Expedition Titanic

It’s difficult to fathom (no pun intended) that we have the technology to raise the Titanic virtually by revealing images from a wreck more than 12,000 feet beneath the sea. The images of the Titanic are as clear as can be thanks to 3-D scan images, but also because the water is clear and the wreck has so little residue on it. Miraculously, the wreck is in great shape considering its 98 years. Nevertheless, it won’t be long before there is total collapse. It is expected to implode  floor by floor.

The dream team of Expedition Titanic is making a great effort to preserve a legacy– one that most of us will be able to enjoy virtually. The three-week long mission will reveal the debris field scanned by side scan sonar. It gives us a map (like the map of a city) of the gigantic ill-fated liner which sank off the coast of Newfoundland.

We will also come to understand the human tragedy of that tragic night in 1912. One example cited by the dream team is that first Officer William Murdoch did not commit suicide; rather, he was washed overboard attempting to launch a lifeboat.

The expedition is filled with challenges: a grueling 36 hour trip from the coast, hurricane weather, technological challenges, etc. But the team led by David Davino seems to be thrilled at every moment. In fact, two scientists who met on an expedition five years ago held a wedding ceremony on board the research vessel.

If only Leonardo and Kate would have had the same good fortune!

For  videos, mission, photos (even of a wedding on board), check out Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rmstitanicinc?v=wall

Filed under: Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories | Expedition Titanic, marine archeology, Newfoundland, North Atlantic shipwrecks, shipwrecks, Titanic|No Comments

A Night of Horror on the Andrea Doria

It was July 25, 1956. Elizabeth Hanson, six months pregnant, was returning to the U.S. with her  three young children after her husband’s Fulbright professorship in Italy. He had flown ahead to retrieve the family car while they came across the Atlantic on a fine liner, the Andrea Doria.  Here is an excerpt from the story as Elizabeth wrote it.

Andy (12), Ardith (7) and I woke up when the Stockholm plowed into the side of their ship, just a few cabins forward from our cabin as we later learned. The sensation was what one might feel sitting in a row boat as it bumped several times against a dock. Andy instinctively slammed shut the porthole cover beside him, as he saw lights flash by. We were instantly aware that our cabin floor was tilting. My mind was sort of blank. I just knew that something very serious was wrong. I went to the row of four metal lockers, in the bottom of which the life jackets were stowed, and I yank them out, one after the other, throwing them on the floor and noting with alarm that they slid across the tilted floor toward the outer wall, as I did so.

Our steward was in the hall, calling “Signore, signori, andate fuori! Signore, signori, andate su!” Essentially, “Ladies and gentlemen, come out of your cabins and go up on deck.”  There seemed to be a smoky haze in the hall. (I believe now that it was exhaust from an engine that must have ruptured by the Stockholm). All I wanted to do was to get my kids and myself above deck. It didn’t occur to me to get dressed, although and he had the presence of mind to slip on his shorts. I put Ardith’s  life jacket on her over her slip, but I forgot to tie it. I sent her and Andy out in the hall to go above deck. Then, I had to awaken Donnie (10). A sound sleeper, he had slept through it all! I had to urge and urge him to come right away. I got his life jacket on him, but he was conservative and wanted to get dressed.

In retrospect, there would have been plenty of time for him to address. But all I knew then, the ship could sync with us trapped below deck. I urged him, “You have to come now. Your life may depend on it.”

Filed under: Andrea Doria, Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories | ocean survival, shipwrecks, Stockholm, survival, surviving families|No Comments

Coming soon: A 3-D Titanic map!

Scientists will launch an expedition to Titanic next month to assess the “deteriorating” condition of the world’s most famous shipwreck and create a three-dimensional map for the public. The 20-day expedition to the site, which is two-and-a-half miles beneath the North Atlantic, is billed as the most advanced scientific mission to the wreck since its discovery 25 years ago, the ‘Sunday Express’ reported. The team will leave St. John’s, Newfoundland, on August 18 under a partnership between RMS Titanic which has exclusive salvage rights to the wreck and is funding the project and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts. Expedition leader David Gallow said they will explore a three-mile area, still scattered with debris from when the ship sank on April 15 1912, killing 1,522. “For the first time, we’re going to treat it as an archaeological site,” he said.

