Stockholm (another name: MS Astoria) was originally a Swedish passenger and cruise ship from the post-war and modern times. The ship was launched in February 1948. The total length of the vessel was approx. 160 m, width approx. 21 m, with a draft of 7.6 meters. The drive was provided by two diesel engines with a total power of 12,000 KM, which allowed to achieve a maximum speed of 19 knots. Originally, the ship could carry up to 395 passengers, but this number increased over time. The presented vessel was originally built for the Swedish shipping line Svenska Amerika Linien, as a passenger unit designed to operate in the Atlantic. Stockholm, relatively soon after entering service, made a tragic mark in the history of shipping, because on July 25, 1956 it was involved in a collision with the Italian cruise ship Andrea Doria, as a result of which the other ship sank. Stockholm, on the other hand, was able to reach the port, although it had to undergo a major refurbishment. After it was carried out, it was sold to the GDR, where it served under the name Völkerfreundschaft. Incidentally, it can be added that during his service under the flag of this country, he only called at the ports of socialist countries. It is worth noting that after 1989 the unit often changed owners and names, it also underwent a major renovation and reconstruction and is still in service under the name MS Astoria.
SS Andrea Doria was an Italian passenger ship (so-called transatlantic) from the post-war period. The unit was launched in July 1951, and it was put into service in 1953. The overall length of the ship was 213.4 meters and the width was 27.5 meters. The maximum speed was around 25-26 knots. SS Andrea Doria was built for the Italian shipping lines Italia Line at the Ansaldo shipyard in Genoa. At the time of entry into service, the unit was the largest and fastest Italian ocean liner. It was also assumed that the safest. SS Andrea Doria was also one of the first ships to implement the so-called Italian school in shipbuilding. After entering the service, the unit operated connections with New York. Unfortunately, the life of this beautiful ship in its own way ended a few years after its launch. On July 25, 1956, there was a collision between SS Andrea Doria and the passenger ship Stockholm. As a result of this collision, 52 people died. However, the Italian ocean liner - thanks to the reinforced structure - remained afloat for another 11 hours, which fantastically facilitated the rescue operation, during which 1,662 people were saved.