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SS Falaba

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description SS Falaba Overview

The SS Falaba was a British passenger and cargo ship torpedoed by German submarine U-28 in the Irish Sea on 28 March 1915, resulting in 104 deaths. Among those killed was American citizen Leon Thrasher, whose death heightened tensions between the United States and Germany in the months preceding the sinking of the RMS Lusitania. The attack contributed to the broader diplomatic deterioration that preceded American entry into World War I.

help SS Falaba FAQ

When and where was the SS Falaba sunk?

The British passenger and cargo ship Falaba was torpedoed by German submarine U-28 on 28 March 1915 in the Irish Sea. It was traveling outward from Liverpool toward West Africa. [U.S. State Department](https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1914-20v01/d328)

How many people died when the Falaba sank?

The sinking killed 104 people out of 242 passengers and crew. The high death toll became one of the early maritime incidents that intensified concern about German submarine warfare. [History](https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/march-28/first-american-citizen-killed-during-wwi)

Who was Leon Thrasher and why is he connected to the Falaba?

Leon Thrasher was an American citizen who died in the Falaba sinking. His death led the U.S. government to protest to Germany and became known as the Thrasher incident. [U.S. State Department](https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1914-20v01/d328)

What route was the Falaba following?

The ship was outbound from Liverpool toward the west coast of Africa when U-28 attacked it. It was therefore both a passenger vessel and a cargo ship serving an international route during World War I. [History](https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/march-28/first-american-citizen-killed-during-wwi)

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