OMG! What a chilling account of courage in the face of survival. You’ll want to see this.
Joe Griffith of Norman, Oaklahoma talks about his experience as a passenger on the Andrea Doria:
http://newsok.com/multimedia/video/73032320001 (6 minutes)
We are all inlets to the great sea of life. ~Emanuel Swedenborg
Meeting Jimmy Walker was a great opportunity. He flew to Michigan a year ago for our “reunion”. We hadn’t formally met yet, except by circumstance–during the sinking of the Italian luxury liner Andrea Doria. Jimmy was one of the brave rescuers who rode a lifeboat next to the capsizing ship. He and another sailor managed to pick up a couple dozen people and transport them to the oil tanker, The Allen. The event, which could have resulted in another “Titanic”, took place on July 25, 1956 45 miles southwest of Nantucket.
Jimmy and I quickly became friends during his couple days here— unquestionably, because of our special bond. I invited another survivor-friend, Germaine Strobel, to have dinner with us. Jimmy really liked that and in his gracious way, he expressed his gratitude, and said: “I’m really honored to be able to meet two survivors of the Andrea Doria.” He didn’t realize how honored WE were to meet a participant in the greatest sea rescue in peacetime history.
I especially got to know Jimmy while I was interviewing him. At first, he was hesitant to tell the whole story—perhaps feeling immodest. But then he continued, nervously explaining all the details in front of a camera. Although he probably didn’t realize it, his stance in the rescue was clear: he was not going to let danger stop him from helping his fellow man. Later, when I sent him a copy of the edited interview, I could sense he was beaming with pride. When he called to thank me, he explained, “I never told my family much about the Andrea Doria rescue. Now my grandchildren will know that their grandfather did something good for people, and be proud of me.”
Jimmy did something extraordinary! And that was only the beginning of a long and loyal service to the maritime industry—especially with the unions. He was a true Southern gentleman with a heart of gold. I feel blessed and grateful to have met him—back then and more recently.
Rest in peace, Jimmy, knowing you have accomplished your life’s purpose.
“For what is it to die, but to stand in the sun and melt into the wind?”
~Kahlil Gibran
I love this quote– not that I think I do everything right, which I surely don’t! But it inspires to do our best to create heaven on earth.
Today’s Affirmation
I am aligned with right thought, right intention and right action.
Today’s Meditation
Dear Universe,
I don’t have to do anything great in order to add to the greatness of the world.
I simply align myself with the best that I can each day.
I do this in meditation, in prayer, in service to others, and in loving myself.
I take no thought of anything outside of my highest ideals, and I keep moving ahead.
This week, I received two sad e-mails regarding the passing of two gentlemen connected to the Andrea Doria. This post is about one of them: notable architect Der Scutt. The next blog will be dedicated to a rescuer and friend of the greatest sea rescue.
It was on July 23, 2006 that I met a very tall, distinguished looking gentleman. The occasion was the 50th anniversary survivors’ reunion on the campus of the US Merchant Marine Academy on Long Island. I was introduced to Der Scutt and was told that he was a board member of the South Street Seaport Museum. He was going to be accepting one of the two bronze medallions sculpted by Daniel Oberti, who had been commissioned by the survivors of the Andrea Doria. The other medallion, also a tribute to the valor and courage displayed during the tragic event, would be accepted by Italian Consul General of New York, Mr. Bandini.
Not until recently, did I discover a more complete biography of Der Scutt. Fellow survivor, Jerome Reinert sent me a link to Wikipedia, which I read with fascination. I wish I would have known all of this three and a half years ago; I would have congratulated Mr. Scutt for his contribution to New York City’s architecture, and for his unique collection of nautical memorabilia. Nevertheless, I am grateful that the beautiful bronze medallion was placed in the hands of a great man.
From Wikipedia:
Der Scutt (born 1934-2010) was an architect, designer of major buildings throughout New York City and the United States.
