The RMS Carpathia gained fame after rescuing 705 survivors from the ill-fated RMS Titanic in April 1912. As a well-versed passenger liner, it continued its service across the Atlantic for several years. However, during the ongoing conflict of World War I, the dangers of the sea drastically increased, with naval warfare threatening vessels that might previously have sailed without fear. On July 17, 1918, the Carpathia met its end at the hands of the German submarine U-55 while traversing the waters off the coast of Ireland. While the full account of the attack remains elusive, it is known that the U-55 aimed to disrupt Allied shipping, contributing to the overarching strategy of engaging in unrestricted submarine warfare.

The sinking of the Carpathia serves as a reminder of the complexities faced during wartime, particularly in maritime environments. The ship did not have any armament, reflecting the peacetime mentality of its original purpose as a passenger liner. Despite U-55’s successful attack, the loss of life was relatively minimal compared to the ship's storied past. The aftermath saw an increased vigilance on the part of Allied forces in protecting merchant vessels. The sinking also underscored the transition from peacetime to wartime operations for merchant fleets.

The Carpathia’s legacy lives on as both a symbol of courage and an instance of wartime peril. The vessel’s previous heroic rescue operation in 1912 is often juxtaposed against its tragic fate in 1918, painting a complex picture of maritime history, human resilience, and the impacts of war on civilian maritime travel.