My understanding and impressions on ‘The Last Crossing of Lusitania’ by Eric Larson Essay

1240 p.m. rolled around and the Lusitania received a startling message, "Submarines five miles south of cape clear proceeding west when sighted at ten a.m." Captain Turner adjusted the Lusitania's course to sixty-seven degrees east, hoping he could gain enough distance between him and U-20. By altering the course the Lusitania was only eleven miles away from U-20, facing her directly and ready for an attack. The U-20 spotted the Lusitania just after 120 p.m. and began its close pursuit to finally bring down the pride of Cunard's liners. Being just a short of 2,300 feet away Schwieger gave the order to fire at the Lusitania around 210 p.m. "With a shudder and a hiss, the heavy missile went singing through the water from a bow torpedo tube, unleashing a trail of bubbles."
As the torpedo hit the Lusitania the explosion lifted the bows up and out of the water as pieces of debris flung into the air. Everyone who saw what had happened screamed in agony, but the people on the higher decks had no clue what was happening. Men rushed up to the decks trying to tell as many people as they could that the ship was under attack, by that time the second explosion had hit. Captain Turner instantly ordered for all life boats to be lowered for the women and children, but everyone knew that the captain had no control over the ship any longer. Passengers were running in a panic trying to find life jackets and get themselves on a life boat, but at the speed the Lusitania was going it was impossible to let down any life boats. Water was rising into the ship, debris was everywhere, but passengers were still trying to save themselves as the ship was going down. As the British luxury liner slowed down the crew was able to drop down some life boats for the women and children, but the ship was going under fast. The U-20's radio general said it this way, "The ship was sinking with unbelievable rapidity ." Eighteen minutes later the Lusitania was fully submerged in water, and as some passengers were able to survive there were twelve hundred casualties including one hundred and twenty-four U.S. citizens. "An Ocean Red with Blood " is how Preston described it, and for the people who died heroically helping others escape those are the men and women who will be remembered.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed reading this historical story about not only a ship, but the people on the ship that risked their lives to board. I loved the author and the way she portrayed every little detail about the Lusitania. To me this one of the best books I have ever read, and I definitely recommend this book to anyone who not only loves history, but anyone who loves a captivating story. It absolutely gave me a brighter outlook on life and the things our country goes through, and I hope you can see that from this review.