I do remember reading about it decades ago, but it never left the impression it should have. You have to remember that at the time of the sinking we were at war with Germany and there were more important matters as far as we were concerned. Besides, it was the Russians that sunk her and what happened to that captain was almost as bad.
Now if George Constanza was a survivor of that wreck, he would have gotten that NY apartment in a heartbeat
The Titanic sinking was so unique in so many ways. The sinking had actually been predicted via "The novella Futility, written in 1898 by U.S. writer Morgan Robertson." Robertson had things so close that it spooks people even today. Also the sinking was predicted via dreams and many other ways.
Add to this the arrogant attitude, class distinctions, greed, etc., and you have the makings of a story that will always be bigger than life.
For anything to be big and remembered it must have a big story. There have been many tragic happenings that were up there with the Titanic but due to no real detailed story they're rarely remembered.
The Gustloff was a tragedy beyond the Titanic, she was clearly marked with the red cross markings as she was used as a hospital ship. I have photos of the Gustloff in my KM photo album and whenever I see her it makes me cringe of all the loss of live aboard her.
Never thought German naval themes were posted here