The first shots are fired in Danzig and the war returns to this area in January 1945. The Red Army attacks Hitler's Reich on the 12th of January with 20 times as many soldiers. A million and a half people flees from the oncoming front line in snow storms without any protection from the cold. Soon there is only one way out, over the Baltic sea. Masses arrive at the luxury liner from the 30's. Wilhelm Gustloff symbolizes hope.

Wilhelm Gustloff leaves the harbor in Danzig with 10,000 refugees. In the cold water awaits a Soviet submarine.