Archive for andrea doria
1706 people almost died suddenly as our Italian luxury liner, Andrea Doria, was penetrated by the Swedish liner, Stockholm. My grandparents and I were immigrating to America (from Italy) as we experienced the most catastrophic collision in history during peacetime on July 25, 1956. There were 51 fatalities and hundreds of injured passengers as many were crushed, thrown, overwhelmed by fumes, or catapulted onto the Stockholm.
The most traumatic moments are indelible from my mind: the loud crash, praying for a merciful death, being dangled over the dark Atlantic with a rope around my waist, the packed lifeboat ride from hell, climbing a ’skyscraper’ rescue ship on a Jacob’s ladder, and more.
I have learned that on the other side of tragedy, there is always a lifeline–gratitude! The catastrophe gave me the opportunity to be grateful for:
*documenting the human and scientific facts in a book, “Alive on the Andrea Doria! The Greatest Sea Rescue in History. www.pierettesimpson.com
*thanking my grandparents for bringing me to America by dedicating my book to them
*vindicating our captain, crew, and the Italian maritime industry
*becoming a proponent of safety at sea along with the national chairman of marine forensics (James Cameron’s consultant)
My view of life is that we have two choices when faced with survival: sink or swin. I’ve been swimming to safe harbors in spite of several major trials–my husband’s passing at 33, severance from family ties in Italy and the U.S., loneliness, and personal illness. I’m grateful for all of these experiences as they have made me stronger.
I’ve learned to live my life to the brim: writing, speaking, advocating marine safety, etc. (after 37 years of teaching.) As a result, I’ve been honored with many life-achievement awards. I’ve also learned that in order to survive, we must constantly adapt—even if it means re-inventing ourselves.
I believe in the wisdom of Charles Darwin: in order to survive we must be “most responsive to change.”
Filed under: Andrea Doria, Survivor Stories | andrea doria, change, collisions on the Atlantic, gratitude, shipwreck fatalities, shipwrecks, Stockholm, survival|No Comments
Today, a technical paper that I co-authored with naval architect and friend, William Garzke, goes to publication. This is a proud moment for me. It is an opportunity to help humanity—specifically in contributing to passenger safety on our seas. This introduction explains our topic and the purpose for having written about it.
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The Loss of Andrea Doria
A Marine Forensic Analysis
by
William H. Garzke, Jr. and Pierette Domenica Simpson
ABSTRACT The Andrea Doria shipwreck of 1956 is still of interest to naval architects and historians. It pertains to the most catastrophic and the most recent collision in history between two ocean liners. One of the most controversial aspects of the event involves the sinking of the Italian luxury liner. This report’s main goal is to delve into the reasons for the sinking, which is surprisingly still controversial and debated. A New York Times article published only last year, called “From Death Ship to Cruise Ship”—referring to the Stockholm—attracted an editorial response from a Swedish co-author of a book on the collision. Mr. Bruce Paulsen wrote: “…the ship never should have sunk; she did so because of a substantial design defect.”
After much research done by author-survivor Pierette Simpson, who was provided with substantial data from findings of marine experts in both Italy and the United States that included members of Panel SD-7, she conducted her own inquiry, along with dialogue with divers and crewmembers of the Andrea Doria. This paper presents definitive conclusions on the sinking based on information from Ms. Simpson and Italian naval architects familiar with the ship’s design as well as insights on a marine forensics investigation by co-author and Chairman of Panel SD-7 William Garzke.
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Our technical paper is being published in the Journal of Ship Production. Here’s the description I found on their website.
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“Original and timely technical papers addressing problems of shipyard techniques and production of merchant and naval ships appear in this quarterly publication. Since its inception, the Journal of Ship Production has been a forum for peer-reviewed, professionally edited papers from academic and industry sources. As such, it has influenced the worldwide development of ship production engineering as fully qualified professional discipline. Each issue contains a well-rounded selection of technical papers relevant to ship professionals, including written discussions and author’s closures.” |
The Journal is published by The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) http://www.sname.org/SNAME/SNAME/Publications/JournalofShipProduction/Default.aspx
Filed under: Andrea Doria, Serving Our Seas | Alive in the Andrea Doria, andrea doria, naval architecture, panel SD-7, pierette simpson, shipwrecks, SNAME, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Stockholm, William Garzke|No Comments
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
Filed under: Andrea Doria, Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories | andrea doria, greatest sea rescue, Jimmy Latham Walker, shipwreck, The Allen|No Comments
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.
