List of shipwrecks in December 1941
The list of shipwrecks in December 1941 includes all ships sunk, foundered, grounded, or otherwise lost during December 1941.
December 1941 | ||||||
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Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
29 | 30 | 31 | Unknown date | |||
1 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Adriatico | ![]() | World War II: The armed merchant cruiser was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea, 65 nautical miles (120 km) north of Benghazi, Libya by Force K, Royal Navy.[Note 1] HMS Lively (![]() ![]() |
Alvise da Mosto | ![]() | World War II: The Navigatori-class destroyer was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Aurora (![]() |
Hilde | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was scuttled at Hanko, Finland.[3] |
Iridio Mantovani | ![]() | World War II: The tanker, already damaged by aerial bombing from British aircraft, was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (35°50′N 12°50′E / 35.833°N 12.833°E) by HMS Aurora (![]() |
Python | ![]() | World War II: The supply ship was intercepted in the South Atlantic (27°53′S 3°55′W / 27.883°S 3.917°W) by HMS Dorsetshire (![]() ![]() ![]() |
St. Leonard No.1 | ![]() | World War II: The fishing trawler was bombed and sunk in the North Sea (60°58′N 1°10′W / 60.967°N 1.167°W) by Luftwaffe aircraft. Her ten crew were rescued.[7] |
Tasuja | ![]() | World War II: The icebreaker was hit by a German bomb that did not detonate until the ship returned to Kronstadt Harbour, sinking her. Thirteen of her crew were killed.[3] |
2 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Astral | ![]() | World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (35°40′N 24°00′W / 35.667°N 24.000°W) by U-43 (![]() |
British Captain | ![]() | World War II: The tanker struck a mine and sank in the North Sea (52°13′01″N 1°54′14″E / 52.21694°N 1.90389°E) with the loss of one of her 54 crew.[7][9] |
Cavarna | ![]() | World War II: The passenger ship was sunk by a mine in the Black Sea 15 miles (24 km) east of Burgas, Bulgaria.[10][11] |
Cordelia | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Black Sea off Constanța, Romania.[12] |
Fjord | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Estepona, Spain by U-557 (![]() |
Grelhead | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) north of Point Negri, Morocco by U-562 (![]() |
DPk 50 Hollandia | ![]() | World War II: The patrol boat struck a mine and sank in the Baltic Sea off Kolberg.[12] |
M 529 | ![]() | World War II: The Type 1916 minesweeper struck a mine and sank in the Baltic Sea off Kolberg.[12] Ten of her crew were killed.[16][circular reference] |
3 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
F 160 | ![]() | The Type A Marinefährprahm was damaged by heavy seas between Tripoli and Benghazi, Libya when her bow doors failed and was later scuttled. Her crew were rescued by Perseo (![]() |
I-17 | ![]() | The tug foundered in the Gulf of Finland. Her crew were rescued by the destroyer Svirepy (![]() |
Kuha 3 | ![]() | World War II: Continuation War: The minesweeper struck a mine and sank in Björkösund. She was later salvaged, repaired and returned to service.[12] |
Maclaren | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Bristol Channel south of Cardiff, Glamorgan (51°21′21″N 3°17′17″W / 51.35583°N 3.28806°W) with the loss of three of her 31 crew. The wreck was dispersed by explosives between 1 July and 31 December 1943.[7][20] |
OR-9 | ![]() | The patrol boat sank in the Gulf of Finland. Her crew were rescued.[19] |
OR-10 | ![]() | The patrol boat foundered off Hogland.[19] |
Sagadahoc | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (21°20′S 7°50′W / 21.333°S 7.833°W) by U-124 (![]() |
SF 29 | ![]() | The Siebel ferry was wrecked on this date.[citation needed] |
UJ-1708 Faroer | ![]() | World War II: The patrol boat/naval trawler was torpedoed, or shelled, and sunk off Rolvsøy by K-3 (![]() |
Virsaitis | ![]() | World War II: The Virsaitis-class minesweeper struck a mine and sank in the Gulf of Finland off Hanko, Finland. Seventy crewmen and 150 troops were rescued, but 130 troops were killed.[12][19] |
VT-521 | ![]() | ![]() ![]() |
No. 112 | ![]() | The PK-115 Type MO-2 patrol boat was lost on this date.[citation needed] |
4 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Edith Faulbaums | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank off Warnemunde.[7] |
Eridano | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Ionian Sea off Argostoli, Greece by HMS Trusty (![]() |
Vestri | ![]() | World War II: The coaster was bombed and damaged off the Tungenes Lighthouse, Norway, by Royal Air Force aircraft. She was beached and burnt out. Four of her crew were killed.[26] |
5 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Agia Eirini | ![]() | The coaster sank due to a misplaced cargo off Kalamos with the loss of six of the seven people on board.[27] |
HMS Chakdina | ![]() | World War II: The armed boarding vessel was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea between Tobruk, Libya and Alexandria, Egypt (31°11′N 24°30′E / 31.183°N 24.500°E) by a Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero aircraft of the Regia Aeronautica with the loss of around 400 lives among the 600-plus people on board (including 380 wounded and 100 German and Italian prisoners of war). About 200 of the survivors were rescued by HMS Farndale and HMT Thorgrim (both ![]() |
