Lecture Notes: The Sinking of the Lusitania

Overview

• The Lusitania was struck and began to tilt, causing chaos onboard.
• Lifeboats were swinging over the deck, creating dangerous situations.
• Lifeboats were mishandled, flipping, tipping, and causing injuries and deaths.

Key Events

• George Hook's Decision:

  • Realizing the danger of the lifeboats, George Hook decided not to use them.
  • He instructed his family to jump into the water instead.
  • His son, Frank, was separated from the family during the chaos.

• Sinking Timeline:

  • The ship sank in just 18 minutes after being struck.
  • At 2:28, the Lusitania disappeared beneath the waves.

Aftermath

• Immediate Effects:

  • Many onboard perished, while others were left in freezing Atlantic waters.
  • Only 6 out of 44 lifeboats were successfully launched.
  • George and Elsie Hook searched desperately for Frank among the survivors.

• Rescue Efforts:

  • Rescue boats arrived 3 hours after the sinking.
  • Over 700 people were saved by the following morning.
  • Bodies continued to wash up ashore in Queenstown for weeks.
  • Bodies were stacked on the quayside, including those of children.

Personal Stories

• George and Elsie Hook:

  • Spent days searching through mortuaries for Frank.
  • Eventually learned about a boy in a hospital, who turned out to be their son.

• Frank Hook's Survival:

  • Found in a hospital with a broken leg, but otherwise unharmed.
  • Made a humorous remark to his father upon their reunion.

Reflections

• The narrative highlights the chaos and tragedy of maritime disasters.
• Emphasizes the emotional toll on survivors and families of victims.