Bremen-West in Findorff, Germany — Central Europe
Kurt von Goessel
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 19, 2025
1. Kurt von Goessel Marker
Bei schwerem Sturm wurde sein Schiff vor Holland vom englischen Kohlendampfer "Crathie" gerammt. Die "Elbe" versank in kurzer Zeit.
332 Passagiere und Besatzungsmitglieder, darunter Kapitän von Goessel, kamen ums Leben.
Zwanzig Personen überlebten das Unglück und berichteten von dem mutigen Verhalten des Kapitäns, der an der Kollision schuldlos war. Sein Schicksal er hinterließ Frau und drei Kinder bewegte die Öffentlichkeit seinerzeit in hohem Maße und veranlasste den Senat, eine Straße nach ihm zu benennen.
Eine Reliefplatte in der Hauswand Findorffstraße/ Goesselstraße erinnert an Kurt von Goessel.
On January 30, 1895, Bremen captain Kurt von Goessel was on a long voyage via Southampton to New York on the modern express steamer "Elbe" of the "Nordeutsche Lloyd."
During a severe storm, his ship was rammed by the English coal steamer
this page online
332 passengers and crew members, including Captain von Goessel, lost their lives.
Twenty people survived the accident and reported on the courageous actions of the captain, who was innocent of any fault in the collision. His fate – he left behind a wife and three children – deeply moved the public at the time and prompted the Senate to name a street after him.
A relief plaque in the wall of the house on Findorffstrasse/Goesselstrasse commemorates Kurt von Goessel. (Marker Number 8.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lost at Sea series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 30, 1895.
Location. 53° 5.319′ N, 8° 48.557′ E. Marker is in Bremen, in Findorff. It is in Bremen-West. It is at the intersection of Goesselstraße and Findorffstrasse, on the left when traveling east on Goesselstraße. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Goesselstraße 1, Bremen 28, Germany. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Schlachthof (within shouting distance of this marker); Bremen Roma and Sinti Deportation Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Familie-Schwarz-Platz (within shouting
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 19, 2025
2. Kurt von Goessel Marker - wide view
The marker is visible here just above the hood of the gray van.
Also see . . . Goessel History (Town of Goessel). The town of Goessel, Kansas, is named after Captain von Goessel. The town‘s history provides some more information about him. Excerpt:
…January 30, 1895, the North German Lloyd steamship "Elbe" was passing through the English channel when ramed by another ship at 5:00 a. m. It sank in 20 minutes, with 22 half-frozen survivors making it to safety in one lifeboat, while 350 people drowned. Through this scene of terror, Captain Kurt Von Goessel calmly give orders, and finally, saluted as he went down with his ship.(Submitted on May 24, 2025.)
The story made world wide news instantly, and was covered on the front page of the New York Times on Jan. 31. Yacht clubs around the world flew flages at half-mast. Since the Captain's ship made regularruns from Germany to New York, he had American acquaintances. Including the music composer S. B. Mills, who wrote a piano march titled "Elbiata" in his honor. He was discribed as having impeccable character and highly respected in national circles, since he had won medals for heroic rescues at sea. He did leave behind a wife and children.
3. Marker photo: Kurt von Goessel
Credits. This page was last revised on May 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 254 times since then and 82 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 24, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
