Top 10 Cruise Ships that Sank

The Titanic might seem the worst passenger ship accident. However, many historic cruise ships met the same fate, though they were not as famous as the RMS Titanic. The earliest cruise ships were constructed in the 1850s but gained prominence after the World Wars ended when vacationing on the seas seemed attractive.

Cruise ships were also constructed before that and targeted the affluent section of society. Also, cruise voyages in the 19th and 20th centuries were fraught with many dangers compared to present-day journeys, which have become relatively safer, thanks to advancements in maritime technologies. It’s important to remember that any loss of life at sea is a tragedy, and it’s not appropriate to rank such incidents.

While there have been several high-profile cases of cruise ships and passenger vessels sinking in the past, it’s important to focus on learning from these incidents to improve safety measures and prevent future accidents.

However, one commonality remains. Cruise voyages are as thrilling and exciting as they were in their bygone days. This article will enlighten you about the 12 major cruise ships that sank. 

1. RMS Titanic

The most infamous cruise ship accident has to be the RMS Titanic. The Olympic-Class Ocean liner was owned by White Star Line and built in Northern Ireland. It was the largest passenger ship of its time, designed by Thomas Andrews, capable of carrying over 3000 people.

It was called unsinkable due to its 16 watertight compartments that could be closed in case of a collision. Sadly, the ship sank from Southampton to New York on its first voyage. It hit a massive iceberg in April 1912, near Newfoundland, Canada, and drowned three hours later, consuming 1500 of the 2208 people onboard. The chilly waters of the North Atlantic killed everyone from hypothermia before help could arrive.

The RMS Titanic was a British passenger liner that famously sank on April 15, 1912, after colliding with an iceberg during its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City. The disaster resulted in the loss of over 1,500 lives and is considered one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history.

Here are some facts about the RMS Titanic:

1. The Titanic was built by the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Ireland, and was the largest ship of its time, measuring over 882 feet long and weighing over 46,000 tons.
2. The ship had numerous amenities, including a swimming pool, Turkish bath, and squash court, and was considered a symbol of luxury and modernity.
3. The Titanic set sail on its maiden voyage on April 10, 1912, with over 2,200 passengers and crew on board.
4. On the night of April 14, the ship struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean, causing significant damage to its hull.
5. Despite attempts to save the ship, it sank in the early hours of April 15, with many passengers and crew still on board.
6. The disaster resulted in the loss of over 1,500 lives, with only around 700 people surviving the sinking.
7. The sinking of the Titanic led to significant changes in maritime safety regulations, including the requirement for ships to carry enough lifeboats for all passengers and crew on board.
8. The Titanic has remained a subject of fascination and study in the decades since its sinking, with numerous books, movies, and documentaries exploring the tragedy and its impact on history and society.
9. The wreck of the Titanic was discovered in 1985 and is now protected under international law as a historical site.
10. The sinking of the Titanic continues to be remembered as a tragedy and a reminder of the risks and dangers associated with maritime travel.

Movie List: 10 Best Ship Movies Like Titanic you must See

2. Costa Concordia

Costa Concordia sank due to a small mistake of the captain and one of the officers. It was a magnanimous passenger ship containing 17 decks, a three-storeyed theatre, swimming pools, gymnasiums, restaurants, and much more. The ship could accommodate over 4000 people.

According to investigation reports, the vessel hit an underwater rock when it sailed pretty close to the shore of Isola del Giglio island on 13 January 2012. Captain Francesco Schettino closed the computer navigation alarm since he thought he could navigate the waters himself. Unfortunately, he left his glasses in his cabin, and the damage had been done by the time he got them.

The vessel capsized and sank near Tuscany. Despite the six-hour rescue operation, 34 people died. What’s shocking is that the captain abandoned the ship while 300 passengers were onboard, despite the Coast Guard Officer’s attempt to dissuade him. He was convicted of manslaughter and got a 16-year prison sentence in 2017.

