The tragic sinking of the Lusitania resulted in the loss of 1,195 lives, as only 764 out of 1,959 passengers and crew survived. This catastrophe included three German stowaways, raising the death toll to 1,198. The impact was especially severe for families; out of 33 infants on board, merely six managed to survive. Additionally, more than 600 passengers remain unaccounted for in the aftermath.

Among the deceased, 123 were Americans, highlighting the wide-reaching consequences of the disaster. The Lusitania's sinking not only marked a significant maritime tragedy but also underscored the perilous nature of ocean travel during wartime, as detailed in Erik Larson's book, "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania."