For three years, Pennsylvania native and experienced scuba diver Chris Donnelly meticulously prepared for what many consider the ultimate underwater adventure: a dive to the SS Andrea Doria. Often dubbed the “Mount Everest of Shipwrecks,” this formidable wreck lies off the coast of Massachusetts at a daunting depth of 250 feet. Donnelly, a seasoned technical diving instructor and the operator of Philadelphia’s Blue Crew Divers center, had been exploring shipwrecks since his teenage years. Despite his extensive experience, the Andrea Doria presented a challenge unlike any other.
Donnelly describes the Andrea Doria as one of the most intimidating wrecks out there, known for its frigid temperatures and near-complete darkness. “There’s a lot of drama and ego surrounding it,” he admits, highlighting the mystique and allure that draw only the most daring divers to its depths.
However, even the best-laid plans can go awry. On his first dive to the wreck, rough seas kept Donnelly and his team above water for two days. When conditions finally allowed for a dive, Donnelly’s entry into the water didn’t go smoothly—his heavy gear caused one of his fins to snap. Despite this setback, he continued his descent, and at around 180 feet, he caught his first eerie glimpse of the wreck. “I’ll never forget her emerging out of the darkness,” he recalls. “It’s a moment that will be burned in my memory forever.”
The allure of deep-water wrecks like the Andrea Doria is undeniable, yet few divers will ever experience such depths. While recreational divers can explore wrecks at shallower depths, penetrating the deeper, more challenging sites like the Andrea Doria—located 200 to 300 feet below in near-freezing temperatures—requires specialized training and equipment. This includes hundreds of hours of technical diving practice, the use of advanced gear like drysuits and rebreathers, and knowledge of nitrox- and helium-blended gases, which are necessary for deeper and longer dives.
Part of the fascination with wreck diving is the ever-changing nature of these underwater relics. Each year, North Atlantic storms reveal new treasures from the Andrea Doria, ranging from fine china to unique artworks. But it’s not just the potential for discovery that attracts divers; it’s also the historical significance and the sheer physical challenge of exploring such a site. Diving the Andrea Doria is not for the faint of heart—or the light of wallet. The costs associated with the necessary certifications, training, equipment, and expedition crew can easily exceed $25,000.
Next summer, Donnelly plans to lead an exclusive, invite-only expedition to the Andrea Doria, bringing along a handpicked group of divers he has been training for over a year. While shipwreck diving has traditionally attracted a niche group of enthusiasts, there’s growing interest in the activity, fueled in part by wellness trends like cold-water immersion. According to Julie Andersen, PADI’s senior director of brand, new shipwrecks are discovered annually, further expanding the opportunities for exploration. Whether it’s the well-preserved wrecks of the Great Lakes or ancient artifacts found off the coast of Italy, the world beneath the waves continues to captivate divers of all backgrounds.
