October 2023

The U.S. Lightship Museum, owner of Nantucket Lightship/LV-112, and Mark Koch, owner of the restored SS Andrea Doria’s Lifeboat No.1, will be hosting “Celebrating the Lifesavers at Sea” on the 68th anniversary of the MS Stockholm’s tragic collision with the SS Andrea Doria and its sinking, July 25–26, 1956. Our event in the summer of 2024 will be on those exact dates — July 25–26 — in Boston Harbor at the Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina (BHS&M) in East Boston.

Considered one of the greatest rescues at sea, operations are underway to rescue passengers of the SS Andrea Doria (listing/sinking in photo, top left) after the MV Stockholm collided and split open the Andrea Doria’s hull. The collision occurred within the designated main shipping lanes between the United States and Europe, near the Nantucket Shoals Lightship Station. The two ships collided in heavy fog in what appeared to be the result of navigational miscalculations of both vessels. The Stockholm survived the horrific collision, but the Andrea Doria sank 11 hours after the Stockholm crashed into it, causing catastrophic damage. The buoy tender USCGC Hornbeam (WLB-394) is in the foreground assisting in rescue operations, taking in the last survivors of the Andrea Doria aboard the buoy tender. Many of the people spent the night in the lifeboats before rescue craft could locate them in the dense fog. Nantucket Lightship/LV-112 was on station during the Andria Doria’s sinking, monitoring the emergency radio communications. One of the Andrea Doria’s lifeboats is seen secured alongside the Hornbeam. More than 1,600 passengers and crew members were rescued, but 51 perished — 46 from Andrea Doria and five from the Stockholm.

Nantucket/LV-112 as it would have appeared in 1956, anchored on Nantucket Shoals Lightship Station during the Andrea Doria sinking. LV112 was still steam-powered until 1960, when the steam engine was removed and refitted with diesel power. During the Andrea Doria emergency, the lightship had to remain on station as an aid to navigation to shipping, in addition to monitoring routine and emergency radio communications. Over the Andrea Doria's 3.5-year career as a majestic ocean liner, steaming to and from the U.S. and Europe, Nantucket Lightship/LV-112 helped guide the ship away from the hazardous Nantucket Shoals.

At our 2024 event, the Andrea Doria Lifeboat No. 1 will be launched from the BHS&M waterfront, adjacent to Nantucket Lightship/LV-112. A total of 30 passengers will have the opportunity to experience what it was like at sea in one of the SS Andrea Doria’s actual lifeboat’s. All willing participants will be invited to help operate the lifeboat for a short excursion, propelling the boat with hand-operated levers that connect to the propeller. The only difference will be the absence of the horrific conditions that the original passengers must have felt in the 1956 tragedy. 

On left: SS Andrea Doria during its final hours before sinking to a depth of 250 feet. On right: MV Stockholm after colliding with the Andrea Doria.

Also, there will be live, lifesaving and rescue-related demonstrations, historic artifacts and maritime lifesaving equipment exhibits. More detailed event and display exhibit information is forthcoming in the next issue of the U.S. Lightship Museum's eNews.

The 26-foot restored SS Andrea Doria’s Lifeboat No.1. Notice the manual propulsion levers in place, which are used by designated passengers to operate the lifeboat’s propeller. 

Several of the Andrea Doria’s lifeboats were towed to the USCG Base at Woods Hole, Falmouth, MA. Some of them were removed from the water, as was the No. 3 Lifeboat. Nantucket LV-112 USCG crew member, James Sheahan (1933-2017), is seen sitting on the lifeboat. Jim served on LV-112 from 1954-56.

Damaged Andrea Doria Lifeboat No. 2 sank with the ship to its watery grave. Photo taken by a SCUBA diver shortly after its sinking. Credit: Life magazine, 1956

Map illustrating the location of Nantucket Lightship in relation to the MV Stockholm / SS Andrea Doria collision and the main U.S. shipping lanes to and from Europe and the ports of New York and New Jersey.