The Costa Concordia was a cruise ship that famously ran aground off the coast of Italy in January 2012, resulting in the loss of 32 lives. Here are some facts about the incident:

1. The Costa Concordia was a large cruise ship operated by Costa Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation.
2. On the evening of January 13, 2012, the ship was sailing off the coast of Italy when it struck a rock formation, causing a 160-foot-long gash in its hull.
3. The captain of the ship, Francesco Schettino, was accused of steering the ship too close to the shore in order to perform a “salute” maneuver, which would allow passengers to view the coastline.
4. After the collision, the ship quickly began taking on water, causing it to list heavily to one side and making evacuation difficult.
5. The evacuation of the ship was chaotic and disorganized, with many passengers and crew members reporting that they did not receive clear instructions or assistance in escaping the sinking ship.
6. In the aftermath of the incident, the captain was found guilty of multiple charges, including manslaughter, and was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
7. The incident led to increased scrutiny of the cruise industry and prompted calls for improved safety regulations and training for crew members.
8. The wreckage of the Costa Concordia was eventually refloated and towed away for dismantling, with the process taking several years and costing over a billion dollars.
9. The incident remains one of the deadliest maritime disasters in recent history and serves as a reminder of the risks and dangers associated with sea travel.
10. The incident also led to changes in safety regulations for cruise ships, including new requirements for passenger drills and the installation of additional lifeboats and emergency equipment.

3. MS Estonia

Cruise ferry MS Estonia was struck amidst bad weather in the Baltic Sea, which led to its demise. The ship was built in 1980 by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. It was known by many names like Viking Sally and Wasa King before 1993. It sank while sailing from Tallinn to Stockholm in September 1994.

MS Estonia was a passenger and car ferry that sank in the Baltic Sea on September 28, 1994, resulting in the loss of 852 lives. Here are some facts about the incident:

1. The MS Estonia was built in 1979 and was owned and operated by the Estonian shipping company, Eesti Merelaevad.
2. On the night of September 27-28, 1994, the ship was sailing from Tallinn, Estonia, to Stockholm, Sweden, with over 1,000 passengers and crew members on board.
3. In the early hours of September 28, the ship encountered heavy seas and strong winds, causing it to list heavily to one side and take on water.
4. Despite attempts to stabilize the ship, it eventually capsized and sank, with only 137 people surviving the disaster.
5. The sinking of the MS Estonia remains one of the deadliest maritime disasters in European history, with the vast majority of those on board perishing in the incident.
6. The cause of the sinking is believed to be a combination of factors, including inadequate safety measures and design flaws in the ship’s construction.
7. The incident prompted significant changes in maritime safety regulations, including new requirements for passenger and car ferries to have improved stability, evacuation procedures, and safety equipment.
8. The wreck of the MS Estonia was declared a protected site under international law, and several investigations and studies have been conducted in the years since the sinking to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
9. The sinking of the MS Estonia remains a tragic and significant event in modern maritime history, and serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew members on board ships and vessels.
10. The incident also led to improvements in search and rescue protocols and equipment, as well as increased focus on improving the safety and security of passengers and crew members during sea travel.

4. RMS Lusitania

The German attack on Cruise Ship RMS Lusitania in 1915 was one of the main reasons behind the entry of the US into the First World War. It was hit as a naval vessel since it also contained military weapons for Britain.

RMS Lusitania was a British ocean liner that was torpedoed by a German submarine during World War I, resulting in the loss of 1,198 lives. Here are some facts about the incident:

1. The RMS Lusitania was built in 1906 and was one of the largest and most luxurious ocean liners of its time.
2. On May 7, 1915, while en route from New York City to Liverpool, the ship was torpedoed by a German submarine off the coast of Ireland.
3. The sinking of the Lusitania was a significant event in the lead-up to the United States’ entry into World War I, as many Americans were outraged by the loss of civilian life and the perceived disregard for international law.
4. The incident also had significant repercussions for the German government, as it was widely criticized by the international community for its use of unrestricted submarine warfare.
5. The sinking of the Lusitania remains one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history, and its legacy continues to be felt today in discussions of international law and the conduct of war.
6. In the aftermath of the sinking, there were multiple investigations and inquiries into the causes of the disaster, including questions about whether the ship was carrying munitions or other war-related cargo.
7. The sinking of the Lusitania also led to significant changes in maritime safety regulations, including new requirements for ships to carry lifeboats and for passenger ships to have improved safety equipment and procedures.
8. The wreck of the Lusitania remains a popular destination for divers and maritime enthusiasts, and efforts have been made to preserve and protect the site as a historical landmark.
9. The sinking of the Lusitania serves as a reminder of the human toll of war and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of civilians during times of conflict.
10. The incident also highlights the ongoing debate over the ethics of targeting civilian ships and the need for international agreements and conventions to regulate the conduct of warfare at sea.

5. SS Andrea Doria

The SS Andrea Doria went down not because of rough seas or striking an iceberg or underwater formations. Instead, it collided with another passenger vessel called Stockholm due to misreading the radar. Hence, it is remembered as the world’s major radar-caused collision. The incident could not be averted as thick fog barred visibility.

