The story of the miracle girl of the SS Andrea and MS Stockholm collision. Sound fake but 100% true

In 1956, the SS Andrea Doria was a marvel of Italian engineering and design. Considered the country’s largest, fastest, and safest ocean liner, it symbolized elegance and modernity. However, despite its prestige, the ship’s name would become synonymous with one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

On July 25, 1956, the Andrea Doria was nearing the East Coast of the United States, carrying over 1,700 passengers and crew. As the ship traveled through the North Atlantic, it encountered thick fog, reducing visibility significantly. Following maritime protocol, Captain Piero Calamai ordered the vessel to reduce its speed and activated its fog whistle to alert nearby ships of its presence.

Unbeknownst to the Andrea Doria’s crew, another ocean liner, the Swedish SS Stockholm, was also entering the fog. The Stockholm, smaller and more compact than the Italian ship, was en route to Gothenburg, Sweden. Both ships were equipped with radar, a relatively new technology at the time, but the crews misinterpreted their readings. This crucial error, compounded by the lack of direct communication between the two vessels, set the stage for disaster.

By the time the two ships made visual contact, it was too late to avoid a collision. At 11:10 PM, the Stockholm’s reinforced bow, designed to navigate icy waters, slammed into the starboard side of the Andrea Doria. The impact was catastrophic. The bow of the Stockholm penetrated over 40 feet into the Andrea Doria’s hull, destroying multiple cabins and causing significant flooding. Forty-six people aboard the Andrea Doria lost their lives, along with five crew members on the Stockholm.

The news of the collision spread rapidly, and major outlets across the globe rushed to cover the unfolding tragedy. In the United States, ABC News assigned correspondent Edward Morgan to report on the event. Morgan was a seasoned journalist known for his professionalism, but he faced a harrowing challenge that night. His 14-year-old daughter, Linda Morgan, was a passenger on the Andrea Doria. Just before going on air, Edward learned that Linda was among the missing and presumed dead.

Despite the devastating news, Edward carried out his duties with extraordinary composure. He delivered a detailed and factual report on the collision, never betraying the emotional weight he was carrying. However, as the hours passed, a miraculous story emerged from the wreckage—one that would forever alter Edward’s life.

During the collision, Linda Morgan had been asleep in one of the Andrea Doria’s cabins, located directly in the path of the Stockholm’s bow. When the Swedish liner tore through the Italian ship, it inadvertently scooped up Linda’s bed and carried it into the Stockholm. As the Stockholm’s bow retracted, Linda and her bed were pulled onto the Swedish ship. Miraculously, she survived the ordeal with only minor injuries, including a broken arm.

Linda’s cries for help were heard by a crew member on the Stockholm, who rushed to the damaged bow and discovered her. Disoriented but alive, she was quickly taken to safety. The press dubbed her the “Miracle Girl,” and her survival became a beacon of hope amidst the tragedy.

When Edward Morgan learned that his daughter had survived, he was overcome with emotion. Returning to the airwaves, he shared her incredible story and spoke candidly about the anguish of reporting a tragedy that hit so close to home. He praised the courage of the rescuers and expressed gratitude for his daughter’s survival, even as he mourned the lives lost.

For Linda, the ordeal was far from over. Although she made a full physical recovery, she struggled deeply with survivor’s guilt. Her stepfather, journalist Camilo Egas, and her half-sister, 8-year-old Joan Ciecierski, were among those who perished in the collision. The emotional toll of losing her family members haunted her for years, as did the memory of the crash.

The sinking of the Andrea Doria remains one of the most infamous maritime disasters of the 20th century. While the ship’s design was praised for delaying its sinking long enough for most passengers to be rescued, the collision raised questions about maritime safety practices, including the interpretation of radar and communication protocols.

Today, the Andrea Doria is remembered as both a tragedy and a testament to human resilience. The story of Linda Morgan, the “Miracle Girl,” stands out as a poignant reminder of survival against all odds. Her father’s unwavering professionalism during a moment of unimaginable personal anguish is equally remarkable, reflecting the strength and grace that can emerge in the face of adversity.