Mark Koch, an offshore manager for Oceaneering International, in the New Orleans area, acquired the Andrea Doria’s Lifeboat No.1 and had it restored to operational and seaworthy condition at Scarano Boatbuilding in Albany, NY. All of its mechanical components have been reconditioned, in addition to the human-manual powered propulsion system. The aluminum-constructed lifeboat is 26 feet in length and was originally certified to carry 56 passengers. Mark also owns the No. 13 Lifeboat, which is larger and unrestored. Of the original 16 lifeboats, it is reported that he owns the only two SS Andrea Doria lifeboats that still exist.

Nantucket/LV-112 was on station during the Andrea Doria’s sinking July 26, 1956, is one of two USCG vessels involved in the tragedy that are still afloat. Although LV-112 did not participate in the actual rescuing of passengers, due to its distance from the collision site and station restrictions, it served the important role of monitoring radio communications with the rescue vessels. The only other USCG vessel believed to be in existence is the buoy tender, USCGC Hornbeam (WLB-394), which was also used as a supply ship to Nantucket/LV-112. Note: Upon its decommissioning in 1999, the Hornbeam’s name was changed after being purchased privately.

In addition to aircraft and aside from the lifeboats, there were a total of 18 ships that assisted and involved with the rescue operations. Eight of the 18 were USCG vessels. To this day, the only surviving vessels involved during the historic incident are Nantucket Lightship/LV-112, the buoy tender USCGC Hornbeam, now renamed MV Rum Cay Grace and berthed in the Long Beach, CA, area (presently for sale), the SS Andrea Doria’s Lifeboats No. 1 and 13, and the MS Stockholm (refitted/modified as the MV Astoria, in service through 2020 (pending sale). All the other ships and lifeboats were scrapped, sunk as target ships or artificial reefs. During the incident, Nantucket/LV-112 was on Nantucket Shoals Lightship Station on July 26. It previously was in Boston for three weeks of servicing, so on July 25, Relief Lightship/LV-114 (formerly Diamond Shoal Lightship) was on station. After the passengers had safety disembarked from the lifeboats, the USCG sank many of the remaining Andrea Doria lifeboats at sea with 40mm gunfire to prevent them becoming navigational hazards.

To the right of the sinking Andrea Doria at the collision site, the SS Ile de France rescues passengers of the stricken Italian ocean liner, July 26, 1956. After playing a major role during the rescue operations — rescuing over 750 passengers — the French ocean liner was scrapped in 1959.

SS Andrea Doria / Stockholm incident—

A 1956 recollection from a former USCG seaman

Edward Juratic (USCG CWO4 Ret)

“I was on watch in the tower on the (USCG) Cuttyhunk Life Boat Station. I recall hearing a broadcast from November Mike Yankee on 2670 freq. and 2182 freq. (CG radio New York) that there was to be radio silence throughout the 1st and 3rd CG Districts except for extreme emergencies, and only those working the rescue were allowed to be sent.

The next day we met the buoy tender Hornbeam and relieved them of towing the lifeboats. It was eerie seeing the propulsion levers moving with no one in the boats. We were told that the Hornbeam sank the other lifeboats with their 40mm gun. I don't recall hearing anything about small arms being used. If it were a 50 cal., the holes would have been much larger.

We took the survival kit: in them were soda cans filled with water, Nestles Chocolate bars, Charms candy, Camel cigarettes in 4 packs, Chiclets gum, waterproof matches, cans of different foods and morphine syrettes. I recall corned beef. The Chief disposed of the morphine or turned them into the Woods Hole base corpsman, I don't know I was a seaman at the time and not privy to stuff like that”—Edward Juratic (USCG CWO4 Ret)—Ed Juratic served in the USCG for over 41 years (1955-97). His service included the USCG Cuttyhunk Island Lifeboat Station, Woods Hole Base, Buzzards, Cornfield, Cross Rip lightships and two cutters—Transferred to the Buzzards Light Vessel (LV), decommissioned her after 59 yrs. of service in 1959—Commissioned the Cornfield LV and renamed the Cross Rip—discharged from active duty June 1959—Joined the Reserves, for a total of 41 and a half years of service.