SS Andrea Doria was an Italian ocean liner that collided with the MS Stockholm in dense fog off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, on July 25, 1956, resulting in the loss of 46 lives. Here are some facts about the incident:

1. The SS Andrea Doria was launched in 1951 and was considered one of the most luxurious and technologically advanced ocean liners of its time.
2. On the night of July 25, 1956, the ship was sailing from Italy to New York City with over 1,700 passengers and crew members on board.
3. In the early hours of the morning, the ship encountered dense fog off the coast of Nantucket, and a miscommunication between the ship’s crew and the crew of the MS Stockholm led to a collision between the two vessels.
4. The impact caused significant damage to the Andrea Doria, causing it to list heavily to one side and take on water.
5. Despite efforts to stabilize the ship and evacuate passengers, 46 people lost their lives in the disaster.
6. The sinking of the Andrea Doria remains one of the most significant maritime disasters of the 20th century, and its legacy continues to be felt today in discussions of maritime safety and the importance of effective communication between ships and vessels.
7. The incident prompted significant changes in maritime safety regulations, including new requirements for ships to carry radar and other safety equipment and for crews to undergo extensive training in emergency procedures.
8. The wreck of the Andrea Doria remains a popular destination for divers and maritime enthusiasts, and efforts have been made to preserve and protect the site as a historical landmark.
9. The sinking of the Andrea Doria serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks and challenges of maritime travel, and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all passengers and crew members on board ships and vessels.
10. The incident also highlights the need for effective communication, collaboration, and cooperation among crew members and between ships and vessels, as well as the ongoing importance of international agreements and conventions to promote maritime safety and security.

6. SS Eastland

This passenger ship used for touring killed 844 people while it was docked in a port on the Chicago River on 24 July 1915. The vessel rolled over to its starboard side and submerged in water, trapping most passengers inside. It is one of the greatest ship accidents recorded in the history of the Great Lakes.

The accident occurred while the 2500 people were embarking on the vessel, preparing to cruise through Michigan. The possible causes of this disaster were structural flaws in its design, overloading, and inadequacy of the ballast tanks.

SS Eastland was a passenger ship that capsized in the Chicago River on July 24, 1915, resulting in the loss of 844 lives. Here are some facts about the incident:

1. The SS Eastland was built in 1903 and was primarily used to transport employees of the Western Electric Company on company outings and excursions.
2. On July 24, 1915, the ship was scheduled to take employees and their families on a day trip to Michigan City, Indiana.
3. As passengers began boarding the ship, it quickly became clear that the vessel was unstable and prone to listing.
4. Despite efforts to stabilize the ship, it eventually capsized in the Chicago River, trapping hundreds of passengers below decks.
5. The incident remains one of the deadliest maritime disasters in American history, and its legacy continues to be felt today in discussions of maritime safety and the importance of effective emergency procedures.
6. The sinking of the SS Eastland prompted significant changes in maritime safety regulations, including new requirements for ships to carry life jackets and for crew members to undergo extensive training in emergency procedures.
7. The incident also led to increased scrutiny of the Western Electric Company and its management practices, with many critics arguing that the company prioritized cost-cutting over the safety and well-being of its employees.
8. The wreck of the SS Eastland was eventually salvaged and the ship was scrapped in 1947.
9. The sinking of the SS Eastland serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks and challenges of maritime travel, and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all passengers and crew members on board ships and vessels.
10. The incident also highlights the need for effective communication, collaboration, and cooperation among crew members and between ships and vessels, as well as the ongoing importance of international agreements and conventions to promote maritime safety and security.

7. RMS Empress of Ireland

Ocean Liner Empress of Ireland was carrying 1477 passengers when it struck another Norwegian vessel, the 6000-tonne Storstad, due to poor visibility in the Saint Lawrence River. More than 1000 people died in May 1914, the second biggest cruise disaster of the period, following the Titanic incident.

