The battle of the Atlantic also resulted in civilian deaths. Hundreds died at sea as they tried to escape the bombings and evacuate to safer countries such as Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and India.[94] The first civilian casualty occurred on September 3, 1939, the first day of the war, when the Cunard passenger liner Athenia was hit by U-30, which attacked in the mistaken belief she was an armed merchant cruiser.[95] Of the 1103 passengers on board, 118 drowned.