm and the Andrea Doria were both experiencing different weather conditions at the same time, which added to the issue. The Stockholm also made errors regarding the radar. This was a very detailed book, which I greatly appreciated. I had heard of the Andrea Doria, but for some reason, I had it meshed in my mind as being the one at the bottom of one of the Great Lakes? I had my facts all messed up, so I learned a great deal from this book about both ships and the incident. This was a really good book. (I have the Audible version.)
August 1, 2025
Alvin Moscow's exhaustive research has produced, arguably, the definitive account of one of the most intriguing and best-known maritime disasters in the modern age. I believe Moscow considered it THE best known and remembered sea disaster but at the time of the book's second publication, with an added epilogue, the Titanic had yet to be discovered and explored. I suggest Titanic is the best-known sea disaster known to man.
There were a number of differences between the two accidents. Titanic collided with an iceberg; the Andrea Doria collided with another ship, the Stockholm. More than half of the passengers on the Titanic died, primarily because the ship had enough lifeboats for only about half those on board and most were not filled to capacity. The Andrea Doria had enough lifeboats but only half could be used because the Doria listed 18 or 19 degrees to starboard immediately after the collision; the port boats could not be used. Fortunately, the ship stayed afloat long enough for other ships to answer the distress calls and arrive with lifeboats for those who survived the collision.
Moscow describes the events leading to the collision, the decisions made by the captains of the ships, the impact, the chaos and the heroic measures taken by many of the crew in saving passengers. Moscow gives us those human interest stories.
He also gives us what we might call the forensic details of the death of the Andrea Doria and the legal ramifications of the accident. This bogs down the reading although to omit it would have the book less than a definitive account.
There are programs on the sinking of the Andrea Doria on YouTube. I am watching one broadcast from PBS as I write this review.
Three stars
There were a number of differences between the two accidents. Titanic collided with an iceberg; the Andrea Doria collided with another ship, the Stockholm. More than half of the passengers on the Titanic died, primarily because the ship had enough lifeboats for only about half those on board and most were not filled to capacity. The Andrea Doria had enough lifeboats but only half could be used because the Doria listed 18 or 19 degrees to starboard immediately after the collision; the port boats could not be used. Fortunately, the ship stayed afloat long enough for other ships to answer the distress calls and arrive with lifeboats for those who survived the collision.
Moscow describes the events leading to the collision, the decisions made by the captains of the ships, the impact, the chaos and the heroic measures taken by many of the crew in saving passengers. Moscow gives us those human interest stories.
He also gives us what we might call the forensic details of the death of the Andrea Doria and the legal ramifications of the accident. This bogs down the reading although to omit it would have the book less than a definitive account.
There are programs on the sinking of the Andrea Doria on YouTube. I am watching one broadcast from PBS as I write this review.
Three stars
May 20, 2018
This is a very well-written book about the collision of the luxury liners Andrea Doria out of Italy and the Stockholm out of Sweden.
The fatal wreck to the Doria happened on a fog-shrouded night in 1956 not far from Nantucket in the North Atlantic.
Moscow does a good job in explaining, as much as he could, how the incident happened and also profiles both the passengers and crew of both ships. He also chronicles the investigation and trial that followed the disaster.
The author also writes about the attempts to salvage treasures from the Doria and the failed attempts to bring the heavy ship up from the ocean bottom.
For those of you who liked stories about the Titanic, this book holds its own in explaining what happened to these two ships. Not long after this time, luxury liners for cross Atlantic travel became a thing of the past except for the QE II. No longer did travelers have the time to spend on long ocean voyages and these were replaced by shorter trips operated by a number of cruise line companies.
The fatal wreck to the Doria happened on a fog-shrouded night in 1956 not far from Nantucket in the North Atlantic.
Moscow does a good job in explaining, as much as he could, how the incident happened and also profiles both the passengers and crew of both ships. He also chronicles the investigation and trial that followed the disaster.
The author also writes about the attempts to salvage treasures from the Doria and the failed attempts to bring the heavy ship up from the ocean bottom.