Island | ![]() | World War II: The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Barents Sea (71°07′N 27°54′E / 71.117°N 27.900°E) by HMS Sealion (![]() |
Kai | ![]() | The cargo ship (1,746 GRT, 1921) sank in the Wadden Sea between Terschelling and Ameland, Friesland in a storm. Her nineteen crew were rescued.[31][32] |
6 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Equator | ![]() | The cargo ship ran aground near Luleå, Sweden. She was refloated but consequently sank in the Baltic Sea (65°20′07″N 22°15′00″E / 65.33528°N 22.25000°E). Her crew survived.[33] |
Greenland | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea (52°14′30″N 1°56′30″E / 52.24167°N 1.94167°E) with the loss of nine of her crew.[7] |
Hada County | ![]() | The cargo ship ran aground on Brazil Shoal — a reef off Grand Manan, New Brunswick, Canada (44°36.378′N 066°41.261′W / 44.606300°N 66.687683°W) and was wrecked. There were no casualties.[34][35] |
HMS Perseus | ![]() | World War II: The Parthian-class submarine struck a mine and sank in the Ionian Sea off Zante Cephalonia, Greece with the loss of 60 of her 61 crew. |
Scottish Trader | ![]() | World War II: Convoy SC 56: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south of Iceland by U-131 (![]() |
ShCh-204 | ![]() | World War II: The Shchuka-class submarine was torpedoed and sunk in the Black Sea south south east of Varna, Bulgaria (42°53′N 28°03′E / 42.883°N 28.050°E) by Bulgarian Air Force or Luftwaffe aircraft and/or by Bulgarian Navy submarine chasers with the loss of all 42 crew.[12][37] |
Unnamed | Flag unknown | World War II: A schooner was destroyed with Molotov cocktails by Soviet Special Landing Forces during a raid on Yevpatoria, Soviet Union.[38] |
7 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
USS Arizona | ![]() | ![]() |
USS California | ![]() | World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: The Tennessee-class battleship was torpedoed and sunk by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft with the loss of 100 of her 1,083 crew. She was refloated on 25 March 1942, repaired and returned to service. |
USS Cassin | ![]() | ![]() |
HMS Chantala | ![]() | World War II: The armed boarding vessel struck a mine and sank at Tobruk, Libya with the loss of four of her crew.[7] |
Cynthia Olson | ![]() | ![]() ![]() |
USS Downes | ![]() | World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: The Mahan-class destroyer was bombed and damaged by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft. Initially assessed as a total loss, she was later repaired and returned to service. |
Ha-19 | ![]() | World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: The midget submarine ran aground a number of times near the entrance to Pearl Harbor. Her two-man crew temporarily was overcome by chlorine gas leaking from her battery. Her crew abandoned ship after lighting scuttling charges which failed to detonate. Her commanding officer survived and was captured, becoming the first prisoner-of-war captured by the United States in World War II; her other crewman drowned.[39] |
M-16, and M-22 | ![]() | World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: One of the midget submarines disappeared in or near Pearl Harbor after firing its torpedoes at USS St. Louis (![]() ![]() ![]() |
M-18 | ![]() | World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: Possibly the midget submarine that was depth charged and sunk in Keehi Lagoon near Pearl Harbor.[40] |
M-20 | ![]() | World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: Possibly the midget submarine that was shelled, depth charged, and sunk by the destroyer USS Ward (![]() ![]() |
USS Nevada | ![]() | ![]() |
USS Oglala | ![]() | ![]() |
USS Oklahoma | ![]() | World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: The Nevada-class battleship was torpedoed and sunk by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft with the loss of 429 of her 1,398 crew. |
Sauternes | ![]() | The cargo ship foundered in a gale in Fugloyarfjørður, Faroe Islands with the loss of all 25 people on board.[41] |
Severn Transport | ![]() | World War II: The coaste struck a mine and sank in the Bristol Channel (51°27′N 3°04′W / 51.450°N 3.067°W). Her four crew survived.[7] |
USS Shaw | ![]() | ![]() ![]() |
USS Sotoyomo | ![]() | World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: The harbor tug was sunk while drydocked in YFD-2 (![]() ![]() |
U-208 | ![]() | World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Gibraltar (35°51′N 7°45′W / 35.850°N 7.750°W) by HMS Harvester and HMS Hesperus (both ![]() |
USS Utah | ![]() | ![]() |
USS Vestal | ![]() | ![]() |
Welsh Prince | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and was abandoned in the North Sea off Spurn Head, Yorkshire (53°24′N 0°59′E / 53.400°N 0.983°E. Her 47 crew were rescued. She ran aground, broke in two and sank.[7][44][45] |
USS West Virginia | ![]() | ![]() |
HMCS Windflower | ![]() | World War II: Convoy SC 58: The Flower-class corvette collided with Zypenberg (![]() ![]() ![]() |
8 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Awazisan Maru | ![]() | World War II: The troopship was bombed by a Lockheed Hudson aircraft of 1 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force. She caught fire and was abandoned off Kota Bharu, Malaya (6°08′N 102°16′E / 6.133°N 102.267°E). She was later sunk on 12 December at (6°08′N 102°16′E / 6.133°N 102.267°E) by HNLMS K XII (![]() ![]() |
