Recruiting poster using the Lusitania disaster as a motivator. During the War years submarine activity off the coast of Ireland was common. The RMS Lusitania was hit on 7 May,1915 off Kinsale by a single torpedo, killing 1,197 passengers and crew. Questions still surround the tragedy specifically in relation to the ship's cargo. Adding to the speculation was the discovery of ammunition at the wreck site in 2006 by the Cork sub-aqua club.