description RMS Lancastria Overview
RMS Lancastria was a British Cunard Line ocean liner that was requisitioned by the government for use as a troopship during World War II. On June 17, 1940, the ship was bombed by German aircraft off the coast of Saint-Nazaire, France, while participating in Operation Ariel, the evacuation of British nationals and troops. The vessel sank quickly, resulting in an estimated 3,000 to 5,800 deaths, representing the greatest single loss of life in British military history. Due to the scale of the disaster, the British government heavily censored news of the sinking at the time.
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RMS Lancastria ranks #9 of 186 in the Shipwreck ranking, behind USS Indianapolis (CA-35), ahead of MV Estonia.
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Why was RMS Lancastria near Saint-Nazaire in June 1940?
Lancastria was evacuating British personnel and civilians from France during Operation Ariel, which followed the German advance and the Dunkirk evacuation. German aircraft attacked the crowded ship off Saint-Nazaire on June 17, 1940.
How many people died in the Lancastria sinking?
The exact total is unknown because the ship carried more people than appeared on a complete passenger manifest. Estimates commonly place the death toll at several thousand, making it one of Britain's worst maritime disasters.
Why was news of the Lancastria disaster initially suppressed?
Winston Churchill imposed a temporary news restriction because Britain had already received grave wartime news from France. British newspapers nevertheless reported the sinking several weeks later.
Where is the wreck of RMS Lancastria?
The wreck lies off the French Atlantic coast near Saint-Nazaire in the Loire estuary area. It remains associated with annual commemorations held by survivor, family, and remembrance groups.
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