Capillo | ![]() | World War II: The World War I Design 1022 cargo ship was bombed and damaged in Manila Bay, Philippines by Japanese aircraft. She was scuttled in shallow water off Corregidor by a United States Army demolition team on 11 December. The wreck was bombed again and set afire on 29 or 31 December.[46][49][50] |
Celebes Maru No. 3 | ![]() | World War II: The fishing lugger was strafed and damaged by a Dutch Navy Dornier Do 24 aircraft five miles (8.0 km) south of Sajang Island (00°10′N 129°54′E / 0.167°N 129.900°E). She was beached on the south west tip of Tobi Island (03°00′N 131°07′E / 3.000°N 131.117°E) on 11 December to prevent sinking and was abandoned.[51] |
Fireglow | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine in the North Sea and sank with the loss of a crew member.[7] |
Gertie | ![]() | World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the Irish Sea two nautical miles (3.7 km; 2.3 mi) north east of the Tuskar Rock Lighthouse. Her crew were rescued by the Rosslare lifeboat.[7][52] |
Hai Hsiang | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was sunk by the Japanese at Shanghai. She was raised and scrapped post-war.[7][53] |
Hsin Peking | ![]() | World War II: The ship was beached at the mouth of the Yangtze Estuary to prevent capture. Refloated and put in Japanese service as Rakuzan Maru.[7] |
Lord Shrewsbury | ![]() | World War II: The fishing trawler struck a mine and sank in the North Sea with the loss of all ten crew.[7] |
HMT Milford Earl | ![]() | World War II: The naval trawler was bombed and sunk in Lunan Bay, Angus by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of five of her ten crew.[7][54] |
Nisqually | ![]() | World War II: The World War I Design 1023 ship, converted to a scow, was bombed and sunk by Japanese aircraft at Wake Island.[55] |
USS Penguin | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Guam: The Lapwing-class minesweeper was scuttled in Agana Harbor. |
HMS Peterel | ![]() | World War II: The river gunboat was shelled and sunk at Shanghai, China by Izumo (![]() |
HMT Phineas Beard | ![]() | World War II: The Castle-class naval trawler was bombed and sunk in the North Sea off Peterhead, Aberdeenshire by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of twelve of her crew.[7][12][58] |
HMIS Prabhavati | ![]() | World War II: The patrol vessel, mistaken for a surfaced Japanese submarine, was shelled and sunk in the Indian Ocean just after midnight by HMS Glasgow (![]() |
President Harrison | ![]() | World War II: Under pursuit by Japanese ships and aircraft the United States Navy-chartered passenger ship was run aground on Shaweishan Island off the Yangtze delta at 16 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph) to rip her bottom out and deny her use to the Japanese. President Harrison struck the edge of the island on her port side and then rolled off. The impact ripped a hole 90 feet (27 m) long, but does not reach the engine room spaces. The ship almost turned over, but righted herself. Strong currents then carried her off the rocks and she settled on a mud bank. Her crew and Marines aboard abandoned ship, but the ship's exposed turning propeller splits one lifeboat in half, killing three men and severely injuring many others. She was later refloated, repaired, and put in service by the Japanese as Kakko Maru.[61] |
Ravnaas | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was sunk in the Philippine Sea east of Samar Island by Japanese aircraft.[62] She was subsequently salvaged, repaired and entered Japanese service as Ikutagawa Maru.[63] |
Soochow | ![]() | World War II: The cargo liner was scuttled at Hong Kong. She was raised in 1942, repaired and put in Japanese service as Tozan Maru.[7][64][65] |
HMS St Dominic | ![]() | World War II: The Saint-class tug was sunk by Imperial Japanese Navy surface ships south of the Saddle Islands, near the mouth of the Yangtze.[7][66] |
Sumatra | ![]() | World War II: The ocean liner was scuttled at Phuket, Thailand.[7][67] |
Volpi | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Phuket.[7][68] |
XXVIII Ottobre | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Phuket.[7] |
9 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Bjønn | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Hustadvika, Norway, with the loss of four of her crew.[12][69][70] |
M 1206 Bürgermeister Schmidt | ![]() | World War II: The minesweeper was bombed and sunk in the Bay of Biscay off Brest, Finistère, France by Royal Air Force aircraft.[12] |
Donerail | ![]() | World War II: The tanker was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (approximately 8°N 152°W / 8°N 152°W) by I-10 (![]() |
Kantung | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled as a blockship at Anking, China.[7] |
Kokoku Maru | ![]() | World War II: The auxiliary schooner, serving as a pearling boat mother ship, was bombed and sunk east of Halmahera Island by a Dornier Do 24 aircraft of the Netherlands Naval Aviation Service. Ten of her sixteen crew were killed. Survivors were rescued by Celebes Maru No. 3 (![]() |
Macau | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled as a blockship at Anking.[7] |
Madrid | ![]() | World War II: The depot ship was bombed and sunk in the North Sea off Den Helder, North Holland, Netherlands by Royal Air Force aircraft with the loss of twelve lives.[7][71][72] |
Nimanoa | ![]() | World War II: The ketch was scuttled at Tarawa to prevent capture.[73] |
On Lee | ![]() | World War II: The passenger ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.[7] |
