List of shipwrecks in May 1942

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The list of shipwrecks in May 1942 includes all ships sunk, foundered, grounded, or otherwise lost during May 1942.

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

1 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 1 May 1942
Ship State Description
Angarstroy  Soviet Union World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 32 nautical miles (59 km) off the coast of Japan by USS Grenadier ( United States Navy). All aboard, 46 crew and 14 passengers, were rescued by Kayo Maru ( Japan).[1][2]
Bidevind  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (40°13′N 73°46′W / 40.217°N 73.767°W / 40.217; -73.767) by U-752 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 36 crew survived.[3]
Calcutta Maru  Imperial Japanese Army World War II: The Somedono Maru-class transport ship was torpedoed and sunk in the East China Sea (28°11′N 123°55′E / 28.183°N 123.917°E / 28.183; 123.917) off Wenchow, China by USS Triton ( United States Navy). Four crewmen and 50 passengers were killed. Survivors were rescued by Boko Maru and Kaisoku Maru (both  Japan).[4]
James E. Newsom Canada Canada World War II: The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 370 nautical miles (690 km) north east of Bermuda (35°50′N 59°40′W / 35.833°N 59.667°W / 35.833; -59.667) by U-69 ( Kriegsmarine). Her nine crew survived.[5]
La Paz  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged off Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States (28°30′N 80°10′W / 28.500°N 80.167°W / 28.500; -80.167) by U-109 ( Kriegsmarine) and was beached. She was repaired, and returned to service on 7 October 1942 as a ship of the United States Maritime Commission.[6][7][8]
Mizuho  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The seaplane tender was torpedoed in the Pacific Ocean 40 miles (64 km) off Omae Zaki by USS Drum ( United States Navy) before midnight. She sank in the early hours of 2 May. with the loss of 101 of her 574 crew. Survivors were rescued by Takao ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[9]
Oi Maru No. 2  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Kitakami Maru-class auxiliary storeship was sunk by a defensive mine at Maloelap Atoll, Marshall Islands.[10]
Parnahyba Brazil Brazil World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Caribbean Sea off Trinidad (10°12′N 57°16′W / 10.200°N 57.267°W / 10.200; -57.267) by U-162 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of seven of her 72 crew. Survivors were rescued by Turret Cape ( Canada).[11][12][13]
HMS Punjabi  Royal Navy The Tribal-class destroyer was rammed and sunk in the Greenland Sea by HMS King George V ( Royal Navy) with the loss of 49 of her 258 crew.
Tsiolkovsky  Soviet Union World War II: Convoy QP 11: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Barents Sea (71°46′N 34°30′E / 71.767°N 34.500°E / 71.767; 34.500) by U-589 ( Kriegsmarine). She then straggled behind the convoy and was sunk by Z24 and Z25 (both  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 27 of her 41 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Lord Middleton ( Royal Navy).[14]
U-573  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea (approximately 37°N 1°E / 37°N 1°E / 37; 1) by a Lockheed Hudson aircraft of 233 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of one of her 44 crew. She put into Cartagena due to damage received and was interned. She was sold to the Spanish Navy in August 1942, serving until 1970 as G-7 and S-01.