For those of you who liked stories about the Titanic, this book holds its own in explaining what happened to these two ships. Not long after this time, luxury liners for cross Atlantic travel became a thing of the past except for the QE II. No longer did travelers have the time to spend on long ocean voyages and these were replaced by shorter trips operated by a number of cruise line companies.
Read
April 13, 2021I tried reading this book but the writing was so small I was sometimes skipping lines by accident so I quit reading it.
October 30, 2019
I knew nothing of this event before coming across this on my library's book page and I'm glad I did find it; it's a little gem hidden in a genre where you can read 5,000 books on World War II but very little on the year beyond it in ship travel. It's interesting and yet not surprising that this occurred off the coast of the eastern U.S. as I know it's one of the more dangerous areas to travel in (Titanic anyone?) and yet it was a story that because I knew nothing of it every detail was new and exciting. Moscow wrote in a way that gave you facts, stories, and didn't overwhelm you with dryness like some historical books have a way of doing. The personal stories were amazing (that little girl who got shot from one boat to another still sticks with me) and were told in a way that you knew the author had interviewed some of these people and done a great job.
I had to admire how well both captains responded during the event, even if some of the crew of the Andrea Doria left me pretty pissed off with how they abandoned ship before the passengers did, both men refused to abandon people to the sea and saved as many as they could. The quick and thorough actions of the U.S. Coast Guard and other ships was inspiring as well, if the Titanic had this kind of response they might have saved as many were saved on the Andrea Doria. Add to the fact that not only was the Stockholm missing a huge part of their ship, but that they stuck around to save as many people as they could from the other ship showed a great example of courage under pressure. It was good to see how many staff members did stay on the Andrea Doria making sure people got into lifeboats, I enjoyed how some just attached to one passenger and seemed to think "This one I'm getting to safety no matter what it takes", it was a small note that I appreciated in the crew. I do understand that technology wasn't the greatest back then and maybe the loud speaker system wasn't working well after the Doria began to sink, but I cannot fathom how more people weren't being told how to safely get off the ship and why so many of it's staff abandoned ship before the passengers. It bothered me okay? I was bothered.
The small ending with the treasure hunting was a nice little touch on something I also know nothing about. I could never EVER deep sea dive as I would never get on a boat, let alone sink to the bottom of the ocean. I have an extreme terror of being on a ship/boat/anything on the water that I could drown in, so for me this book was an extra layer of fear. The fact that this wreck stills kills people doesn't surprise me, it seems to sadly enjoy ending people in a way some ships just do.
Overall it's a well written book about a subject I'll bet most of the world doesn't know, especially if you weren't alive in the 1950's.
I had to admire how well both captains responded during the event, even if some of the crew of the Andrea Doria left me pretty pissed off with how they abandoned ship before the passengers did, both men refused to abandon people to the sea and saved as many as they could. The quick and thorough actions of the U.S. Coast Guard and other ships was inspiring as well, if the Titanic had this kind of response they might have saved as many were saved on the Andrea Doria. Add to the fact that not only was the Stockholm missing a huge part of their ship, but that they stuck around to save as many people as they could from the other ship showed a great example of courage under pressure. It was good to see how many staff members did stay on the Andrea Doria making sure people got into lifeboats, I enjoyed how some just attached to one passenger and seemed to think "This one I'm getting to safety no matter what it takes", it was a small note that I appreciated in the crew. I do understand that technology wasn't the greatest back then and maybe the loud speaker system wasn't working well after the Doria began to sink, but I cannot fathom how more people weren't being told how to safely get off the ship and why so many of it's staff abandoned ship before the passengers. It bothered me okay? I was bothered.
The small ending with the treasure hunting was a nice little touch on something I also know nothing about. I could never EVER deep sea dive as I would never get on a boat, let alone sink to the bottom of the ocean. I have an extreme terror of being on a ship/boat/anything on the water that I could drown in, so for me this book was an extra layer of fear. The fact that this wreck stills kills people doesn't surprise me, it seems to sadly enjoy ending people in a way some ships just do.
Overall it's a well written book about a subject I'll bet most of the world doesn't know, especially if you weren't alive in the 1950's.