Sebastiano Veniero | ![]() | World War II: The prisoner of war (POW)-carrying requisitioned cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea off Navarino by HMS Porpoise (![]() ![]() ![]() |
Saint Denis | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea south of the Balearic Islands, Spain by U-652 (![]() |
Steinbek | ![]() | World War II: In an instance of naval friendly fire, the cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Barents Sea off Tanafjord, Norway (71°09′N 29°25′E / 71.150°N 29.417°E) by U-134 (![]() |
10 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
HMS Banka | ![]() | World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper struck a mine and sank in the South China Sea off Tioman Island, Philippines with the loss of 43 of her 49 crew.[7][81] |
USS Bittern | ![]() | World War II: The Lapwing-class minesweeper was scuttled in Manila Bay following damage received in an Imperial Japanese Navy air raid on Cavite Navy Yard, Manila, Philippines. |
Cetus | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled in the Philippines. She was later raised, repaired, and put in Japanese service as Hokuhi Maru.[82][83] |
Chungshan | ![]() | The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.[7] |
Harledawins | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea 8 miles (13 km) west of Barigayos Point, Luzon, Philippines by I-124 (![]() |
Helena A | ![]() | The auxiliary sailing ship ran aground on Butaritari, Gilbert Islands and was wrecked.[7] |
Hsin Fuhle | ![]() | World War II: The tug) was sunk at Hong Kong by enemy action.[7] |
I-70 | ![]() | World War II: The Kaidai-class submarine was sunk in the Pacific Ocean (23°45′N 155°35′W / 23.750°N 155.583°W) by Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bomber aircraft based on USS Enterprise (![]() |
Kincorth | ![]() | World War II: The drifter struck a mine and sank in the Irish Sea 7 nautical miles (13 km) off Point Lynas Lighthouse, Anglesey with the loss of all eleven of her crew.[7][85] |
Kirnwood | ![]() | World War II: Convoy SC 57: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (56°57′N 16°35′W / 56.950°N 16.583°W) by U-130 (![]() ![]() |
Kurdistan | ![]() | World War II: Convoy SC 57: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (56°51′N 16°36′W / 56.850°N 16.600°W) by U-130 (![]() ![]() |
M-54 | ![]() | The M-class submarine ran aground in the Black Sea off Tuapse. She was refloated on 30 June 1942 and towed in to Anapa.[19] |
Mauna Ala | ![]() | The cargo ship had been carrying Christmas supplies to Hawaii. Due to the attack on Pearl Harbor, she was rerouted to Portland, Oregon. During the ensuing blackout on the west coast, she ran aground at Clatsop Beach, Oregon (45°30′N 122°45′W / 45.500°N 122.750°W) and was wrecked.[88][89][90] |
Oigawa Maru | ![]() | World War II: Vigan Invasion Force: The Type 1A Standard transport was bombed and damaged off Pandan, near Vigan, Luzon by Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft of the Far East Air Forces' 14th Bomb Squadron. She was beached at Aparri, Philippines. Oigawa Maru was later refloated, repaired, returned to service.[91] |
Oregon | ![]() | The cargo ship collided with USS New Mexico (![]() |
HMS Prince of Wales | ![]() | World War II: Sinking of Prince of Wales and Repulse: The King George V-class battleship was bombed and sunk in the South China Sea east of Kuantan, Malaya by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft with the loss of 327 of her 1,521 crew. |
HMS Repulse | ![]() | World War II: Sinking of Prince of Wales and Repulse: The Renown-class battlecruiser was bombed and sunk in the South China Sea east of Kuantan by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft with the loss of 508 of her 967 crew. |
USS Santa Rita | ![]() | World War II: The ferry launch was bombed and sunk during the Imperial Japanese Navy air raid on Cavite Navy Yard.[46] |
Sagoland | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged at Manila by Japanese aircraft. She sank the next day.[7] |
USS Sealion | ![]() | World War II: The Sargo-class submarine was bombed and damaged at Cavite Navy Yard by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft. She was scuttled on 25 December owing to damage received and damage done to the navy yard which precluded repairs being carried out. |
Star of Luxor | ![]() | World War II: Convoy SC 57: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (56°57′N 16°35′W / 56.950°N 16.583°W) by U-130 (![]() ![]() |
Taiyuan | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged at Manila by Japanese aircraft. She was repaired and returned to service.[94] |
Takao Maru | ![]() | World War II: Vigan Invasion Force: The Takao Maru-class transport ship was bombed by United States Army Air Forces aircraft at Santa, Ilocos Sur, Luzon (17°29′N 120°26′E / 17.483°N 120.433°E) and was beached. She was destroyed on 5 March 1942 by Philippine guerrillas and later stripped for usable parts.[95][96] |
TKA-12 | ![]() | The torpedo boat was holed by ice and sank in the Baltic Sea. Her crew were rescued by the minesweeper T-205 (![]() |
W-10 | ![]() | World War II: Vigan Invasion Force: The No.7-class minesweeper was strafed, exploded, and sank off Pandan 17°32′N 120°22′E / 17.533°N 120.367°E by a Seversky P-35 aircraft of the Far East Air Forces' 34th Pursuit Squadron. The explosion blew a wing off the aircraft and it crashed into the sea.[7][97] |
W-19 | ![]() | World War II: The No.19-class minesweeper was bombed and damaged off Luzon by Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft of the Far East Air Forces' 14th Bomb Squadron. She was beached at Aparri 18°22′N 121°38′E / 18.367°N 121.633°E. She was declared a total loss.[7][98] |
