The Andrea Doria was far more than an ocean liner. She was a masterpiece of Italian shipbuilding and a symbol of Italy's post-war rebirth, reflecting our country's elegance, innovation, and excellence. While her loss marked a tragic chapter in maritime history, the extraordinary rescue that followed remains a lasting example of courage and solidarity.
On this 70th anniversary, the Consulate General of Italy in Boston is honored to support this commemoration, paying tribute to those who lost their lives and to the survivors, while remembering Captain Piero Calamai's heroic leadership and selfless devotion to his passengers. Arnaldo Minuti, Consul General of Italy in Boston
Seventy years after one of the greatest sea rescues in maritime history, survivors of the Italian luxury liner Andrea Doria, together with their families, maritime professionals, dignitaries, and guests, will gather in Boston to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the sea tragedy and celebrate the courage, sacrifice, and an extraordinary rescue that saved more than 1,600 lives.
The event is organized by Andrea Doria survivor Pierette Domenica Simpson with the support of the Consulate General of Italy in Boston. The event will feature historical presentations, an exhibition of rare Andrea Doria artifacts, media interviews, and a memorial tribute honoring those who lost their lives.
A solemn remembrance ceremony will be officiated by a priest. A bell will be rung for each of the 46 victims aboard the Andrea Doria and the five crew members aboard the Stockholm during the ramming of the MS Stockholm into the Italian liner.
One of the highlights of the anniversary will be the presentation of Simpson’s award-winning docufilm, Andrea Doria: Are the Passengers Saved? directed by Luca Guardabascio of Rome. The film is based on Simpson’s book, Alive on the Andrea Doria: The Greatest Sea Rescue in History, the only book written by an Andrea Doria survivor and the only account to present scientific forensic evidence revising the controversy of what occurred on the night of July 25, 1956, off the coast of Nantucket. The film was aired on PBS in 2019, and now has been contracted for national airing on Public Television for three years beginning November 27, 2026.
Moreover, an Italian production company has begun a process which could lead to a feature film.
The reunion will also feature an exhibition of authentic Andrea Doria artifacts owned by renowned diver and collector John Moyer, who personally recovered the artifacts from the Mt. Everest of deep-sea diving. The collection provides visitors with a rare opportunity to experience the luxury and loss, while discussing with Moyer the personal objects recovered from one of history’s most famous ocean liners. Artifacts include a life preserver, passenger manifest, cutlery, fine china, newspaper accounts, and works of art from the ship.
Also on the program are Estella and Evie Koch, daughters of Mark Koch, who owns lifeboat #1 and #13 of the Andrea Doria. His teen-age daughters will show a video presentation based on the importance of preserving rare antiquities.
“The Andrea Doria is more than a shipwreck,” said Simpson. “It is a story of courage, inner strength, survival, and the remarkable people who risked everything to save strangers. Seventy years later, we gather not only to remember those we lost, but to celebrate the humanity that emerged from tragedy.”
Pierette Domenica Simpson was named Cavaliere (Knight) of the Order of the Star of Italy by the President of the Italian Republic in recognition of her contributions to preserving Italian maritime history and heritage.
Members of the media are invited to interviews survivors, view the artifact exhibition, and cover this unique international commemoration.
Event Information
What: 70th Anniversary Andrea Doria Survivors Reunion and Memorial
When: Friday, July 24
Media Event from 2:00pm-3:00pm (arrival at 1:30pm for security screening and camera setup)
Where: Federal Reserve Plaza, 600 Atlantic Ave., AV Lounge, Boston, Massachusetts
Presented by: Pierette Domenica Simpson with the support of the Consulate General of Italy in
Boston
Media RSVP and Interviews
For Security Clearance: contact [email protected] 2 days in advance
For questions and interviews, Pierette Simpson [email protected] 248.444.3419
For event questions: [email protected]
