The Tollan in Lisbon: From Tragic Accident to Tourist Attraction - The Story of a Ship That Stood Upside Down in the Tagus for Almost 4 Years

The Tollan, an English container ship, became an unexpected landmark in Lisbon after a tragic accident on February 16, 1980. Colliding with the Swedish cargo ship Barranduna in dense fog, the Tollan suffered a hull breach and capsized near Terreiro do Paço, where it remained for nearly four years until December 2, 1983. The accident claimed the lives of four of the 16 crew members.

© Unknown Author

From Tragedy to Tourist Attraction

After the sinking, the Tollan floated upside down in the Tagus, quickly becoming a curiosity and a tourist attraction. Its presence was so impactful that the word "tolan" (with one 'l') entered Lisbon's slang, meaning "stuck" or "stranded", and inspired jokes, songs, and even a restaurant named Restaurante Tolan in Alfama.

© Restaurante Tolan

The Legacy of the Tollan

Removal attempts failed due to the ship's size and Portugal's lack of adequate means, making the Tollan a social phenomenon in 1980s Lisbon. It wasn't until December 1983 that a German company's floating crane managed to right the ship and tow it to Poço do Bispo for dismantling, in an operation costing nearly one million dollars.

The Tollan's story is more than a maritime accident; it's a testament to Lisbon's resilience and humor, becoming an unforgettable cultural reference.