11 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Alcione | ![]() | World War II: The Spica-class torpedo boat was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea (36°20′N 20°33′E / 36.333°N 20.550°E) off Suda Bay, Crete, Greece by HMS Truant (![]() |
Alphar | ![]() | World War II: The fishing vessel was shelled and sunk off Mylingen by K-22 (![]() |
Ammiraglio Caracciolo | ![]() | World War II: The Cagni-class submarine was depth charged, shelled, and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea (32°09′N 25°19′E / 32.150°N 25.317°E) by HMS Farndale (![]() |
Apsheron | ![]() | World War II: The tanker struck a mine and sank in the Black Sea off Sevastopol.[104] |
Borgar | ![]() | World War II: The fishing vessel was shelled and sunk off Mylingen by K-22 (![]() |
Calitea | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 90 nautical miles (170 km) off Cape Matapan (36°23′N 20°33′E / 36.383°N 20.550°E) by HMS Talisman (![]() |
Hai Tung | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the South China Sea (5°08′N 104°32′E / 5.133°N 104.533°E) by I-156 (![]() |
Hayate | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Wake Island: The Kamikaze-class destroyer was sunk off Wake Island by shore based artillery with the loss of 168 of her crew. Only one survivor was rescued. |
Kisaragi | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Wake Island: The Mutsuki-class destroyer was bombed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 30 nautical miles (56 km) south west of Wake Island (18°55′N 166°17′E / 18.917°N 166.283°E) by a Grumman F4F Wildcat aircraft of the VMF-211, United States Marine Corps with the loss of all 154 crew.[107] |
HMT Lady Shirley | ![]() | World War II: The naval trawler was torpedoed and sunk in the Strait of Gibraltar (35°59′N 5°17′W / 35.983°N 5.283°W) by U-374 (![]() |
Lahaina | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship as torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (27°42′N 147°38′W / 27.700°N 147.633°W) by I-9 (![]() ![]() |
Nanning | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.[49] She was salvaged in 1942 and entered Japanese service asNannei Maru.[110] |
HMY Rosabelle | ![]() | World War II: The armed yacht was torpedoed and sunk in the Strait of Gibraltar (35°59′N 5°17′W / 35.983°N 5.283°W) by U-374 (![]() ![]() |
Sofia | ![]() | World War II: The coaster was torpedoed and sunk north west of Suda Bay by HMS Torbay (![]() |
Tinley | ![]() | World War II: The coaster was scuttled at Hong Kong.[7] |
Wawa | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong. She was raised, repaired and put in Japanese service in May 1943 as Awa Maru.[49][113][114] |
No. 12, and No. 42 | ![]() | The D-3-class motor torpedo boats were lost on this date.[citation needed] |
No. 303, No. 307, and No. 407 | ![]() | The MO-4-class motor anti-submarine boats were lost on this date.[citation needed] |
12 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Admiral Y. S. Williams | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.[49] She was later salvaged, and entered Japanese service as Tatsutama Maru.[115] |
Ariadne Moller | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong. She was raised, repaired and put in Japanese service as Chikuzan Maru.[49][116][117] |
Atlas | ![]() | World War II: The transport ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (31°42′N 19°07′E / 31.700°N 19.117°E) by HMS Thrasher (![]() |
Awazisan Maru | ![]() | World War II: The troopship was abandoned off Kota Bharu, Malaya on 8 December after being bombed by a Lockheed Hudson aircraft of No. 11 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, and catching fire, she was sunk at (6°08′N 102°16′E / 6.133°N 102.267°E) by the submarine HNLMS K XII (![]() |
Bencleuch | ![]() | The cargo ship caught fire and was abandoned in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Cape Farewell, Greenland (53°10′N 38°00′W / 53.167°N 38.000°W). She later sank. The cause of the fire may have been sabotage.[119][120] |
Dromore Castle | ![]() | World War II: The British Standard WWI modified Type B cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 20 nautical miles (37 km; 23 mi) south south east of the mouth of the Humber (53°29′08″N 0°52′00″E / 53.48556°N 0.86667°E). Her 55 crew were rescued.[7][121][122] |
Governor Wright | ![]() | World War II: The passenger ship was bombed and sunk in the Visayan Sea off Cebu (12°55′N 123°55′E / 12.917°N 123.917°E) by Japanese aircraft.[7][123] |
Haraldsvang | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong. She was raised by the Japanese in June 1942 and renamed Toryu Maru.[49][124] |
Hydra II | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea off Mindoro, Philippines by USS S-38 (![]() |
Joan Moller | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong. She was raised, repaired and put in Japanese service as Gyoryu Maru.[49][116][125] |
Kampar | ![]() | World War II: The auxiliary anti-submarine ship was bombed and damaged at Penang, Malaya by Japanese aircraft and was beached and abandoned. She was bombed again the next day and her magazine exploded. The vessel was declared a total loss. Her crew were rescued. Japanese began repairs in place in March 1943, which were finished on 15 July 1943. She was put in Japanese service as Kasumi Maru.[7][126] |
