Seventy-nine years ago, in the waning days of World War II, a horrific tragedy unfolded in the Baltic Sea. The Cap Arcona, a German ship repurposed as a prison vessel by the Nazi regime, was attacked by British Royal Air Force planes. Unbeknownst to the pilots, the ship was packed with thousands of concentration camp prisoners, many of whom were nearing liberation. The attack resulted in the deaths of an estimated 5,000 people, mostly prisoners from various concentration camps across Europe.
The sinking of the Cap Arcona remains a lesser-known tragedy of the war, often overshadowed by other more prominent events. For the families of the victims, however, the pain and loss remain palpable. Every year, they gather to remember their loved ones and to ensure that the story of the Cap Arcona is never forgotten. They share stories, lay wreaths, and reflect on the human cost of war and the importance of remembering the victims of Nazi persecution.
The event serves as a stark reminder of the chaos and brutality of the war's final days, and the importance of remembering all victims of the Nazi regime. Efforts are ongoing to educate future generations about the Cap Arcona disaster and to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated.
Families Remember Victims of Cap Arcona Sinking
Families are commemorating the tragic sinking of the Cap Arcona, a Nazi ship attacked by the British Royal Air Force in the final days of World War II. The ship was carrying thousands of prisoners when it was bombed in the Baltic Sea. The event, largely forgotten, resulted in the deaths of many innocent people. Survivors and relatives are working to keep the memory of this tragedy alive.
Source: Read the original article at CBS