RMS Empress of Ireland was a Canadian ocean liner that sank in the St. Lawrence River on May 29, 1914, resulting in the loss of 1,012 lives. Here are some facts about the incident:

1. The RMS Empress of Ireland was launched in 1906 and was primarily used to transport passengers and cargo between Canada and Europe.
2. On May 28, 1914, the ship departed Quebec City on a routine voyage to Liverpool, England, with over 1,400 passengers and crew members on board.
3. In the early hours of May 29, the ship collided with a Norwegian coal freighter, the SS Storstad, in thick fog near the mouth of the St. Lawrence River.
4. The impact caused significant damage to the Empress of Ireland, causing it to quickly list to one side and take on water.
5. Despite efforts to stabilize the ship and evacuate passengers, over 1,000 people lost their lives in the disaster, making it one of the deadliest maritime accidents in Canadian history.
6. The sinking of the Empress of Ireland remains a significant event in Canadian history, and its legacy continues to be felt today in discussions of maritime safety and the importance of effective emergency procedures.
7. The incident prompted significant changes in maritime safety regulations, including new requirements for ships to carry lifeboats and other safety equipment, and for crews to undergo extensive training in emergency procedures.
8. The wreck of the Empress of Ireland was eventually located and explored by divers in the 1960s, and efforts have been made to preserve and protect the site as a historical landmark.
9. The sinking of the Empress of Ireland serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks and challenges of maritime travel, and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all passengers and crew members on board ships and vessels.
10. The incident also highlights the need for effective communication, collaboration, and cooperation among crew members and between ships and vessels, as well as the ongoing importance of international agreements and conventions to promote maritime safety and security.

8. SS Admiral Nakhimov 

The collision of the cruise ship SS Admiral Nakhimov with the bulk carrier Pyotr Vasev was due to the carelessness of both the vessels’ captains. T e captain of the bulk ship failed to respond to the warning signals issued by the cruise ship. H  was not present on the bridge when the vessel hit each other at 5 knots.

The SS Admiral Nakhimov was a Soviet passenger ship that sank in the Black Sea on August 31, 1986, resulting in the loss of at least 423 lives. Here are some facts about the incident:

1. The SS Admiral Nakhimov was launched in 1925 and had a long history of service as a passenger liner and cruise ship in the Soviet Union.
2. On August 31, 1986, the ship was en route from Sochi to Yalta, carrying over 1,200 passengers and crew members on board.
3. In the early hours of the morning, the ship collided with a large bulk carrier, the Pyotr Vasev, in the Black Sea.
4. The impact caused significant damage to the Admiral Nakhimov, causing it to quickly list to one side and take on water.
5. Despite efforts to stabilize the ship and evacuate passengers, over 400 people lost their lives in the disaster, making it one of the deadliest maritime accidents in Soviet and Russian history.
6. The sinking of the Admiral Nakhimov prompted significant changes in maritime safety regulations in the Soviet Union and Russia, including new requirements for ships to carry lifeboats and other safety equipment, and for crews to undergo extensive training in emergency procedures.
7. The wreck of the Admiral Nakhimov remains on the seabed of the Black Sea and is considered a grave site for the many victims of the disaster.
8. The sinking of the Admiral Nakhimov serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks and challenges of maritime travel, and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all passengers and crew members on board ships and vessels.
9. The incident also highlights the need for effective communication, collaboration, and cooperation among crew members and between ships and vessels, as well as the ongoing importance of international agreements and conventions to promote maritime safety and security.
10. The sinking of the Admiral Nakhimov continues to be the subject of ongoing investigation and research, as experts seek to better understand the causes and consequences of this tragic event.

9. SS Morro Castle

Cruise vessel SS Morro Castle was burned and sank in September 1934, claiming the lives of over 135 passengers and crew members. A total of 318 passengers and 239 crew were aboard the ship on its journey from Havanna to New York.

The SS Morro Castle was a luxury liner that caught fire and eventually ran aground off the coast of New Jersey on September 8, 1934. Here are some facts about the incident:

1. The SS Morro Castle was launched in 1930 and operated as a luxury liner between New York City and Havana, Cuba, with a capacity for over 500 passengers and a crew of over 200.
2. On September 8, 1934, the ship caught fire while en route from Havana to New York, resulting in the loss of over 130 lives.
3. The cause of the fire is still unknown, but it is believed to have started in the ship’s Verandah Grill Room and spread quickly throughout the vessel.
4. The crew’s response to the fire was disorganized and inadequate, with many passengers left to fend for themselves.
5. The ship eventually ran aground off the coast of Asbury Park, New Jersey, and rescue efforts were launched to evacuate survivors.
6. The incident was a major media event at the time, and led to increased scrutiny of maritime safety and emergency preparedness, as well as changes to regulations governing passenger ships and vessels.
7. The Morro Castle disaster was also notable for its impact on popular culture, with the incident inspiring a number of books, films, and other works of art over the years.
8. The wreck of the Morro Castle remains on the ocean floor off the coast of New Jersey, and is now a popular site for scuba diving and other recreational activities.
9. The sinking of the Morro Castle is remembered as one of the worst maritime disasters in American history, and a cautionary tale about the dangers of complacency and inadequate safety measures in the maritime industry.
10. The incident remains the subject of ongoing research and investigation, as experts seek to better understand the causes and consequences of this tragic event.

