12. The single torpedo caused multiple explosions
Schwieger recorded the attack in the log of the U-20, “Torpedo hits starboard side right behind the bridge. An unusually heavy detonation takes place with a very strong explosive cloud. The explosion of the torpedo must have been followed by a second one (boiler or coal or powder?)”. The ship took on a heavy list to starboard immediately. The crew raced to release the lifeboats but the angle at which the ship lay in the water made the task nearly impossible. Within five minutes of the torpedo’s impact, electrical power failed, steam pressure was all but gone, and Lusitania’s Captain ordered the ship abandoned.
The lifeboats on the starboard side swung out too far for them to be boarded, as the ship continued to lean over to starboard. Those of the port side had to slide down the hull, bouncing off protruding rivets. Many fell into the sea, overturned. In any event, there were not enough lifeboats to accommodate the number of passengers aboard, despite the ship leaving New York at less than half capacity. Lusitania slipped beneath the waves in 18 minutes, taking 1,195 lives with it.