Summer wrap-up, charting a new course

Visitors from the nonprofit organization, GreenRoots, based in Chelsea, MA, toured the Nantucket. Many of the GreenRoots visitors were still learning the English language, so the tours were also translated into Spanish. For more information about GreenRoots community activities, click here.

Every summer season seems to zip by faster with every passing year. It was an active and busy season for the Nantucket Lightship/LV-112 museum, with visitor tours, educational programs and event collaborations with other community-based organizations such as The Harborkeepers (“Maritime Beach Festival”), Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina (“Kids in Boating Day”), Green Roots, The American City Coalition (TACC), Eastie Farm and “Museums for All,” to name a few. Celebrating our nation’s birthday, Independence Day weekend was a highlight, with the USLM hosting the Boston Harbor Fireworks viewing — a fun event for all who attended on board Nantucket/LV-112 to watch the spectacular fireworks display. 

Despite the cloudy and foggy weather prior to the Independence Day weekend Boston Harbor fireworks, youngsters all seemed to enjoy themselves touring the Nantucket. Fortunately, the weather cleared to view the spectacular fireworks display.

Boston Harbor fireworks as seen from Nantucket/LV-112, berthed on the Boston Harbor waterfront in East Boston, Independence Day weekend 2023. Credit: Video created by Michael Mannino

Learning can be fun! Adults and children wait in line to try out the popular interactive “Work Smarter Not Harder” block-and-tackle exhibit at the Nantucket Lightship/LV-112 booth, set up at this year's 4th Annual Maritime Beach Festival held at Constitution Beach Park in East Boston. USLM volunteer Mike Walling explains the advantages of the three block-and tackle configurations, each lifting the same weight. The LV-112 booth also included artifacts and a scale model of Nantucket Lightship/LV-112.

At The American City Coalition (TACC) event, in addition to many other educational exhibits, including the U.S. Coast Guard, youngsters get a self-demonstration and physics lesson with the U.S. Lightship Museum’s “Work Smarter Not Harder” block-and-tackle exhibit at the Nantucket Lightship/LV-112 exhibit booth. The TACC event was held at Boston’s Seaport District on Fan Pier. For more information about TACC, click here. 

At right, LV-112 volunteer Mike Walling teaches youngsters and adults to tie nautical knots and Marlinspike seamanship during “Kids in Boating Day,” sponsored by Ocean Havens and the Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina, on board Nantucket Lightship. The event was scheduled in conjunction with “Massachusetts Kids Boating & Fishing Week." Mike formerly served in the U.S. Coast Guard on the Buoy Tender USCGC Spar, which serviced Nantucket LightshipLV-112 while anchored on Nantucket Shoals Lightship Station, prior to decommissioning. In addition to Nantucket Lightship, other vessels participated, such as the Boston Fire Department's Fire Rescue boat, SeaTow and sailboats.

A young lady being held and assisted by her Dad takes a try at ringing LV-112’s massive fog bell.

U.S. Lightship Museum — designated an Industry Historical Partner of the International Association of Maritime & Port Executives

Capt. Jeffrey Monroe, IAMPE Director of Education and Standards (left), presents Bob Mannino, president of the U.S. Lightship Museum—Nantucket Lightship/LV-112, an IAMPE recognition award certificate at LV-112’s homeport berth on the East Boston waterfront in the port of Boston.

The International Assoc. of Maritime & Port Executives (IAMPE) had the opportunity to tour Nantucket Lightship LV-112 in East Boston and meet with the president of the U.S. Lightship Museum (USLM), Bob Mannino. As stated in their letter, “We were very impressed with the progress the group has made and the restoration efforts they have undertaken. We were very pleased to see the good condition of the vessel and learn of the programs that the USLM’s dedicated personnel are engaged in to have the vessel fully restored and serve as an educational venue for visitors, veterans, schoolchildren and the public.”

