Germany began the massive 1945 evacuation of nearly two million people from East Prussia

In January 1945, the closing stages of World War II triggered a desperate maritime rescue known as Operation Hannibal. With Soviet forces rapidly encircling East Prussia, the German navy began transporting 1.8 million civilians and military personnel across the Baltic Sea to safety. This massive undertaking lasted nearly two months and involved over 1,000 vessels ranging from massive liners to small fishing boats.