2 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 2 May 1942
Ship State Description
Bengalen  Netherlands World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Sourabaya, Netherlands East Indies to prevent capture by the Japanese.[15]
Botavon  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy PQ 15: The cargo ship was torpedoed by aircraft of 1 Staffeln, Kampfgeschwader 26, Luftwaffe whilst anchored at 73°02′N 19°46′E / 73.033°N 19.767°E / 73.033; 19.767. She was on a voyage from Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, via Reykjavík, Iceland, to Murmansk, Soviet Union with government stores. Twenty-one of her 73 crew were killed. The wreck was sunk by a convoy escort the next day.[16][17]
Calderon  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (31°05′30″N 29°07′00″E / 31.09167°N 29.11667°E / 31.09167; 29.11667) by Axis aircraft. Her crew survived.[18]
Cape Corso  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy PQ 15: The cargo ship was sunk in the Norwegian Sea (73°02′N 19°46′E / 73.033°N 19.767°E / 73.033; 19.767) by Luftwaffe torpedo bomber aircraft whilst in a convoy to the Soviet Union. Of her complement of 56, only 6 survived.[19][20]
USS Cythera  United States Navy World War II: The naval yacht was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 115 nautical miles (213 km) east of Cape Fear, North Carolina (33°15′N 75°26′W / 33.250°N 75.433°W / 33.250; -75.433), by U-402 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 69 of her 71 crew. Survivors were taken on board U-402 as prisoners of war.[21]
HMS Edinburgh  Royal Navy World War II: Convoy QP 11: The Town-class cruiser was torpedoed and sunk in the Kola Inlet by the destroyer Z24 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 58 of her 750 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Gossamer and HMS Harrier (both  Royal Navy).
Z7 Hermann Schoemann  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type 1934A-class destroyer was shelled and damaged in the Barents Sea off Bear Island, Norway by HMS Edinburgh ( Royal Navy) and was consequently scuttled by her crew. Most of her crew rescued by Z24, with 56 being rescued by U-88 (both  Kriegsmarine).[22]
ORP Jastrząb  Polish Navy World War II: The S-class submarine was shelled and damaged in the Barents Sea by HMS Seagull ( Royal Navy) and HNoMS St. Albans ( Royal Norwegian Navy) with the loss of five crew. Once the error was realised, both ships rescued the survivors, and Jastrząb was scuttled by HMS Seagull at 71°30′N 12°32′E / 71.500°N 12.533°E / 71.500; 12.533.[23]
Jutland  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy PQ 15: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and damaged in the Barents Sea by an aircraft of Kampfgeschwader 26, Luftwaffe with the loss of one of the 62 people on board. Survivors abandoned ship and were rescued by HMS Badsworth ( Royal Navy). Jutland was torpedoed and sunk on 3 May at 73°02′N 19°46′E / 73.033°N 19.767°E / 73.033; 19.767 by U-251 ( Kriegsmarine).[24][25]
USS Mindanao  United States Navy World War II: The gunboat was scuttled in Manila Bay, Philippines.
Otto Leonhardt  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea off Sfax, Tunisia by HMS Proteus ( Royal Navy). She was beached and did not see further service at sea.[26]
RFA Sandar  Royal Fleet Auxiliary World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (11°42′N 61°10′W / 11.700°N 61.167°W / 11.700; -61.167) by U-66 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of her 37 crew. Survivors were rescued by Alcoa Pilot ( United States).[27] Sandar was on a voyage from Trinidad to Gibraltar.[28][29]
U-74  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIB submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cartagena, Spain (37°16′N 00°01′E / 37.267°N 0.017°E / 37.267; 0.017) by HMS Wishart and HMS Wrestler (both  Royal Navy) with the loss of all 47 crew.[30]
Uzan Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off the south east coast of Honshū (33°26′N 135°52′E / 33.433°N 135.867°E / 33.433; 135.867) by USS Trout ( United States Navy).[31]

3 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 3 May 1942
Ship State Description
British Workman  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ON 89: The tanker straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Cape Race, Dominion of Newfoundland (44°07′N 51°53′W / 44.117°N 51.883°W / 44.117; -51.883) by U-455 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of her 53 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMCS Alberni and HMCS Assiniboine (both  Royal Canadian Navy).[32]
Col. George F. E. Harrison  United States Army World War II: The Speedwell-class mine planter was bombed and damaged off Corregidor, Philippines. Four of her crew were killed. She was scuttled the next day in Mariveles Bay She was raised, repaired and put into Imperial Japanese Navy service as Harushima.[33][34][35]
El Lago  United States The tanker ran aground on Execution Rock in Long Island Sound. She received assistance from vessels of the Eastern Sea Frontier and was refloated at 02:15 on 4 May.[36]
Konsul Karl Fisser  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the Norwegian Sea off Ålesund, Norway by aircraft of 608 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Her crew survived.[23][37][38] She was refloated on 30 September 1957 and re-sunk in deeper water.[39]
Laertes  Netherlands World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States (28°21′N 80°23′W / 28.350°N 80.383°W / 28.350; -80.383) by U-109 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eighteen of her 66 crew. Survivors either reached land in their lifeboat, or were rescued by a United States Navy aircraft. The wreck was partially demolished to provide 38 feet (12 m) of clearance.[40][6]
Ocean Venus  United Kingdom World War II: The Ocean ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 12 nautical miles (22 km) east south east of Cape Canaveral (28°23′N 80°21′W / 28.383°N 80.350°W / 28.383; -80.350) by U-564 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of five of her 47 crew. The wreck was later partially demolished to provide 40 feet (12 m) of clearance.[41][42][6]
Sama  Nicaragua World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (25°04′N 79°45′W / 25.067°N 79.750°W / 25.067; -79.750) by U-506 ( Kriegsmarine). Her fourteen crew were rescued by Athelregent ( United Kingdom).[43]
San Rafael  Dominican Republic World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea (18°36′N 79°12′W / 18.600°N 79.200°W / 18.600; -79.200) by U-125 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 38 crew.[44]