April 27, 2019
Great research, Good story
One finishes this detailed yet interesting account of the 1956 collision of the Italian luxury liner, the Andrea Doria, with the sizeable Swedish liner, the Stockholm, in awe of the writer's indepth research and his ability (in most cases) to produce an intelligible, interesting account of a complex, far reaching historical incident.
Before the collision off the coast of Nantucket on a foffy July night, the author paints detailed pictures of the lives of the experienced captains of each ship with similar attention to the key members of their crews. He describes their actions and perceptions before, during and after the collision in a non-judgmental manner. The ships' passengers come to life in their various behaviors during and after the collisions. Numerous boats rush to rescue them, adding another level of human activity. It is noteworthy that of the 51 passanger deaths and 5 Stockholm crewmember deaths, most occurred at impact or shortly following, a testimony to the rescuers.
Afterthe slow, dramatic next-day sinking of the Italian luxury ship , captured in prize- winning photos displayed at book's end, the narrative turns to the trial to determine which ship was at fault (never resolved in part due to the sinking of the Doria 's trip records and the determination that lack of proper ballast doomed the post-collision descent of the Doria to a watery grave.) The case was then settled out of court and both shipping companiex paid a host of insurance claims.
The book concludes with a lengthy, interesting account of failed attempts to raise the huge ship and more successful scuba diving explorations of the Doria and the retrieval of her treasure. For years it was considered the Mt. Everest of scuba diving and, like the mountain, claimed many victims.
Aside from some lengthy sections on radar, especially during the post-collision hearing, the book created an indelible picture of human error and heroism on the high seas. Additionally, it provides a glimpse into the delights of ocean liner travel, an era now gone, thus enhancing its fascination.
One finishes this detailed yet interesting account of the 1956 collision of the Italian luxury liner, the Andrea Doria, with the sizeable Swedish liner, the Stockholm, in awe of the writer's indepth research and his ability (in most cases) to produce an intelligible, interesting account of a complex, far reaching historical incident.
Before the collision off the coast of Nantucket on a foffy July night, the author paints detailed pictures of the lives of the experienced captains of each ship with similar attention to the key members of their crews. He describes their actions and perceptions before, during and after the collision in a non-judgmental manner. The ships' passengers come to life in their various behaviors during and after the collisions. Numerous boats rush to rescue them, adding another level of human activity. It is noteworthy that of the 51 passanger deaths and 5 Stockholm crewmember deaths, most occurred at impact or shortly following, a testimony to the rescuers.
Afterthe slow, dramatic next-day sinking of the Italian luxury ship , captured in prize- winning photos displayed at book's end, the narrative turns to the trial to determine which ship was at fault (never resolved in part due to the sinking of the Doria 's trip records and the determination that lack of proper ballast doomed the post-collision descent of the Doria to a watery grave.) The case was then settled out of court and both shipping companiex paid a host of insurance claims.
The book concludes with a lengthy, interesting account of failed attempts to raise the huge ship and more successful scuba diving explorations of the Doria and the retrieval of her treasure. For years it was considered the Mt. Everest of scuba diving and, like the mountain, claimed many victims.
Aside from some lengthy sections on radar, especially during the post-collision hearing, the book created an indelible picture of human error and heroism on the high seas. Additionally, it provides a glimpse into the delights of ocean liner travel, an era now gone, thus enhancing its fascination.
April 21, 2018
My mother always remembered what day the Andrea Doria sank. It was on her birthday and she thought it was such a tragedy and told me stories years later. I was around for it but too young to remember. So I thought I would read up on it. I'm sure there are more recent books, and there was a PBS special about it, but my whole family worked in the maritime industry on the East Coast, so I was especially curious. That said, I had no issue with many of the technical descriptions the author includes. It is similar to A Night to Remember by Lord but because it is more recent history it seems a bit more relatable. I learned quite a bit. And definitely enjoyed the book. I might recommend though that more recent books be tried first if you have some interest in this collision.
November 30, 2022
Interesting, at first, especially since I have memories of the incident from Cape Cod the night of the crash. I did find it quite tedious while going through the trial portion but I enjoyed identifying the author’s opinions, generously expressed but readily apparent.
