Disclaimer: The conclusions drawn are from resources and evidence available and not, and assessed to be probable and plausible. Not everyone will agree with the analysis given here and this website can only encourage people to read on their own and reach their own conclusions. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with these answers, any feedback you may have is welcome.
References:
Minutes of Evidence as given at the Mersey Inquiry.
Bailey, Thomas A. and Paul B. Ryan. The Lusitania Disaster: An Episode in Modern Warfare and Diplomacy. The Free Press, 1975.
Beesly, Patrick. Room 40. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1982.
Ballard, Robert D. and Spencer Dunmore. Exploring the Lusitania. Warner Books, 1995.
Collins, Max Allan. The Lusitania Murders. Berkley, 2002.
Hoehling, A. A. Lost at Sea. Stackpole Books, 1984.
Hoehling, A. A. and Mary Hoehling. The Last Voyage of the Lusitania. Madison Books, 1956.
Layton, J. Kent. “Lusitania” at Atlantic Liners. Online. <http://www.atlanticliners.com/lusitania_home.htm>
O’Sullivan, Patrick. Lusitania: Unravelling the Mysteries. Collins Press, 1999.
Preston, Diana. Lusitania: An Epic Tragedy. Berkley Books, 2002.
Simpson, Colin. The Lusitania. Little, Brown, and Company, 1972.
are there any records in relation to any compensation paid out to the families of the crew?
There are a number currently held at the TNA in Kew, UK. Some of these relate to overseas claims. They are listed in the TNA catalogues and titles may be viewed on line.