A documentary series charting the triumphs and tragedies of the 20th Century’s most captivating mode of transport. Speaking to a host of eminent experts, each episode examines a magnificent ship lost through war, disaster or human error. These are the dramatic stories of calamity at sea that need to be told.

Series 1

Normandie

The Normandie was the most expensive and extravagant ocean liner ever built. A symbol of French national pride adored by the super wealthy, her designer was in fact a poor but brilliant Russian immigrant. His radical hull design made the Normandie the fastest liner on the Atlantic. But when the United States entered the Second World War, the Normandie was seized by the Americans for use as a troopship. During the hurried works to convert the luxury liner for war duties, a devastating fire broke out onboard. Was her demise in New York an accident, however, or was it Nazi sabotage?

Queen Elizabeth

This floating palace became part of a cunning plan by the British Government to help defeat Hitler. Instrumental in helping turn the tide of the war, why did the treasured Queen Elizabeth end up coming to such an undignified end in Hong Kong Harbor?

Andrea Doria

When the Andrea Doria entered service in 1953, the elegant and modern vessel quickly became the envy of shipping companies around the world. With her sleek lines and stylish interiors, the Italian flagship attracted the most glamorous Hollywood stars. But on her 51st voyage across the Atlantic in 1956, the Andrea Doria was nearing the American coast when she collided with another liner in fog and capsized. The terrible accident killed more than fifty people and injured many more. How could this high-tech vessel with the latest navigation equipment founder on the high seas?

Rex

The pride of Mussolini’s dictatorship, the Rex broke many records in terms of technical abilities and a new level of luxury at sea. Avoiding being turned into a troop ship and hidden in relative safety throughout WWII, why was she still attacked by the Allies?

Cap Arcona

This German flagship doubled up in a 1942 version of the Titanic made as a propaganda film by the Nazis. But her end would be equally tragic with an even greater loss of life. Over 5000 souls would perish on board, but which country was to blame?

America/Australis

Two of the United States’ best female designers helped create this elegant vessel, which went on to become one of the longest serving liners in history. After a successful career on the North Atlantic, the America found a new lease of life carrying immigrants between Europe and Australia. But the rise and rise of the jet airliner eroded the appeal of long ocean voyages and the America fell on hard times. After changing hands many times over the following decades, the America ended her life as a dramatic wreck on the shores of the Canary Islands – a monument to the passing of the age of the ocean liners.