The book "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania" by Erik Larson describes the arduous work of 300 stokers, trimmers, and firemen aboard the Lusitania. Each shift consisted of 100 crew members who faced the intense task of shoveling an astonishing 1,000 tons of coal daily into the ship's 192 furnaces. This labor was critical for heating 25 boilers on the ship.

The superheated steam generated from these operations was essential to drive the massive turbines that powered the Lusitania's engines. This intricate system of fuel and steam was vital for the ship's functionality, illustrating the immense effort and coordination required to keep such a large vessel operational during its fateful journey.