I was, however, disappointed in the timeliness of updates on the book. The description described “recent” updates which actually appeared to be 25 years old.
At any rate, it was interesting, confirmed memories of newspaper accounts and reviews and I do recommend reading it.
Just to see the humor, I read it while on a 23 day cruise culminating in a trans Atlantic section to the US. IM NOT SURE MY TABLE MATES APPRECIATED my nightly updates.
I was, however, disappointed in the timeliness of updates on the book. The description described “recent” updates which actually appeared to be 25 years old.
At any rate, it was interesting, confirmed memories of newspaper accounts and reviews and I do recommend reading it.
Just to see the humor, I read it while on a 23 day cruise culminating in a trans Atlantic section to the US. IM NOT SURE MY TABLE MATES APPRECIATED my nightly updates.
November 22, 2024
Very interesting although a few parts were a little detail dense. For example, when describing a route a passenger takes to get off the ship in great detail was a little much. The last chapter felt like it didn’t fit and it meanders when describing people diving to the wreck, etc. I didn’t realize the bulk of the book was written just a couple of years after the sinking the final 2 chapters are added several years later.
One other thing, I think this book could use more pictures or diagrams throughout to help illustrate certain aspects of the ship. I had trouble several times trying to visualize areas in the ship or passageways.
Overall, it was very informative and interesting. I feel like I have a good understanding of the wreck and I enjoyed reading about the people involved.
One other thing, I think this book could use more pictures or diagrams throughout to help illustrate certain aspects of the ship. I had trouble several times trying to visualize areas in the ship or passageways.
Overall, it was very informative and interesting. I feel like I have a good understanding of the wreck and I enjoyed reading about the people involved.
March 5, 2020
I read this over fifty years ago, motivated by having sailed with my mother and brother from New York to Sweden aboard the Stockholm in 1955, the year before this disaster. (Re-)reading this [new edition] brought back a few particular memories and reinforced for me how selective human memory is.
Moscow’s qualification and credentials for authorship of a nautical story are strong. His description of the event and the inquiry that followed are thorough, interesting and quite readable. Anyone seeking more detail than provided here will need to unearth the transcripts of the various hearings and trials that ensued.
Recommended.
Moscow’s qualification and credentials for authorship of a nautical story are strong. His description of the event and the inquiry that followed are thorough, interesting and quite readable. Anyone seeking more detail than provided here will need to unearth the transcripts of the various hearings and trials that ensued.
Recommended.
September 26, 2021
Non-fiction that reads like fiction. I remember seeing pictures of Andrea Doria in a magazine, when I was young, but too young to remember anything but “it sank” or to know that there was another ocean-liner involved.
Despite quite technical descriptions of what the captains and their assistants did, it was not too heavy to read. Not knowing what exactly took place, kept my attention glued to the book.
The part. about the divers was less interesting but also new information, incluidng the fact that the place where Andrea Doria sank was not that deep.
Despite quite technical descriptions of what the captains and their assistants did, it was not too heavy to read. Not knowing what exactly took place, kept my attention glued to the book.
The part. about the divers was less interesting but also new information, incluidng the fact that the place where Andrea Doria sank was not that deep.
October 22, 2021
Well Researched Account of the Tragedy
This was an interesting account of the tragic collision of the Andrea Doria luxury liner and the Stockholm. Author Moscow relates the events in a factual manner after having done a great deal of research. It is well written and a look into a bygone era. He spoke with many crewmembers and some passengers and the human stories are the most interesting part of the book. The aftermath is covered as well, the trial hearings and state of the wreck. A definitive account of this tragedy.
This was an interesting account of the tragic collision of the Andrea Doria luxury liner and the Stockholm. Author Moscow relates the events in a factual manner after having done a great deal of research. It is well written and a look into a bygone era. He spoke with many crewmembers and some passengers and the human stories are the most interesting part of the book. The aftermath is covered as well, the trial hearings and state of the wreck. A definitive account of this tragedy.
August 25, 2018
Excellent history of two ships
This is a well written book about the collision of the Andrea Doris and the Stockholm. It explains exactly what happened and what was done by both captains following the collision. It takes you into the hearings relative to the incident, the settlement and what happened afterwards. It also tells the story of the divers who were doing salvage work. This us an excellent book for a history buff about sea accidents.