Filed under: Andrea Doria, Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories | andrea doria, bronze medallion, Daniel Oberti, Der Scutt, South Street Seaport Museum, survivors reunion, Trump Tower|No Comments
Another partial standing ovation followed. James Cameron and Bill Garzke returned to our table. People followed them, hoping for a quick chat or to give praise. I offered Cameron my compliments for his interesting talk:
“I never thought I could be so fascinated by a sunken battleship story. It was a great presentation.”
I know how valuable it is to receive feedback after my speaking engagements on the Andrea Doria. Cameron seemed to relish in everyone’s positive comments as if he had heard these words for the first time. It was another way to share the message that he appreciated our interest in his work. People continued to flock at his side. I took this opportunity to chat with a couple of distinguished marine engineers. One had been to the Andrea Doria ‘gravesite’ on July 26, 1956. He explained almost apologetically that with other Coast Guard cadets, he was ordered to shoot holes into the lifeboats that were still afloat. “We used them for target practice,” he quipped. “They were considered a danger to navigation.”
I peeked over to what had become an autograph session. A gentleman saw that I was anxious to offer my book to the famous film maker. He gave me his place in line and I actually dared to take a seat facing James Cameron. I handed him my book, Alive on the Andrea Doria! The Greatest Sea Rescue in History.[1] Inside I had written a lengthy dedication. Cameron looked at the cover with great interest as I told him that I would love the opportunity to see this shipwreck on the seafloor for myself; that it would allow me the chance to make peace with the cadaver that was once a luxury liner.
“Do you think Elwood would like to explore the Andrea Doria?” I boldly asked.
Cameron, the explorer-humanitarian understood my need, having offered this kind of therapy to the Bismarck survivors.
“Since the wreck is only at 250 feet, I think it’s feasible. I would let you navigate him from the surface…but I need to know that there is scientific value for using this approach, as opposed to what is already being done.”
I heartily assured him that I would do my research on that.
The evening offered precious moments in my life as a shipwreck survivor and author. Moreover, speaking to James Cameron felt like I had climbed a mountain top, even though we were discussing the bottom of the planet.
Speaking of planets, Cameron is a member of the NASA Advisory Council and is working on the project to get cameras on the pending manned Mars mission. I hope the marine world doesn’t lose one of its most ardent researchers to another part of the universe.
N.B. Bill Garzke told with me later that Cameron shared his delight for receiving an honorary induction into ASNE. As the two men descended the stage, the outstanding film maker beamed,
“My Dad will be very proud of me.”
Cameron’s father is an engineer.
(Conclusion of article)
[1] For information on the book, see
www.PieretteSimpson.com.
Filed under: Andrea Doria, Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories | andrea doria, ASNE, Avatar, Bismarck, James Cameron, shipwreck survivor, shipwrecks, Titanic|5 Comments
The chairperson for the evening began her introduction of ASNE’s coveted guest:
…He studied physics and English at California State University. Later, he discontinued his studies and worked several jobs such as machinist and truck driver and wrote when he had time. Mr. Cameron taught himself special effects…. After seeing the film Star Wars in 1977, Cameron quit his job as a truck driver to enter the film industry.[4] When Cameron read the book Screenplay, it occurred to him that integrating science and art were possible and he wrote a ten minute science fiction script with two friends, entitled Xenogenesis. They raised money and rented a camera, lenses, the film stocks, and studio and shot it in 35mm. To understand how to operate the camera, they dismantled it and spent the first half-day of the shoot trying to figure out how to get it running. [1]
How admirable, I thought—and a genius too! After the chairperson enumerated his successful movies: The Terminator and Terminator 2, Rambo, Abyss, Alien, True Lies, she emphasized his most grandiose accomplishment, Titanic.
“He wrote and directed the film Titanic, which earned 11 Academy Awards and grossed over $1.8 billion worldwide. To date, his directorial efforts have grossed approximately $3 billion.”
And now he is striving for a repeat performance with the upcoming Bismarck. As with Titanic, Cameron will rely only partially on his consultants for information. He has already explored the wreck at 15,000 feet below the water surface in a submersible and brought back priceless data of the World War II battleship sunk by British forces. Moreover, on the 2002 expedition he brought along two survivors of the German battleship who survived the carnage, but wanted to make peace with the tragedy.
