Here’s a look at major ferry and ship sinking disasters throughout history. This timeline is not-all inclusive; various incidents with at least 1,000 fatalities are listed. Death tolls vary by source.

January 30, 1945 – The Wilhelm Gustloff sinks in the Baltic Sea after being hit by Russian torpedoes, killing more than 9,000 passengers and crew members. February 10, 1945 – The Steuben ...

Designed and built as a cruise liner under the Third Reich’s Kraft durch Freude (“Strength Through Joy”) leisure program, the MV Wilhelm Gustloff was a vital propaganda tool for the regime.