They used Using distress flares and radio ( wireless ) messages to attract Bringing help as the passengers were put Placing into lifeboats .

The disaster Catastrophe shocked the world and caused Causation widespread outrage over the lack of lifeboats , lax regulations , and the unequal treatment of the three passenger classes during the evacuation .

Some were ferried Sending to the larger ships Sending by what came to be known as the Little Ships of Dunkirk , a flotilla of hundreds of merchant marine boats , fishing boats , pleasure Change_sentiment craft , yachts , and lifeboats called Request into service Supply from Britain .