Additional Coverage:
The Tragedy of the Cap Arcona
Once a luxurious cruise liner known as the “Queen of the Atlantic,” the Cap Arcona was transformed into a floating concentration camp by the Nazis during World War II.
The Prisoner’s Journey
In the final days of the war, as Allied forces closed in on Nazi-held territory, thousands of concentration camp prisoners were evacuated to Lübeck Bay. Willi Neurath, George Schwab, and Manfred Goldberg were among them.
They were forced onto overcrowded barges and towed across the Baltic Sea to the Cap Arcona, which had become a prison for over 4,000 souls. As the ship lay anchored in the bay, the prisoners endured horrific conditions, with limited food and water.
The Tragic Attack
On May 3rd, 1945, British Typhoon fighter planes mistakenly attacked the Cap Arcona and a smaller cargo ship, killing nearly 7,000 people. The prisoners were trapped on board, and many died in the ensuing fire or were shot by SS guards.
Unanswered Questions
Despite the overwhelming evidence of friendly fire, the RAF has never conducted a formal investigation into the tragedy. The question of why the pilots were not informed about the presence of concentration camp prisoners remains unanswered.
Survivors’ Stories
Willi Neurath was one of the few survivors who managed to escape by going to the back of the ship, where the fire was less intense. He was rescued by British soldiers and reunited with his wife, who had been searching for him.
George Schwab, a Latvian prisoner, used his experience to inspire his career as a peace broker. He went on to meet with world leaders, including King Hussein and Bill Clinton.
Manfred Goldberg settled in London after the war and became a successful businessman. He dedicated his life to sharing his story as a Holocaust survivor.
Legacy and Remembrance
The Cap Arcona was dismantled after the war, but the memory of the tragedy remains. On May 3rd each year, families of victims and survivors gather at the site where the ship was bombed to commemorate the lives lost.