His best known is Trump Tower[1] next to Tiffany and Co. on Fifth Avenue, New York, developed by Donald J. Trump. Other major buildings include One Astor Plaza, 520 Madison Avenue, Continental Insurance Corporation Headquarters in New York City, and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company Headquarters in Milwaukee. He was the Design Consultant for the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.
Nautical Memorabilia and Associations
In 1989, Scutt bought his first ship model at a flea market and has amassed one of the most unusual private nautical collections in the world. His collection spans four centuries, including ocean liners, warships, commercial ships, sailing ships, and paddle steamers. The models come from all over the world. Articles on his collection of over six hundred models have appeared in The New York Times, The Journal of Commerce, Town & Country, Nautical Collector, and other publications. In 2001 the South Street Seaport Museum acquired the Der Scutt Collection of Ocean Liner models and memorabilia.
Mr. Scutt was a trustee of the South Street Seaport Museum from 1992 to 2006; he is now a trustee of the South Street Seaport Museum Foundation. He was formerly a trustee of the Ocean Liner Museum of New York, the Maritime Industry Museum and the National Maritime Historical Society.
What a talented artist! And what patience, passion, and determination to etch maritime history in wood. To view Pastor Patrick Pointers work, please follow his directions below. You will be amazed!
Well the newest of my carvings was unveiled at the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven, Michigan on Sunday, March 7, 2010. If you click on the link below, it will take you to my website. To see the finished carving and the unveiling, go to the “Appearances” tab and scroll down to “Past Appearances.” I think you’ll like what you see. You can also contact Michigan Maritime Museum on the link within that story. They are in the process of taking in donations to purchase this piece for their permanent collection.http://www.northernmichiganartist.webs.com
In His Service and Yours,
Patrick B. Pointer
You may view the Artwork of Maritime Artist and Master Carver, Patrick B. Pointer by clicking on this link:
“Where Did the Lifeboats Land?”
This last week has brought about another curious connection to the Italian Grande Dame. A gentleman wrote to me in search all of the remaining Andrea Doria lifeboats. Here’s the correspondence:
I am a student at SUNY Maritime College. I am studying the Andrea Doria disaster for my senior thesis.
We are looking for the whereabouts of the remaining lifeboats from the Andrea Doria. I have heard that one may be in a museum in Florida.
Would have in information or even a rumor about where I might find one of these lifeboats?
Any help appreciated.
Phil
Unfortunately, I couldn’t help Phil but connected him to John Moyer, salvor of the Andrea Doria and collector of hundreds of artifacts.
Thank you so much for responding. As I mentioned I am a student at SUNY Maritime in New York. In a past life I was in the US Coast Guard. I served on the cutter Tamaroa, which was at the Andrea Doria collision. I am also a scuba diver. It is impossible to dive wrecks in this area without hearing about the Doria.
More recently I served with the New York City Fire Department (my father was a firefighter). I was at the WTC attack in 2001 and I have bad lungs from working there. ..One of the benefits afforded survivors is a full scholarship to any city or state school.
So I find myself at SUNY Maritime. It was a good fit, with my background. I should have come here 25 years ago. Anyway this is a pet project of my history professor, and he sets his students loose every year to search for artifacts and write him brilliant papers.
Again, thanks for responding, and good luck with your book and lecturing.
Phil
Assuming that Phil had come to our rescue in 1956, I suggested an interview.
Just to clarify, I was born in 1969 I was not aboard the Tamaroa during Andrea Doria, but served on her afterwards 1987 thru 1989 We had our own fair share of rescues at that time, although none as famous. The Tam was a fixture on the east coast based at NY she was also at the Pelican disaster, and the Texas Tower collapse in addition to being famous from “The Perfect Storm”
John has already contacted me and is very amiable, although he does not know where the lifeboats ended up. I am following up on some other leads I have. If you hear anything please drop me a note.
Phil
Can anyone help Phil locate the Andrea Doria lifeboats? Contact me either by commenting on my blog post or going to www.PieretteSimpson.com.
