Dead Wake: The Last Crossing Of The Lusitania

On the morning of Friday, May 7, the Lusitania enters the heavy fog that has been plaguing the U-20. Turner orders the ship to travel at slower speeds and to sound a foghorn once every minute. Though the horn brings attention to the Lusitania, the heavy fog means that a submarine is unlikely to spot or attack the ship. Two sailors are stationed in the crow’s nest to keep a lookout for any obstacles.

The Cunard Steamship Company’s chairman, Alfred Allen Booth, learns of the U-20’s attacks. The news makes Booth fearful that the Lusitania is at risk. Booth is unable to directly warn the Lusitania because the ship is managed by the Admiralty during wartime. Instead, Booth approaches a navy officer, Captain Harry Stileman, who promises him that a message will be sent to the Lusitania. Later that morning, the Lusitania receives a message that warns the ship about multiple submarines that are “active in Southern part of Irish channel” (220). However, the message does not explain that submarines have already sunk several ships. By this time, the fog has dispersed, and the Lusitania starts sailing under a clear sky, making it visible to any nearby submarines.