In Erik Larson's "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania," a lighthearted moment unfolds among notable figures Vanderbilt and Turner. They share a laugh over the idea that anyone would be concerned about the safety of the Lusitania against German submarines. The humor highlights the prevailing underestimation of the war's dangers at that time, especially in regard to the Lusitania's perceived invulnerability.

This conversation underscores a sense of complacency among the ship's passengers and those associated with it. The statement serves to illustrate the broader public sentiment of the era, where the risks of crossing the Atlantic were often downplayed in favor of confidence in technological advancements and maritime safety.