Victims' families remember Nazi ship sunk with prisoners on board
Summary
The Cap Arcona was a German luxury cruise ship turned into a prison ship by the Nazis during World War II. On May 3, 1945, it was mistakenly attacked from the air while anchored in Lübeck Bay, leading to the deaths of nearly 7,000 prisoners on board. Today, a memorial at the site honors the victims of this tragic sinking.Key Facts
- The Cap Arcona was launched in 1927 as a luxury ocean liner known as the "Queen of the Atlantic."
- Before WWII, it traveled between Europe and South America with rich passengers.
- After Hitler came to power, the Nazis converted the ship into a floating concentration camp.
- On May 3, 1945, just days before Germany’s surrender, the ship was attacked by Allied aircraft.
- Approximately 7,000 prisoners on the Cap Arcona and a smaller ship died in the attack.
- Survivors of the sinking were very few, with about 400 rescued.
- The victims included people of many nationalities, including Jews, Americans, Greeks, and Italians.
- Every year, a ceremony is held at a memorial near the site to remember those who died.
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