The Ever-Changing Wreck of the Andrea Doria

Ken Marschall's painting of the Italian liner Andrea Doria laying on the seabed is perhaps one of the most iconic images in maritime history. While wrecked, one can still see glimpes of the beauty and elegance that made her one of the most lovely ships afloat.


That was quite a while ago, however, and is a far cry from the condition of the Doria today. Time and the elements have certainly had their way with the old ship.


An article from the Association of Underwater Explorers explains:

The wreck of the Andrea Doria has evolved throughout the years. Where she once appeared very much as an elegant liner peacefully resting on the seafloor, now she has aged and deteriorated, her hull has fractured and collapsed. Her upper decks have slowly slid off the hull of the Doria down to the seabed below. As a result of this transformation, a large debris field flows out from the hull of the liner. Access points frequented by divers, such as Gimbel's Hole, no longer exist. However, new areas are constantly opening up. The wreck is ever-changing, and presents new options for future explorations.

References: "Andrea Doria: A Wreck Undergoing Both Decay and Rebirth," Association of Underwater Explorers, http://uwex.us/ADwreck.htm (accessed January 28, 2011).