”Right of Passage”
First, let me explain the title Curious Connections. Today is the first of a series of blog posts about my personal daily happenings. Before you think this will lead to the mundane, let me explain the impetus for these revelations: I’ve been amazed at a curious pattern of almost daily surprises—curious because of the content and because of frequency.
So, here I go in sharing some juicy gossip, trivia, and soap opera content. Actually I’m just kidding. I’m going to be revealing all of the amazing connections that touch me in perpetuam about the Andrea Doria.
Perhaps you’ll ask yourself as I do, “how can one ship, incurring one event have so many connections?” could this be about 6° of separation? I don’t think so; I’d like to think it’s about 2° of separation.
Yesterday, I attended a luncheon to celebrate International Women’s Day. I assumed it would simply be a fun networking event. But as usual, I ran into curious connections to the Andrea Doria. Sitting at my table was a lady who was anxious to share with me the fact that her godmother was on the Andrea Doria with me. When she told me her last name, Belluomo, I recognized it immediately; I had met her in the York at the 50th Andrea Doria survivors’ reunion. We immediately felt a bond.
Then came the real shocker! Guest, Teresa Carlson, who had been my teaching colleague several years ago, announced to the entire group of about 70 women her connection. “My father and the entire family had driven from Calabria to Napoli (Naples) to board the Andrea Doria, in July of 1956. It was a long ride. When we got to Naples, Andrea Doria officials asked him to give up his cabin to a young girl who was immigrating to America to meet her mother and needed to be accompanied by her grandparents.” The audience whispered “oh my God!” in anticipation of what she would say next.
“My father was angry, very angry, but gave up his cabin. When Pierette and I were teaching together, I looked up the cabin information, and confirmed that the little girl, who would have the right of passage to America, was Pierette.” At this point, the audience oood and ahhhd. The news brought tears—mixed tears. After all, Teresa’s father was spared a cruel ordeal because of his generosity. Yet, my grandparents and I barely made it to the New World.
What will be my next amazing connection? Personally, I can’t wait to find out.
A few days ago, I received an e-mail from a young man who needs information on the existing Andrea Doria lifeboats.
“I am a student at SUNY Maritime College. I am studying the Andrea Doria disaster for my senior thesis.
We are looking for the whereabouts of the remaining lifeboats from the Andrea Doria. I have heard that one may be in a museum in Florida.
Would you have information or even a rumor about where I might find one of these lifeboats?
Any help appreciated.”
If anyone has any information for Philip Porteus, would you please contact me? Thank you!
As a member of the American Library Association and the Public Library Association, I receive an online book review source called Booklist. Books that make it into this highly respected source for librarians, have been scrutinized by the experts in the field. Therefore, I trust that the review below is accurate, and that the book Overboard deserves to be read.
I must add that last night’s news of the cruise ship carrying 2000 people on the Mediterranean Sea were hit by 60 mph winds and exceptionally high waves, makes this book even more current and compelling. The headline read: “Two people have been killed and six injured as giant waves slammed into a cruise ship in the Mediterranean.”
Shocking truth is often more frightening than horror fiction.
The review:
| Overboard! A True Bluewater Odyssey of Disaster and Survival.
Tougias, Michael J. (author). Tougias, who with Ten Hours until Dawn (2005) rivaled Sebastian Junger (The Perfect Storm, 1997) in the telling of harrowing experiences at sea, returns with the tale of the yachts Almeisan and At Ease. Caught in a vast storm off the East Coast in spring 2005, the two experienced sailors aboard Almeisan were washed overboard. The captain died, but his first mate survived, thanks to a Filipino merchant ship, and the Almeisan’s three working passengers fast-learned enough seamanship to last until the Coast Guard arrived. The crew of At Ease all survived, but their ordeal was only slightly less harrowing, and the descriptions of it are quite as vivid. Tougias has a knack for getting those who go down to the sea in ships (or, sometimes, nearly under it in yachts) to talk to him and for weaving thoroughly absorbing sea stories out of what they disclose to him. Maritime history and adventure fans need this one. |
— Roland Green