The audience sat mesmerized while viewing a 40-minute video of Cameron’s photographic examination of the Bismarck. He discussed the results of his extensive survey which resulted in scientific conclusions about the battle between the British and the Germans, the damage which sank the German battleship, the damaging drop on a mountainous seafloor, and the condition of the current wreck. In his signature Cameron style, he emphasized the relationship between humanity and technology. As we viewed the last clips of this rare footage, Cameron explained:
“Although I have a fascination with geeky technology and exploration, I’m showing you the boots, the leather bags, and personal articles so that we never forget what this disaster is about: the human tragedy…I have an 18-year-old son who is older than some of the young men who perished…this tragedy brings the message close to home…”
The fluid, engaging speaker explained that he obtained some of the film footage with his trusted robotic camera (ROV), fondly named Elwood, and that he has personally logged 3,000 hours as a shipwreck diver. It is no wonder that he has made outstanding contributions to marine science and maritime archeology as part of his film making. As he finished his talk, the audience swiftly stood up to applaud his work and brilliant documentation.
The presentation was followed by a question and answer segment. Cameron answered each question thoroughly, as if each one mattered. Bill Garzke, his right-hand man on the Bismarck research, joined him on stage to answer questions about Titanic and Bismarck survivors. Bill has spent decades interviewing Bismarck survivors and analyzing the testimony of Titanic survivors; he believes that by using eyewitness accounts in conjunction with scientific findings, the public will have a better understanding of shipwreck events.
(To be continued)
[1] Details from Wikipedia.
Filed under: Andrea Doria, Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories | andrea doria, Avatar, Bismarck, James Cameron, shipwreck survivors, shipwrecks, Titanic, William Garzke|No Comments
My friend Giuliano called me shortly after 9 p.m. on 2-3-10 to inform me that “my friend” James Cameron was appearing on the Larry King show. I told Giuliano that I was on a Teleseminar; but after two seconds of reflection, I said “Thanks. I gotta watch it!” realizing that my current priority was to reconnect with one of the world’s greatest geniuses.
I sat mesmerized in front of the TV as I watched Cameron, two of his major technical assistants, and some actors being interviewed about their role in “AVATAR”. Watching Jim speak reminded me of the evening I met him in Washington, DC a year and a half ago. It will always be one of the most exciting and memorable events of my life: “The James Cameron Event” explained in the article below. In fact, I tell my friends that the opportunity to meet the man, felt like I had reached the top of Mount Everest.
This is the first part of the article. I will blog two more times to share its entirety.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
An Evening with James Cameron
Washington D.C., June 24, 2008
Thank God I didn’t have to re-live another shipwreck, like the Andrea Doria, to feel a close connection with the 1997 movie, Titanic. As a guest at the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) dinner, Titanic’s Academy Award winning director sat one seat away from me. James Cameron was about to present his talk, ‘Undersea Exploration of the DKM Bismarck.’
I was introduced to the tall, stately looking gentleman by my friend William Garzke[1], one of Cameron’s chief consultants for his presentation on the Bismarck.
“This is Pierette Simpson. She is a survivor of the Andrea Doria and has recently written an excellent book on the loss of this ship.”[2]
The silver-haired gentleman extended his hand to me and graciously exclaimed, “You must have been very young.”
I clumsily replied, “Probably not as young as you many think…but thank you for the compliment.” Shaking hands, I immediately I felt a warm connection to the film giant.
Bill Garzke continued to explain: “I reviewed Pierette’s book for the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. We also collaborated on a report called ‘The Loss of the Andrea Doria’, which we presented in New York last week.”[3]
I felt great pride being accepted by these legendary shipwreck experts. Immodestly, I added that Bill was my mentor and in collaboration we had become authorities on the Andrea Doria tragedy. Then, quickly, before someone else could intervene on what seemed to be a magical moment, I introduced Cameron to my companion, Richard Haskin. I was impressed that the special guest walked over to Richard to shake his hand; he could have more efficiently extended his hand across a few people. Immediately, Cameron became the consummate gentleman and scholar in my mind. These precious moments set the tone to what would turn out to be a night to remember.
My friend Bill had helped to organize the evening’s event for the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE). Little did I know that Richard and I would sit at the ‘Reserved’ table, front and center, with Cameron and his three main consultants for the Bismarck presentation. After meeting all the distinguished scientists, I had a feeling that maybe I shouldn’t be drinking wine, for fear of losing coherence. I took a small sip anyway, hoping to put me more at ease.
[1] William Garzke is the national chairman of the marine forensics panel SD-7 of The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.
[2] For a copy of the review, see www.pierettesimpson.com: “The Book”.
[3] For a copy of the report, contact Pierette@PieretteSimpson.com .
