(1907-1915) A ship contemporary with the Titanic. One of the biggest and fastest ocean liners of her time, this four-funneled luxury liner was carrying a secret cargo of military supplies for the British in WWI; Germany, blockaded by the British, newly-equipped with U-boats (which Churchill ordered rammed on site), and aware of this smuggling on the part of the British, warned that any British or American ship thought to be carrying war supplies would be liable to attack, regardless of the safety of passengers or crew. The 1259 passengers and 701 crew who boarded the Lusitania on May 1, 1915, paid little attention, largely unaware of the contraband bullets and shrapnel that the ship carried.
On May 7, as lunchtime ended within sight of Ireland's south coast, the Lusitania was hit by a torpedo from a German u-boat, followed by a much bigger secondary explosion (likely a steam-pipe explosion). Listing sharply toward the wound in her starboard side, she sank in only 18 minutes, taking 1195 men, women, and children with her.
123 of the 159 Americans on board were killed, plus 94 of the 129 children on board (including 35 of 39 infants), indirectly goading the United States to enter the war on Britain's side.
On May 7, as lunchtime ended within sight of Ireland's south coast, the Lusitania was hit by a torpedo from a German u-boat, followed by a much bigger secondary explosion (likely a steam-pipe explosion). Listing sharply toward the wound in her starboard side, she sank in only 18 minutes, taking 1195 men, women, and children with her.
123 of the 159 Americans on board were killed, plus 94 of the 129 children on board (including 35 of 39 infants), indirectly goading the United States to enter the war on Britain's side.
The passengers of the Lusitania naively refused to believe that a submarine would attack a passenger ship, let alone one as fast as the Lusitania.
May 7, just 11.5 miles from the Irish coast, a torpedo rocked the ship. Listing sharply to starboard and continuing at full speed for two miles, she had lost control. Panic ensued as she plunged under the surface, head-first.
Power was soon lost, trapping many below-decks and a number in the first-class elevators.
The starboard lifeboats swung away from the ship, while the port boats swung inward; although the ship had 48 lifeboats, only six starboard boats would be safely lowered while many others tipped or were lowered on top of each other. The port boats had to slide down the hull, splintering as they snagged on rivets, while one broke loose and careened down the boat deck, crushing passengers who were not already injured on the sloping decks. The maimed littered the deck and a sea that was choked with floating debris.
While parents tried to find their children in the frenzy, children squealed for their parents. Many put on their life-jackets upside-down and backwards in the panic.
In less than twenty minutes, the Lusitania was gone, taking the trapped to the bottom and leaving several hundred more at the surface to die of hypothermia.
The Lusitania casualties were tiny compared to the soldiers who died daily at the front, but they got an immediate reaction; not even civilians were safe.
May 7, just 11.5 miles from the Irish coast, a torpedo rocked the ship. Listing sharply to starboard and continuing at full speed for two miles, she had lost control. Panic ensued as she plunged under the surface, head-first.
Power was soon lost, trapping many below-decks and a number in the first-class elevators.
The starboard lifeboats swung away from the ship, while the port boats swung inward; although the ship had 48 lifeboats, only six starboard boats would be safely lowered while many others tipped or were lowered on top of each other. The port boats had to slide down the hull, splintering as they snagged on rivets, while one broke loose and careened down the boat deck, crushing passengers who were not already injured on the sloping decks. The maimed littered the deck and a sea that was choked with floating debris.
While parents tried to find their children in the frenzy, children squealed for their parents. Many put on their life-jackets upside-down and backwards in the panic.
In less than twenty minutes, the Lusitania was gone, taking the trapped to the bottom and leaving several hundred more at the surface to die of hypothermia.
The Lusitania casualties were tiny compared to the soldiers who died daily at the front, but they got an immediate reaction; not even civilians were safe.
by Lorelili January 12, 2014
Get the Lusitania mug.She so funny! A day without her is so boring, she gives the best hugs and words of comfort. She gives the most relatable and wise advice when your at your saddest moments. She smart and trustworthy. She always looks happy and cracks jokes yet shes goign through hard stuff. Shes brave and responsible, she takecares of her family members and holds pther responsibilites at the same time. She so pretty but if your on her bad side, she'll be a petty betch. Shes loyal unlike your fake friends, and shes alwas there when you need her the most. Most importantly, she's always right and can be your second mum at school. She cares for everyone thats important to her. She'll spend her money on you 24/7. Your also lucky to have her as a friend and if shes your bestfriend consider it as a bestfriend for a lifetime.
by Lalalalisa.m August 20, 2019
Get the luseane mug.Related Words
lusiana • lusian • lusianna steam boat • lusiano • Lucian • luciano • Luciana • lasian • lousiana purchase • Lucianna
A person who has claimed to low-key be a god. Known for his famous tweet saying "You know I had to do it to em."
Guy: Who is that person all dressed in white
Me: That's Lucky Luciano
Guy: What is this religion you speak of? Yep, I'm converting to this religion.
Me: That's Lucky Luciano
Guy: What is this religion you speak of? Yep, I'm converting to this religion.
by When a nibba bottom text October 24, 2017
Get the Lucky Luciano mug.
Shes weird in a great way.She cares for others.Shes funny and has the biggest heart.She loves music and her taste in style is amazing.Shes adventurous.She is a potato.She loves comfy clothes and relaxing.She loves binge watching youtubers such as Shane Dawson.She loves drawing and is very artistic
by womenarehot April 12, 2019
Get the Luciana mug.a beautiful brazilian friend. you can always go to talk to her and go to her for advice. shes super nice and will always take blame for your actions.there are no limits to her kindness. she loves to laugh and have a good time. shes a big people person. She will be or already is a great mother. she has a great taste in music and clothes. shes loved by everyone, no doubt about it.
person one: who's that in the short curly hair? She has an amazing style!
Person two: It's luciane, duh
Person two: It's luciane, duh
by Aria brooke April 14, 2013
Get the Luciane mug.Can care if they wish to, always there for a friend no matter how rude they seem, will zone out if paying attention to something else but will always automatically respond to something very important, one of those people you couldn't wish more for.
Luciano: i play therapist for alot of my friends.. because i love them"
Random person:"i constantly end up arguing and breaking up with someone i love then getting back together"
Luciano:"Giving someone a chance repeatedly usually only brings pain, sometimes you have to let them go"
Random person:"i constantly end up arguing and breaking up with someone i love then getting back together"
Luciano:"Giving someone a chance repeatedly usually only brings pain, sometimes you have to let them go"
by One of the hated August 5, 2012
Get the Luciano mug.