* Titanic (1912): This sinking, due to striking an iceberg, is often cited as the most famous maritime disaster due to its scale (over 1,500 deaths), the glamour of the ship, and the fact that it was considered "unsinkable."
* Lusitania (1915): This sinking, due to a German torpedo attack, contributed to public sentiment against Germany during World War I.
* Andrea Doria (1956): This collision with the Stockholm, both luxury liners, resulted in a dramatic rescue operation and a tragic loss of life. The accident was particularly noteworthy for the innovative rescue efforts and the close calls during the collision.
* Costa Concordia (2012): This cruise ship ran aground off the coast of Italy, resulting in the deaths of 32 people. The accident garnered significant media attention due to its scale and the captain's actions (which were later found to be negligent).
* Herald of Free Enterprise (1987): This ferry capsized in Zeebrugge, Belgium, due to a bow door being left open. The tragedy led to widespread public scrutiny of safety standards and the introduction of stricter regulations.
Ultimately, the "most famous" ship accident is a matter of opinion. Each of these tragedies, and countless others, has impacted our understanding of maritime safety and left a lasting mark on history.