10. MV Wilhelm Gustloff

MV Wilhelm Gustloff was a German passenger ship that was named after the leader of the Swiss Nazi Party, Wilhelm Gustloff. It was launched on May 5, 1937, and was intended to be used as a pleasure cruise ship for Nazi workers. However, during World War II, the ship was requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine and used as a transport vessel for German soldiers and refugees fleeing from the advancing Soviet army.

On January 30, 1945, while sailing in the Baltic Sea, the MV Wilhelm Gustloff was torpedoed by a Soviet submarine, resulting in the loss of over 9,000 lives, mostly civilians and wounded soldiers. The sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff is considered the worst maritime disaster in history in terms of loss of life, and is often overshadowed by other events of the war.

The sinking of the MV Wilhelm Gustloff is still a controversial topic in modern-day Germany, with some viewing it as a forgotten tragedy that deserves more recognition, while others argue that the ship was carrying German soldiers and refugees who were complicit in the atrocities of the Nazi regime. Despite the controversy, the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff remains an important event in the history of World War II and maritime disasters.

11. SS General Slocum

SS General Slocum was a steamship that was used for excursion trips in the New York City area in the early 20th century. On June 15, 1904, the ship caught fire in the East River of New York City, leading to the loss of over 1,000 lives, mostly women and children from the German-American community.

The SS General Slocum was carrying a group of passengers, mostly members of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, on an excursion trip to Long Island when a fire broke out in a storage compartment filled with oily rags and gasoline. Despite efforts to contain the fire, it quickly spread throughout the ship, causing panic and chaos among the passengers.

The ship’s lifeboats and other safety equipment were found to be in poor condition, making it difficult for passengers to escape the burning ship. Additionally, the crew was unprepared and untrained in handling emergencies, leading to further confusion and loss of life.

The sinking of the SS General Slocum was a major tragedy that had a significant impact on the German-American community in New York City. It also led to reforms in maritime safety regulations, including the requirement for regular safety inspections and improvements in lifeboat and firefighting equipment on passenger ships.

Today, the disaster is remembered through memorials and monuments in New York City, including a stained-glass window at St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and a bronze statue in Tompkins Square Park.

12. MV Le Joola

MV Le Joola was a Senegalese government-owned ferry that capsized off the coast of Gambia on September 26, 2002, resulting in the loss of over 1,800 lives.

The ferry was carrying passengers and cargo on a journey from the Senegalese capital of Dakar to the southern region of Casamance when it encountered rough seas and strong winds. Despite the poor weather conditions, the ferry continued on its journey, overloaded with more than twice its intended capacity of passengers and cargo.

As a result, the ferry capsized in the Atlantic Ocean, causing one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history. The majority of the passengers onboard were Senegalese citizens, many of whom were traveling to visit relatives in Casamance.

The tragedy of MV Le Joola raised serious questions about the safety of maritime transportation in Africa and the need for improved regulations and safety standards. It also prompted criticism of the Senegalese government’s response to the disaster, including delays in search and rescue efforts and inadequate compensation for victims’ families.

Today, the MV Le Joola disaster is remembered as a national tragedy in Senegal and continues to be a stark reminder of the need for improved safety measures and regulations in maritime transportation.

Regulations to Stop sinking of Ships

Regulations to prevent the sinking of ships have evolved significantly following maritime disasters like the Titanic. One crucial regulation that emerged in response to the Titanic disaster is the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

SOLAS, first adopted in 1914 and subsequently updated, sets minimum standards for ship construction, equipment, and operation to enhance safety at sea. For instance, SOLAS now mandates lifeboats or rafts for 125% of passengers and crew aboard, ensuring sufficient capacity in case of emergencies. 

Additionally, regulations such as mandatory abandon ship drills within 24 hours of leaving port if crew drills have not been conducted and continuous radio watch on distress channels 24/7 were established to improve safety practices based on lessons learned from the Titanic tragedy. 

The implementation of these regulations aims to enhance maritime safety, prevent disasters, and protect lives at sea by ensuring that ships comply with standardized safety measures and operational protocols.