Manatawny | ![]() | World War II: The former World War I Design 1022 ship, converted to a sardine factory ship, was bombed and damaged in Manila Bay by Japanese aircraft. She sank on 11 January 1942.[127] |
Marion | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled in the Philippines.[82] |
HMS Moth | ![]() | World War II: The Insect-class gunboat was scuttled at Hong Kong. She was later salvaged by the Japanese and entered Imperial Japanese Navy service as Suma. |
P III | ![]() | World War II. The cargo schooner was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Drepano, Greece by HMS Torbay (![]() |
Southern Sea | ![]() | The ocean liner ran aground off Libreville, French Equatorial Africa and was wrecked.[129] |
HMS Tamar | ![]() | World War II: The receiving ship was scuttled by shelling by the Royal Artillery at Hong Kong.[130] |
Tanjong | ![]() | World War II: The ferry was bombed and sunk at Penang by Japanese aircraft.[7] |
Toro Maru | ![]() | World War II: The transport ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea off Kota Bharu (06°08′N 102°16′E / 6.133°N 102.267°E) by HNLMS K XII (![]() |
HMS Tung Wo | ![]() | World War II: The armed examination vessel was bombed and damaged at Penang. One Chinese crewman was mortally wounded. She was bombed again and abandoned the next day. She eventually sank. HMS Tung Wo was refloated sometime in 1942, repaired and put in Japanese service as Dowa Maru.[7][132] |
V 5101 Blitz | ![]() | World War II: The vorpostenboot was torpedoed and sunk in Nordfjord by Royal Air Force aircraft.[12][133] |
Vincent | ![]() | World War II: The tanker was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Pitcairn Island (22°41′S 118°19′W / 22.683°S 118.317°W) by Aikoku Maru and Hōkoku Maru (both ![]() |
Warrian | ![]() | The cargo ship sank in the Gulf of Guinea.[137] |
13 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Alberico da Barbiano | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Cape Bon: The Giussano-class cruiser was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Bon Tunisia by the 4th Destroyer Flotilla, Royal Navy.[Note 2][7] |
Alberto di Giussano | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Cape Bon: The Giussano-class cruiser was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Bon by the 4th Destroyer Flotilla, Royal Navy.[7] |
Asosan Maru | ![]() | World War II: Patani Siam (Thailand) Invasion Unit: The Asosan Maru-class transport ship was torpedoed and beached, or sank in shallow water, in the Gulf of Siam at Pattani, Thailand by HNLMS O 16 (![]() |
Badalona | ![]() | World War II: The tanker was stopped, torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (36°43′N 3°30′W / 36.717°N 3.500°W) by U-453 (![]() |
Carlo del Greco | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) off Capo Vito, Sicily (40°10′N 7°50′E / 40.167°N 7.833°E) by HMS Upright (![]() |
Chung On | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.[7] |
Fabio Filzi | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km; 17 mi) off Capo Vito (40°10′N 17°50′E / 40.167°N 17.833°E) by HMS Upright (![]() |
Kinka Maru | ![]() | World War II: Patani Siam (Thailand) Invasion Unit: The transport ship was torpedoed and beached, or sank in shallow water, in the Gulf of Siam at Pattani by HNLMS O 16 (![]() |
Nikkoku Maru | ![]() | The transport ship ran aground off Samah, Hainan Island. She broke in two and sank on 18 December due to heavy wave action.[142] |
Taizan Maru | ![]() | World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea off Cape Ca Mau, French Indo-China by HNLMS K XII (![]() |
Toro Maru | ![]() | The Taiko Maru-class transport ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea off Cape Kuantan, Singora, Thailand (06°08′N 102°16′E / 6.133°N 102.267°E) by HNLMS K XII (![]() |
Tozan Maru | ![]() | World War II: Patani Siam (Thailand) Invasion Unit: The Tosan Maru-class transport ship was torpedoed and sank in shallow water, in the Gulf of Siam at Pattani by HNLMS O 16 (![]() |
No. 305 | ![]() | The PK-115 Type MO-2 patrol boat was lost on this date.[citation needed] |
No. 307, No. 405, and No. 406 | ![]() | The MO-4-class motor anti-submarine boats were lost on this date.[citation needed] |
14 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Cassequel | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (35°08′N 11°14′W / 35.133°N 11.233°W) by U-108 (![]() ![]() |
HMS Galatea | ![]() | World War II: The Arethusa-class cruiser may have been torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea off Alexandria, Egypt (34°01′N 26°02′E / 34.017°N 26.033°E) by Dagabur (![]() ![]() ![]() |
Høegh Merchant | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 29 nautical miles (54 km; 33 mi) off Cape Makapuu, Oahu, Hawaii, United States by I-4 (![]() ![]() |
Lofjord | ![]() | The accommodation ship caught fire at Danzig-Neufahrwasser with the loss of 28 lives and was declared a total loss. She was subsequently used as a target ship. Lofjord was scrapped in 1951.[148] |
HMS MA/SB 30 | ![]() | The motor anti-submarine boat sank after hitting the Humber boom.[149] |
Miharu Maru | ![]() | The cargo ship foundered south of Hokkaido.[150] |
HMS MTB 68 | ![]() | The Thorneycroft 55-foot-class motor torpedo boat collided with HMS MTB 215 (![]() |
Topaz | ![]() | World War II: The coaster was bombed and sunk in the North Sea off the coast of Norway by Allied aircraft with the loss of all six crew.[151] |
Wilhelmina | ![]() | The cargo ship was wrecked at Kammarbrinken, Utlangen.[152] |
