Emotional journey from horror to heroism

All the horror, heroism and heartbreak of the Lusitania’s sinking started to unfold on the dreary quays of Queenstown some six hours after the liner was torpedoed, writes Ray Ryan

The boats that had rushed to the aid of the stricken ship began to arrive back in solemn intervals with dead bodies and distraught survivors. It was a dreadful procession on a dark waterfront that was barely illuminated with the glow of quayside gas lights

Ever since the harbour was emptied of boats on their way to the scene of the tragedy earlier that afternoon, Queenstown was getting ready for the aftermath.