Dr. Gallow emphasizes that this project  is not an exploration but a marine forensic examination to create the first deepwater archaeological site map. It will be done virtually and digitally using robots and sonars to create a model of the titanic ship–the one lost on its maiden voyage and only seen by its unfortunate travelers, designers, and builders. Finally, it will be available to a voracious public who can’t seem to satiate its appetite for the Titanic.

As for the man, who brought Titanic’s fame to the surface, will James Cameron be part of the investigation? My friend Bill Garzke,  Cameron’s consultant for the  movie Titanic and chairman of marine forensics for SNAME, explained:

        “The marine forensics investigation is not being conducted by Jim Cameron but one of our Committee members, P. H. Nargeolet who is leaving today from St. Johns, Newfoundland to map the Titanic wreck site. I have asked him to locate any parts of the main reciprocating engines.”

You’ll receive updates in future blogs.

Filed under: Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories | Dr. David Gallow, Marine forensics, North Atlantic shipwrecks, RMS Titanic, shipwrecks, Titanic, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution|No Comments

Darwinist Survival: Up Close and Personal

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

Lost Liners-Comparison Chart

Filed under: Andrea Doria, Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories | Britannic, Empress, lost liners, Lusitania, shipwrecks, Titanic|No Comments

Publication of “The Loss of Andrea Doria”

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.

——————————————————————————–

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.

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

Lucky Draw Shipwreck Survivor Quiz Winner!

Anyone who takes the Lucky Draw Survivor Quiz is entered in a drawing for a  complimentary copy of Alive on the Andrea Doria!

This month’s winner is Arturo Lara of Manteo, North Carolina.

Congratulations!

Please try your Shipwreck Survivor knowledge and possibly receive a free book.

http://www.pierettesimpson.com/htm/shipwreck-survivor-quiz.htm

Filed under: Andrea Doria, Survivor Stories | shipwreck survivors, shipwrecks|No Comments

The Philadelphia Story

“Time Takes Its Toll”

Tony Gramer, a distinguished looking gentleman, appeared on the stage at the  Washtenaw Community College Campus. It was February 27, 2010; the occasion, The Great Lake Ship Festival sponsored by the Ford Seahorses  dive club.

Mr. Gramer began with a philosophical statement; “divers praying a piece of history to us, along with adventure and science. We must keep the sport alive.” Then he announced his presentation, The Philadelphia Story, Time Takes Its Toll. Tony, as he likes to be called, showed compelling video footage that he took with diving buddies as they explored a mass in Lake Huron—the cargo ship Philadelphia. It was evident at this point, how time does take its toll, even on well preserved shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. Nearly the entire hall had been taken over by zebra mussels.

Of course, the collision between the cargo ship Philadelphia and the steamship Albany, happened in November of 1893. Fortunately, courageous shipwreck divers are willing to use cameras and other technology to bring us a historical perspective of a treasured entombed by crustaceans.

Tony explained the tragedy. “There was dense fog.  It appears that both ships were going at a fast clip. The Philadelphia sounded its foghorn at the Albany did not return the signal. The collision sank both ships. Both  Captain survived and were found at fault. 24 men from Buffalo, New York, died, and 23 made it to shore.” Tony’s theory, which he seems to have investigated thoroughly, is that the casualties were struck by another ship in lifeboat number two. After all, the area of Harbor Beach Michigan, is and was frequented by many ships.

Both the Philadelphia and the Albany sank in 124 feet of water on a foggy morning in November.

Tony did an excellent job in demonstrating how diving is essential in determining the collision, damage, sinking, and the human elements of a shipwreck.

Filed under: Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories | cargo ships, Harbor Beach, shipwreck diving in the Great Lakes, shipwrecks, the Albany, The Philadelphia|No Comments

Meeting James Cameron–part three

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)

Filed under: Andrea Doria, Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories | andrea doria, ASNE, Avatar, Bismarck, James Cameron, shipwreck survivor, shipwrecks, Titanic|5 Comments

Meeting James Cameron– part two

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)

Filed under: Andrea Doria, Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories | andrea doria, Avatar, Bismarck, James Cameron, shipwreck survivors, shipwrecks, Titanic, William Garzke|No Comments