The most catastrophic maritime accident in human history, more than 9,000 people died in just one night

When talking about shipwrecks, we often immediately think of the Titanic as a symbol of shipwrecks. However, few people know that, in history, the most catastrophic shipwreck actually occurred in 1945 with the ship named Wilhelm Gusloff (Federal Republic of Germany).

Although both were shipwrecks, instead of hitting an iceberg and breaking in two like the Titanic, the Wilhelm was hit by three torpedoes, causing severe damage and haunting memories for many people. So, what led to the tragedy of the Wilhelm Gusloff?

The ship was said to be the largest and most luxurious in Germany at that time. (Photo: The Past).

Built as a cruise ship

In 1937, Adolf Hitler commissioned a cruise ship with the ambition of making it the most luxurious and lavish ship in Germany. The ship was built by the Blohm & Voss shipyard and named after the assassinated German leader Wilhelm Gustloff. In memory of his sacrifice for his country, the 208m long, 25,000-ton ship was named after him.

Although smaller, it carried four times as many passengers as the Titanic. (Photo: Getty Images).

Initially, the Wilhelm Gustloff was only tasked with providing entertainment and cultural activities for German civil servants and workers, including concerts, cruises, and other vacation trips. However, after the outbreak of World War II, the Wilhelm Gustloff was repurposed as a hospital ship. Later, it was transferred to the Navy in a Baltic port.

Much later, as history progressed, the ship became part of a naval evacuation operation, rescuing and transporting millions of refugees, soldiers, patients, etc. At that time, those who boarded the ship only wanted to escape the suffering caused by war.

catastrophic accident

However, at around 9pm on January 30, 1945, as the Wilhelm Gustloff left port and was about 13 miles off the coast of Pomerania, it was suddenly hit by three torpedoes, causing the tragedy of 10,582 passengers on board.

At the time of the accident, the temperature in the Baltic Sea caused many people to freeze to death, ranging from -18°C to -10°C with thick ice covering the sea surface.

The ship tipped to one side, causing many people to slide off the ship. (Photo from documentary).

The ship's accident killed about 9,000 people in one night. (Photo: Getty Images).

After the three torpedoes exploded, many people died instantly, and others who fell into the sea could not survive. Everyone started to panic, screaming, trampling each other, fighting for lifeboats and life jackets, all rescue efforts by the forces on board were completely ineffective. The attack on the side of the ship caused the entire ship to tilt, many people slipped out of the ship and froze to death in the icy water.

Less than 45 minutes after being attacked, the ship listed to one side, then bowed underwater, gradually sliding and sinking beneath the waves of the Baltic Sea.

Although many women and children were saved by lifebuoys, only 1,239 people survived. The remaining 9,000 people unfortunately died and were forever immersed in the icy waters of the Baltic Sea.

Although not as famous as the Titanic tragedy, until now, there has never been a shipwreck with a death toll as large as the Wilhelm Gustloff. In just one night, 9,000 people died and left a haunting memory for many generations to come.