4 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 4 May 1942
Ship State Description
Eastern Sword  United States World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) off the Georgetown Lighthouse, British Guiana (7°10′N 57°58′W / 7.167°N 57.967°W / 7.167; -57.967) by U-162 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of sixteen of her 29 crew. One survivor was rescued by the fishing vessel Ocean Star ( British Guiana), the rest made land in their lifeboat.[45]
Eclipse  United Kingdom World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States (26°30′N 80°00′W / 26.500°N 80.000°W / 26.500; -80.000) by U-564 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 47 crew. She was later salvaged and repaired. Eclipse returned to service in December 1942.[46]
Empire Story  United Kingdom The cargo ship ran aground on Briar Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, and was abandoned. She refloated herself and was later taken in tow by Foundation Franklin (Canada Canada) with the intention of taking her to Digby, Nova Scotia, but she capsized and sank at 44°35′N 66°19′W / 44.583°N 66.317°W / 44.583; -66.317.[47]
Florence M. Douglas  United Kingdom World War II: The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (7°55′N 58°10′W / 7.917°N 58.167°W / 7.917; -58.167) by U-162 ( Kriegsmarine). Her crew survived.[48]
Herrenwyk  Germany World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Bay of Kiel.[49]
Kikuzuki  Imperial Japanese Navy
Kikuzuki

World War II: Operation Mo: The Mutsuki-class destroyer was torpedoed in Tulagi Harbor, Solomon Islands by aircraft from USS Yorktown ( United States Navy). Twelve of her 154 crew were killed, and 22 were wounded. Kikuzuki was beached on Florida Island to avoid sinking, but slid off the beach during the next high tide on 5 May and sank. Her wreck later was refloated and beached again by United States Army engineers.[50]

Kinjosan Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The armed merchant cruiser was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (09°25′N 151°51′E / 9.417°N 151.850°E / 9.417; 151.850) off Truk, South Seas Mandate by USS Greenling ( United States Navy). On 7 May twenty-three survivors were rescued from a raft by Hokkai Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy). On 13 May three survivors were rescued by Yamasimo Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[51][52][53]
Klaus Fritzen  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Måløy, Norway by aircraft of Coastal Command, Royal Air Force.[23][26]
Kongosan Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The auxiliary gunboat was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean south east of Honshū (33°32′N 136°05′E / 33.533°N 136.083°E / 33.533; 136.083) by USS Trout ( United States Navy).[31]
Norlindo  United States World War II: The Design 1074 ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico 80 nautical miles (150 km) north west of Dry Tortugas Island (24°57′N 84°00′W / 24.950°N 84.000°W / 24.950; -84.000) by U-507 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of five of her 28 crew. Survivors were rescued by San Blas ( Panama).[54]
USS Pigeon  United States Navy World War II: The submarine rescue vessel, a former Lapwing-class minesweeper was bombed and sunk at Corregidor, Philippines, by a Japanese dive bomber.
Sizilien  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the North Sea off Borkum by aircraft of Coastal Command, Royal Air Force.[26]
Tama Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: Operation Mo: The auxiliary minesweeper was damaged in Purvis Bay, Florida Island, Solomon Islands, by aircraft from USS Yorktown ( United States Navy), sinking on 6 May. Four of her crew were killed and seven were wounded. (Look 06/05/1942)[55][56]
USS Tanager  United States Navy World War II: The Lapwing-class minesweeper was sunk at Corregidor by Japanese shore-based artillery.[57]
Tuscaloosa City  United States World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 200 nautical miles (370 km) west of Negrit, Jamaica (18°25′N 81°31′W / 18.417°N 81.517°W / 18.417; -81.517) by U-125 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 34 crew were rescued by Falcon ( United States).[58]
Wa-1  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: Operation Mo: The Wa-1-class auxiliary minesweeper (215 t, 1942) was sunk in Purvis Bay, Florida Island, Solomon Islands, by aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown ( United States Navy).[55]
Wa-2  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: Operation Mo: The Wa-1-class auxiliary minesweeper (215 t, 1942) was sunk in Purvis Bay, Florida Island, Solomon Islands by aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown ( United States Navy).[55]
Wartenfels  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Diégo-Suarez, Madagascar.[23] She was later raised and repaired, and entered British service as Empire Tugela.[26]
Four unnamed barges  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: Operation Mo: Four barges, probably landing barges, were sunk in Purvis Bay, Florida Island, Solomon Islands, by aircraft from USS Yorktown ( United States Navy),[59]