Nantucket New South Shoal No. 1 (LV-1), on station from 1856-92. Click here to read an 1891 magazine article about a journalist’s experience on board LV-1 at sea on Nantucket Shoals Lightship Station.

The Nantucket Shoals Lightship Station was a significant U.S. lightship station for helping to guide transatlantic commerce safely to their ports of call. Established in 1854, the station marked the outer limits of the dangerous Nantucket Shoals — the most remote and treacherous lightship station in the world — located 100 miles from the U.S. mainland and 53 miles southeast of Nantucket Island. Nantucket Lightship was the last lightship seen by vessels departing the United States, as well as the first beacon seen on approach from European shipping.

Back when Nantucket Shoals Lightship Station was established — primarily as the result of the U.S. growing into an industrial giant — transatlantic commerce increased dramatically between the U.S. and Europe during the mid-1800s. Too many lives, ships and revenue were becoming a major loss to the U.S., due to the many shipwrecks occurring on Nantucket Shoals. The hazardous area was a graveyard — claiming up to 700 shipwrecks. Constructing a permanent lighthouse structure to guide shipping away from the treacherous shoals was too distant, dangerous and expensive, so it was much more practical to establish a lightship station instead.

The MSC Judith, container ship at MassPort’s Conley Container Terminal in the Port of Boston. Credit: David L. Ryan/Boston Globe

The IAMPE further stated: “As a result of that meeting, the IAMPE has committed to trying to connect the leadership of the Association with industry leaders and those who can assist them in their growth and development, as well as the preservation of the historic vessel in their care. To that end, we fully endorse the museum’s goals and objectives and encourage you to make any resources possible to further their work. The U.S. Lightship Museum has certainly shown us through their restoration efforts, successes, and commitment that their efforts are well worth supporting.” — Capt. Jeffrey W. Monroe

The IAMPE is a nonprofit industry association that provides professional development for port/terminal maritime managers and executives, as well as certification for operational personnel worldwide. Programs are reviewed and approved for certification by the IAMPE’s Board of Advisors, composed of 20 industry professionals. The Association offers professional and accredited programs in Coastal and Inland Port Management and Executive Management, as well as certification programs for Marine Terminal Operator and IMDG/Hazardous Awareness. The Association has over 2,600 alumni worldwide and is the only industry association offering professional certification to port managers worldwide. For more information about IAMPE, click here.

Map of U.S. lightship stations (red dots) in 1909—the most active number of stations (56) at the same time during the U.S. Lightship service station history (1820–1983). Nantucket Shoals Lightship Station was the last to be discontinued. Lightships were stationed along the continental U.S. coastlines in the Atlantic, Pacific, Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico. Most lightships were stationed 3–10 miles off the coasts. Nantucket Station was located 100 miles from the U.S. mainland — the most remote and treacherous lightship station in the world (farthest right. Click here to see a larger map.

'Every artist was first an amateur'

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Several inspired art students were on board Nantucket/LV-112 for a painting class during a late afternoon on a glorious summer day. The class was conducted by Sue Butler (right).

Artists painted seascapes and cityscapes on a calm and peaceful summer evening from the weather deck of the Nantucket. Actually, since 1856 the Nantucket Lightships have been a home at sea and inspiration to many talented lightship sailors/artists who painted, illustrated, carved, weaved, built scale models and created many other hand-crafted items. The famous Nantucket Lightship baskets were first crafted on Nantucket LV-1 from the mid-1800s. 

A salute to Richard C. Mack (1933–2023)

Third from the left, Dick Mack (1933–2023) on board Nantucket LV-112 during a 2017 event with other former USCG LV-112 crew members/veterans (left to right): Ken Kubic, Al DiFlumari (1931–2022), Dick, and Bob Burbank.