Zuiko Maru | ![]() | The auxiliary gunboat dragged her anchor in a storm and grounded on a reef off Matsura Jima, Kuril Islands. All of her crew, except 13 who remained aboard, were rescued by Ishigaki and Kaiko Maru (both ![]() |
15 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Agios Georgios | ![]() | World War II: The sailing vessel was shelled and sunk by HMS Torbay (![]() |
Empire Barracuda | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HG 76: The Design 1022 ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (35°30′N 6°17′W / 35.500°N 6.283°W) by U-77 (![]() ![]() |
Indira | ![]() | World War II: The tug/auxiliary minesweeper was bombed and sunk at Hong Kong by Japanese aircraft.[49] |
Kyriakula | ![]() | World War II: The sailing vessel was shelled and sunk by HMS Torbay (![]() |
HNLMS O 16 | ![]() | World War II: The submarine struck a mine and sank off Troman Island with the loss of 41 of her 42 crew.[7][157] |
USS PT-33 | ![]() | The PT boat was lost to grounding off Cape Santiago, Luzon, Philippines.[158] |
HMS Thracian | ![]() | The S-class destroyer ran aground at high speed and was damaged at Hong Kong. She was refloated and continued in service.[159] |
U-127 | ![]() | World War II: The Type IXC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape St. Vincent, Portugal (36°27′N 9°12′W / 36.450°N 9.200°W) by HMAS Nestor (![]() |
Viscaya | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled in Manila Bay.[82] |
Three unnamed vessels | ![]() | World War II: British Borneo (Sarawak) Invasion Convoy: The three Daihatsu-class landing craft capsized when lowered into the water from a transport during a storm off Miri. Nineteen Imperial Japanese Army troops were killed and fifteen were reported missing.[160] |
16 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Atsutasan Maru | ![]() | World War II: The Aosan Maru-class auxiliary anti-aircraft transport was torpedoed and damaged in the East China Sea south of Samah, China (18°06′N 109°44′E / 18.100°N 109.733°E) by USS Swordfish (![]() |
Halldor | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled, or bombed and sunk, at Hong Kong. She was salvaged by the Japanese, repaired and entered service as Haruna Maru.[49][163] |
LCT 11 | ![]() | The Landing Craft, Tank foundered off Sollum, Egypt.[164] |
MTB 8 | ![]() | World War II: The BPB 60-foot-class motor torpedo boat was bombed, set on fire, and sunk at Hong Kong by Japanese aircraft.[49] |
Nidardal | ![]() | World War II: Convoy SC 58: The cargo ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean (56°07′N 21°00′W / 56.117°N 21.000°W). Her 25 crew were rescued by HMCS Pictou (![]() |
Parthian | ![]() | The fishing trawler was sunk in a collision off the Isle of Lewis.[167] |
U-557 | ![]() | The Type VIIC submarine was accidentally rammed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea west of Crete, Greece by Orione (![]() |
Two unnamed ships | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Hong Kong: The two anchored steamships were shelled and sunk in Kowloon Bay, 1,000 yards (910 m) east of the electric power station by HMS Thracian (![]() |
17 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Col. William B. Cowin | ![]() | The ferry sank in 75 feet (23 m) of water within 30 minutes of striking the Hens and Chickens Reef in Buzzards Bay off Westport, Massachusetts, three nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi) east-southeast of Gooseberry Island (41°28.3′N 070°58.8′W / 41.4717°N 70.9800°W).[169] |
Corregidor | ![]() | World War II: The passenger ship (1,676t) struck a mine and sank in Manila Bay off Corregidor Island. Between 900 and 1,200 people lost their lives, while 282 survivors rescued by USS PT-32, USS PT-34, and USS PT-35 (all ![]() |
Lina | ![]() | World War II: The tanker was bombed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea north west of Tripoli, Libya (33°58′N 12°03′E / 33.967°N 12.050°E) by Fairey Swordfish of 803 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm. Two of her 22 crew were killed. The survivors, including three wounded, were rescued by the rescue ship Laurana (![]() |
M-59 | ![]() | World War II: The M-class submarine was depth charged and sunk by the destroyer Regele Ferdinand (![]() |
Manini | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 108 nautical miles (200 km; 124 mi) south of Hawaii by I-75 (![]() ![]() ![]() |
Olivia H | ![]() | The motor vessel sank at Dayville, Territory of Alaska (60°05′N 146°21′W / 60.083°N 146.350°W).[175] |
Ro-66 | ![]() | World War II: The Ro-60-class submarine collided with Ro-62 (![]() |
Shinonome | ![]() | World War II: Invasion of British Borneo (Sarawak): Invasion Convoy: The Fubuki-class destroyer was bombed, exploded and sunk in the South China Sea off Miri, Sarawak (4°24′N 114°00′E / 4.400°N 114.000°E) by Dornier Do 24 aircraft of GVT-7, Netherlands Naval Aviation Service with the loss of all hands (some 221 officers and sailors).[177] |
HMS Thracian | ![]() | World War II: The S-class destroyerwas deliberately run aground off Round Island, between Repulse Bay and Deepwater Bay, Hong Kong. She was later salvaged by the Japanese and entered Imperial Japanese Navy service as Patrol Boat No. 101.[178] |
U-131 | ![]() | World War II: The Type IXC submarine was depth charged, torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Madeira, Portugal (34°12′N 13°35′W / 34.200°N 13.583°W) by ships of the 36th Escort Group[Note 3] and Grumman Martlet aircraft of 802 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm based on HMS Audacity (![]() ![]() |
18 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