This is a well written book about the collision of the Andrea Doris and the Stockholm. It explains exactly what happened and what was done by both captains following the collision. It takes you into the hearings relative to the incident, the settlement and what happened afterwards. It also tells the story of the divers who were doing salvage work. This us an excellent book for a history buff about sea accidents.
March 23, 2022
I’ve heard about the andria doria but thought it was about the time of the titanic. Now I found out it was just after my 2nd birthday. I felt bad for the AD captain. He took the whole thing so personally. Every man, woman, and child was on his shoulders and it sounds like he carried it all his life. Thank goodness there wasnt more deaths. For as bad as this was it could have been so much worse. There but for the grace of God..
July 12, 2022
A really interesting historical situation on the high seas that appears to still have a lot of questions unanswered. It’s overall impact to the shipping industry, the length of the trial and the outcome, plus all of the people who have tried to connect with the collision in including the salvage people and the divers who want a challenge. An interesting read that goes by quicker than most historical novels - well written.
February 20, 2023
Collision Course was an outstanding read. First published in 1959, this in-depth study of this tragic event is told clearly and concisely. Mr. Moscow's research and knowledge of the disaster gives you the most un-biased view of the collision between the Stockholm and the Andrea Doria. You can then form your own conclusion as to how two ships, equipped with radar, in the open ocean could collide. It still happens today.
June 12, 2023
The defining account of a maritime tragedy that was the beginning of the end of luxury liners
Mr. Moscow's novel is nothing less than thorough and spellbinding. it is further enlightening to compare this book's findings from the insurance hearings with more recent investigational reviews that can be found online. I grew up reading the Readers Digest Condensed version of this book.
Mr. Moscow's novel is nothing less than thorough and spellbinding. it is further enlightening to compare this book's findings from the insurance hearings with more recent investigational reviews that can be found online. I grew up reading the Readers Digest Condensed version of this book.
March 24, 2024
Collision Course: the classic story of the collision of the Andrea Doria and the Stockholm by Alvin Moscow
From Shadow Divers to this Atlantic Ocean tragedy off the New York/New Jersey coast. Told with great detail and many changes to the industry that hopefully will protect/prevent some of the 1000 shipping collisions annually. A fascinating read all the way to trial.
From Shadow Divers to this Atlantic Ocean tragedy off the New York/New Jersey coast. Told with great detail and many changes to the industry that hopefully will protect/prevent some of the 1000 shipping collisions annually. A fascinating read all the way to trial.
March 26, 2025
Terrific book. The insights into the minds of those driving those boats, what happened to the people, those who died and those who did not, and in the end, each side giving the other enough room so that no one was to blame. Finally, the only ship left of the great ships of the day is the one at the bottom of the sea.
September 25, 2017
I ws attracted to this story as I remember seeing pictures of the collision when I was young. It is a story of a tragedy that could have and should have been avoided. The author has updated the book with information about divers exploring the wreck of the Andre Dorea over the years.
May 11, 2019
I did not want this book to end! The author took the reader down the path of what a horrible accident this was at sea and the aftermath of that accident. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good read about ship wrecks.
October 15, 2020
This is the second book I read on the collision between the Andrea Doria and the Stockholm. This happened when I was ten years old and I remember it from those long-ago days. The book was well detailed and researched and fully held my attention.
January 5, 2022
A solid book for those who want to more about the SS Andrea Doria and the aftermath. It is especially good when considering when the book was originally written. I recommend it from those who like books on shipwrecks.
April 23, 2025
stretched it out a bit Alvin
The early part of the book was tedious and long drawn out as was the ending in relation to the diving etc. very technical - could have added a lot more of the people stories
The early part of the book was tedious and long drawn out as was the ending in relation to the diving etc. very technical - could have added a lot more of the people stories
November 11, 2025
Great book for anyone interested in collisions at sea or in the Andrea Doria, specifically. Lots of interesting details, but a little confusing if you’re not familiar with ship terminology or technology - however, did not detract from the overall account.
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