Dick Mack in LV-112’s radio room. As an electronics technician during his service in the USCG, he spent a lot of time servicing radio room equipment on board LV-112 and other lightships — Buzzards, Stone Horse, Cross Rip, Brenton)

Dick graduated from Nantucket High School in 1950 and joined the US Coast Guard in 1952. After boot camp in Cape May, NJ, he was stationed briefly at Station Brant Point before attending Electronics Technician school in Groton, CT. He then served outside the continental United States from 1954–55 while attached to Coast Guard Loran Station Miyako Jima, Japan. From 1955–56, he finished his service at Station Woods Hole, where he was often called upon to fix all manner of electronic problems on Coast Guard vessels and bases all along the Massachusetts south coast. He was honorably discharged on November 3, 1960, with the National Defense Service Medal and Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal at the rank of ET2 (Electronics Technician 2), after having served four years active duty and four years as a reserve.

Dick was also a volunteer and interpreter at the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum. In addition, he was a longtime supporter and contributor to the U.S. Lightship Museum and Nantucket Lightship /LV-112’s restoration and preservation. Dick was a friend, a pleasure to be with, and superb at giving tours involving maritime history. We will miss him dearly and thank him for his service to our country and our organization. For more background information about Dick, click here.

Nantucket Lightship/LV-112 visitors

This summer, the East Boston Community Development Corp. (EBCDC) group visited LV-112 for a tour. The EBCDC helps low-income residents cushion the blow of high housing prices through loans, technical expertise, tenant associations and other assistance programs. The EBCDC’s impact ranges from small to large rehabilitated properties, new neighborhoods, and tenant-managed and tenant-owned developments. For more information, click here.

A young visitor takes a turn at the ship’s helm in LV-112’s pilot house.

LV-112 restoration, preservation and maintenance

Volunteer Julia Lewis prepares one of LV-112’s crew’s quarters steel bed frame for a coat of new paint. As a result of many years of water leakage from the port holes, all 12 bed frames (two to a cabin) were dismantled and removed from the crew’s sleeping quarters. Corroded deck steel plating had to be removed and new plating had to be cropped in and welded inside the crew’s sleeping quarters. Sections of new insulation also had to be replaced. All six sleeping quarters were completely prepped and recoated with protective industrial marine coatings. New historically accurate floor tiles wil be installed to replace the existing worn-out and deteriorated tiles. The entire crew’s quarters area is presently undergoing restoration.

Volunteer Rob Nicologianis is busy pressure-washing the "party remains" deposited by a flock of visiting seagulls. LV-112 is a favorite social gathering spot for our winged friends.

The U.S. Lightship Museum is now a member of 'Museums for All'

The U.S. Lightship Museum (USLM) has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), to encourage people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. The program supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits, who can visit Nantucket/LV-112 for free, up to four people, with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Similar free and reduced admission is available to eligible members of the public at more than 850 museums across the country. Museums for All is part of the USLM’s broad commitment to seek, include and welcome all audiences. For more information about Museums for All, click here.

"Massachusetts Lighthouses and Lightships" by Arthur P. Richmond is an indispensable addition to the lighthouse enthusiast's library, required reading for those interested in New England maritime history, and a delight for anyone who enjoys coastal Massachusetts. More than 800 images, many never before published, include historic plans that describe the details of these aids to navigation, and archival and contemporary photos that trace through their history. The book covers all the lighthouses and lightships that marked the shores (exclusive of Cape Cod and the Islands) and guided mariners through the challenging waters surrounding Massachusetts. This volume also explores the interiors of towers, shows the lantern rooms of rarely-visited lighthouses, and gives fascinating facts about these beacons through their 200-year history. U.S. Lightship Museum (USLM): Excellent book-one of the better books published, about lighthouses and lightships. Credit: Review-Amazon Books/USLM

At left, students visit LV-112's pilot house and pretend they are steering the lightship. At right, a crew member rings the bell on the foredeck of Nantucket New South Shoal No. 1 during low-visibility storm conditions. The illustration is from "Life on the South Shoal Lightship" by Gustov Kobbe, Century Magazine, August 1891.