20 Unlucky Events on Friday the 13th

From cruise ship disasters to deadly terror attacks, these are some of the most tragic occurrences on the famously superstitious date.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Friday the 13th has long been considered an unlucky day, with a phobia even named after the superstition. This article recounts 20 terrible events that have happened on the ominous date, including the Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster, the Paris terror attacks, and the Bhola cyclone that devastated Bangladesh.

Why it matters

Friday the 13th is a date that many people take seriously, with an estimated $800-900 million in lost business each time it occurs due to people's fears. This article highlights just how much tragedy has unfolded on this supposedly unlucky day, providing context for why the superstition persists.

The details

The article covers a wide range of tragic events that have occurred on Friday the 13th, from natural disasters like the Bhola cyclone in Bangladesh that killed hundreds of thousands, to man-made disasters like the Costa Concordia cruise ship capsizing and the Paris terror attacks. It also includes historical events like the bombing of Buckingham Palace during WWII and the murder of Kitty Genovese in New York. The article provides vivid details about each incident.

  • On September 13, 1940, Buckingham Palace was bombed during WWII.
  • On March 13, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency in the US.
  • On September 13, 1996, rapper Tupac Shakur died after being shot six days earlier.
  • On July 13, 1951, Kansas experienced record rainfall and devastating flooding.
  • On October 13, 1972, Uruguayan Flight 571 crashed in the Andes, leading to a harrowing survival story.

The players

Queen Elizabeth II

The Queen of the United Kingdom at the time of the Buckingham Palace bombing during WWII.

King George VI

The King of the United Kingdom at the time of the Buckingham Palace bombing during WWII.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States at the time the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency.

Tupac Shakur

A famous American rapper who was shot and killed on September 13, 1996.

Duane 'Keffe D' Davis

One of the last surviving witnesses to Tupac Shakur's killing, who was arrested in 2023 and indicted for the murder.

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What they’re saying

“I am glad we have been bombed. Now I can look the East End in the face.”

— Queen Elizabeth II (BBC)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery Employee (Instagram)

What’s next

In September 2024, Boeing employees went on strike for the first time since 2008, with the strike lasting until November 4th.

The takeaway

Friday the 13th has long been considered an unlucky day, and this article provides ample evidence as to why the superstition persists. From natural disasters to man-made tragedies, a staggering number of terrible events have unfolded on this date, making it clear why many people remain wary of the day.