Filed under: Andrea Doria, Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories, Uncategorized | andrea doria, ASNE, Avatar, Bismark, James Cameron, shipwreck survivors, shipwrecks, The Larry King Show, Titanic, William Garzke|4 Comments
A Link to the Andrea Doria
A producer from Rome who came to my home in Michigan for an interview observed, “It seems like everyone has a connection to the Andrea Doria.” In my authorial journey I have found this to be immensely true.
My gentleman Richard Haskin and I attended Detroit’s North American International Auto Show. So, where’s the link to the ship that brought me to America? The Chrysler brand. It is explained in chapter 12 , “Diving the Doria” in Alive in the Andrea Doria:
“One fascinating ‘casualty’ of the Andrea Doria sinking was a beautiful, one-of-a-kind automobile called the Norseman. This special prototype, with an unusual cantilevered roof and no side pillars, was designed by Chrysler and built by the Italian company Ghia. The estimated cost was $150,000 ( in $1956). It was on its way to New York on the Doria, in tenet for the 1957 auto show circuit. But sadly, it would never be seen by the public.”
The beautiful Norseman is now in a larger cargo hold: the Atlantic Ocean. If only its long, sleek design, a glimmer of beautiful models to come, had been an inspiration for 2010 models! Whatever happened to creativity at Chrysler—and a majority of American cars for that matter?
Filed under: Andrea Doria, Serving Our Seas | andrea doria, Chrysler, North American international auto show, shipwreck diving, the Chrysler Norseman|No Comments
The following excerpt is the ending to my short story in the Thank God I…book series. It expresses my gratitude for what I’ve learned from being part of the most calamitous collision at sea AND the greatest sea rescue in peacetime history.
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• • •I am grateful for the catastrophe that taught me resilience, thereby bringing my life full circle: I am embracing heartily my Italian roots and reconnecting to my American family, creating new lifelines in the process. Being the author of one’s catastrophic experience can be a painful process, but the results are revealing and enlightening I realize that retelling the Andrea Doria story ran parallel to my inner struggle: when I felt weak, I buried it; as I grew stronger, I faced it, thus becoming its heroine. Do I still feel pain for my grandparents’ ultimate sacrifice of leaving their homeland, then forgoing me as a “daughter”? Certainly, but I surrender to its reality with more grace when my mother’s praise reminds me of the blessings: “Your grandparents would be so proud that your book vindicates your fellow Italians for the Andrea Doria tragedy.” Moreover, I’ve released the pain held within the series of abandonments, embracing new relationships with excitement.
Overall, I feel better prepared for treading on rough waters, grateful for having taken many lifeboats to transcendence. I’m confident that with future challenges, I will steadily climb another rope like the one that dangled along the side of the Ile de France, accepting another good fight in the miracle of life. Knowing that the Andrea Doria was my training ground for courage, I will gratefully say, “Thank God that traveling on the ill-fated liner steered me toward a life journey that I claim as my legend!”
Filed under: Andrea Doria, Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories | andrea doria, gratitude, Ile de France, Thank God I...book series, the greatest sea rescue|2 Comments
Wow! I didn’t expect to get such a great review from an expert media person whose career involves media training. Thank you, Shawne Duperon!
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Author Pierette Simpson Lands a Coup on WGN Atlanta
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Author Pierette Simpson recently took my training and then here she is on WGN in Atlanta with a 5-minute story. Wow!
She did so much right! There was a constant flow between her and the reporter. She was easy to be with and she completely danced in the reporter questions.
Her sound bites and storytelling were compelling.
Great job!
The only thing to look out for? Don’t look in camera. At the beginning of the story she is looking directly in camera and she needs to be looking at the reporter.
Check her out here as she shares her Andrea Doria Survivor Account:
http://www.wgntv.com/news/middaynews/middayfix/wgntv-midday-fix-pierette-simpson-101209,0,1195878.story
Do you want to learn how to interview and have media clamoring to work with you? Check out my half day workshops that let you get your toes wet.
For seasoned pros it lets you hone in on your skills. If you don’t use it, you lose it.
Head here for the next ½ day in February 2010:
http://snipurl.com/t1l2u
Reprinted from “ShawneTV Guide,” a free ezine that generates amazing news stories and conversations. Subscribe and receive a free gift at www.shawnetv.com. © Copyright 2009 by Shawne Duperon, ShawneTV Inc.
Filed under: Andrea Doria, Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories | Alive on the Andrea Doria, andrea doria, Shawne Duperon, WGN Television Midday News|No Comments
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