Ramp Cap Arcona” in Neustadt-in-Holstein

https://historiek.net/cap-arcona-scheepsramp-lubecker-bocht/78237/

Cemetery victims Cap Arcona and Thielbeck.  This cemetery was created on the beach of Neustadt. More than 7000 victims of the sunken ships Cap Arcona and Thielbeck are buried here.

On May 3rd, 1945, the Cap Arcona, the Thielbeck and the Athen were being attacked by a few squadrons of English Typhoon fighters. These were not aware of the fact that the ships were crowded with concentration camp prisoners. The Thielbeck caught fire immediately and capsized within 15 minutes. The Cap Arcona kept burning for days to follow. Of the prisoners that had had the chance to jump ship into the freezing water, many drowned. Those that tried to climb ashore were immediately shot by armed guards. During this catastrophe some 7000 prisoners died. Only a handful survived the calamity. Many have been buried in mass graves in the area. Months after the disaster bodies still washed ashore on the beaches of the Bight of Lübeck.  Until 1971, bones of victims were still being washed ashore.

Note: The British Government keeps the files on the attack on these ships closed till 2046. This may indicate that there is something very seriously wrong about this bombardment.