Navarga | ![]() | World War II: The naval trawler was bombed and sunk at Vostochnaya Liza by Junkers Ju 88 aircraft of the Luftwaffe. Her crew survived, some were wounded.[12][179] |
Perekop | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the South China Sea east of the Natuna Islands, Netherlands East Indies by Japanese aircraft with the loss of eight of her 40 crew.[49][180][181] |
NN 02 Steinbock | ![]() | The naval whaler ran aground at Seiskjær, near Bodø, Norway (67°44′N 14°26′E / 67.733°N 14.433°E). She later sank.[182] |
U-434 | ![]() | World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north of Madeira, Portugal (36°15′N 15°48′W / 36.250°N 15.800°W) by HMS Blankney and HMS Stanley (both ![]() |
19 December
[edit]Ship | State | Description |
---|---|---|
HMS Aldgate | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Hong Kong: The Moorgate-class boom defence vessel was scuttled at Hong Kong.[49] |
HMS Alliance | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Hong Kong: The Alliance-class tug was scuttled in Deepwater Bay, Hong Kong.[183] |
HMS Barlight | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Hong Kong: The Bar-class boom defence vessel was scuttled at Hong Kong. She was later raised, repaired and taken into Imperial Japanese Navy service as Ma-101.[49] |
HMS Cornflower | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Hong Kong: The Arabis-class sloop was scuttled at Hong Kong.[184] |
RFA Ebonol | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Hong Kong: The tanker was scuttled at Hong Kong. She was later salvaged by the Japanese, repaired and entered Imperial Japanese Navy service as Enoshima Maru.[49] |
Ferruccio | ![]() | World War II: The coaster collided with another ship and sank at Tripoli, Libya.[49] |
Jinsei Maru | ![]() | World War II: The auxiliary patrol ship was lost on this date.[citation needed] |
Kong Haakon VII, and Myrmidon | ![]() ![]() | The cargo ship Kong Haakon VII collided with the ocean liner Myrmidon at Whiteinch, Renfrewshire on being launched. Both vessels were severely damaged.[185] |
Krechet | ![]() | World War II: The ship was reported as bombed and sunk at Hong Kong by Japanese aircraft,[49][181] but other sources say she was sunk by Japanese artillery,[186] or point out that she might have also been targeted by British artillery from Kowloon.[187] |
HMS MTB 12 | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Hong Kong: The motor torpedo boat was sunk at Hong Kong by Japanese landing craft.[49][188] |
HMS MTB 26 | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Hong Kong: The motor torpedo boat was sunk at Hong Kong by Japanese landing craft. Her commanding officer was killed.[189][190] |
Man Kim | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Hong Kong: The ferry was scuttled at Hong Kong.[49] |
Man Kung | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Hong Kong: The ferry was scuttled at Hong Kong.[49] |
Mouette | ![]() | World War II: The fishing boat struck a mine and sank in the Bristol Channel off Minehead, Somerset with the loss of two of her crew.[49] |
HMS Neptune | ![]() | World War II: First Battle of Sirte: The Leander-class cruiser struck a mine and was sunk off Sirte, Libya with the loss of all but one of her 767 crew. |
HNLMS O 20 | ![]() | World War II: The O 19-class submarine was shelled and sunk in the South China Sea by Uranami (![]() |
HMS Poet Chaucer | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Hong Kong: The tug was scuttled in Deepwater Bay.[191] |
Prusa | ![]() | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 150 nautical miles (280 km; 170 mi) south of Hawaii (17°30′N 157°00′W / 17.500°N 157.000°W) by I-72 (![]() ![]() |
HMS Redstart | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Hong Kong: The minelayer was scuttled at Hong Kong.[49] |
Ruckinge | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HG 76: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (38°20′N 17°15′W / 38.333°N 17.250°W) by U-108 (![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Sergei Lazo | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Hong Kong: The ship was reported as bombed and sunk at Hong Kong by Japanese aircraft,[49][193] but other sources say she was sunk by Japanese artillery.[186] or point out that she might have also been targeted by British artillery from Kowloon.[194] She was later refloated.[193] |
Simferopol | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Hong Kong: The ship was reported as bombed and sunk at Hong Kong by Japanese aircraft,[49][193] but other sources say she was sunk by Japanese artillery[186] or point out that she might have also been targeted by British artillery from Kowloon.[187] She was later refloated.[193] |
HMS Stanley | ![]() | World War II: Convoy HG 76: The Town-class destroyer was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (38°12′N 17°23′W / 38.200°N 17.383°W) by U-574 (![]() ![]() |
Svirstroi | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Hong Kong: The ship was reported as bombed and sunk at Hong Kong by Japanese aircraft,[49][193] but other sources say she was sunk by Japanese artillery[186] or point out that she might have also been targeted by British artillery from Kowloon.[194] She was later refloated.[193] |
HMS Tern | ![]() | World War II: Battle of Hong Kong: The gunboat was scuttled at Hong Kong.[49] |
U-574 | ![]() | World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged, rammed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (38°12′N 17°23′W / 38.200� |