Everything Everywhere Daily The Sinking of the MV Wilhelm Gustloff
Jun 28, 2025
On January 30, 1945, the MV Wilhelm Gustloff sank in a tragedy that eclipsed the Titanic's death toll by four to six times. This podcast delves into its transformation from a luxurious cruise liner to an evacuation ship during World War II. Discover the chaotic journey that led to its demise at the hands of a Soviet submarine. The discussion also explores why this disaster remains largely forgotten in history, raising important questions about memory, legacy, and the stories we choose to remember.
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Forgotten Deadliest Shipwreck
- The MV Wilhelm Gustloff disaster caused more deaths than the Titanic, but is largely forgotten today.
- It served as a leisure cruise ship pre-war and as a tool for Nazi propaganda before becoming an evacuation vessel.
Operation Hannibal's Massive Evacuation
- Operation Hannibal evacuated up to a million civilians and military personnel from East Prussia and Baltic regions.
- The Wilhelm Gustloff was overloaded with around 10,600 people, far exceeding its 1,900 capacity.
Soviet Submarine Attack
- A Soviet submarine captain mistook the Wilhelm Gustloff for a military target and torpedoed it.
- Three torpedoes hit the ship, leading to chaos as refugees rushed for the limited lifeboats.