5 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 5 May 1942
Ship State Description
Afoundria  United States World War II: The Design 1022 cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 8 nautical miles (15 km) north of the Le Male Lighthouse, Haiti (19°59′N 73°26′W / 19.983°N 73.433°W / 19.983; -73.433). All 46 people on board were rescued by USS Mulberry ( United States Navy).[60]
HMS Auricula  Royal Navy World War II: Battle of Madagascar: The Flower-class corvette struck a mine in the Indian Ocean off the northern tip of Madagascar. She was taken in tow by HMS Freesia ( Royal Navy) but sank the next day. Her crew survived.[61]
Bévéziers France Vichy France World War II: Battle of Madagascar: The Agosta-class submarine was bombed and sunk in Currier Bay, Diego Suarez, Madagascar (12°16′S 49°17′E / 12.267°S 49.283°E / -12.267; 49.283). Her crew lost two killed and one wounded in the sinking, and then took part in the land battle in the next days with the loss of five more killed and eight wounded.[62][63]
Bougainville France Vichy France World War II: Battle of Madagascar: The armed merchant cruiser was bombed and sunk at Diego Suarez by Royal Navy aircraft.[64]
Delisle  United States World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 15 nautical miles (28 km) off the Jupiter Inlet, Florida (27°06′N 80°03′W / 27.100°N 80.050°W / 27.100; -80.050) by U-564 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of the 38 people on board. Survivors abandoned ship, but the crew reboarded her the next day and she was towed to Miami, Florida by a United States Navy tug. Delisle was later repaired and returned to service.[65]
D'Entrecastreax France Vichy France World War II: Battle of Madagascar: The Bougainville-class aviso was bombed and sunk in the Indian Ocean off Madagascar by aircraft from HMS Illustrious and gunfire from HMS Active and HMS Panther (all  Royal Navy). She was raised, repaired and put into Free French service.[66]
Fisheries II  United States Navy World War II: The United States Navy-requisitioned patrol yacht was scuttled off Corregidor, Philippines.[67]
USS Genesee  United States Navy World War II: The fleet tug was scuttled off Corregidor Island, Philippines. She was subsequently salvaged by the Imperial Japanese Navy, repaired, and entered Japanese service as Patrol Boat No. 107.
John Adams  United States World War II: The Liberty ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of New Caledonia (23°30′S 164°35′E / 23.500°S 164.583°E / -23.500; 164.583) by I-21 ( Imperial Japanese Navy) with the loss of five of her 50 crew.[68][69] Thirteen of the survivors were rescued by USS Helm ( United States Navy).[70]
Joseph M. Cudahy  United States World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and damaged in the Gulf of Mexico 125 nautical miles (232 km) west of Naples, Florida (25°57′N 83°57′W / 25.950°N 83.950°W / 25.950; -83.950) by U-507 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 27 of her 37 crew. Survivors were rescued by Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft of the United States Navy. The burned out hulk was scuttled by USS Coral ( United States Navy) on 7 May as a hazard to navigation.[71][72]
HMS LCM 46  Royal Navy The Landing Craft, Mechanized capsized and sank in the East Indies.[citation needed]
Lady Drake Canada Canada World War II: The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 90 nautical miles (170 km) north of Bermuda (35°43′N 64°43′W / 35.717°N 64.717°W / 35.717; -64.717) by U-106 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of twelve of the 268 people aboard. Survivors were rescued by USS Owl ( United States Navy).[73]
Magnhild  Norway The cargo ship ran aground on Virgin Rocks, Placentia Bay, Dominion of Newfoundland. Her twenty crew were rescued by USS Brant ( United States Navy). Magnhild was declared a total loss on 23 May.[74][75]
Maryann  USA c World War II: The United States Navy-requisitioned converted yacht, neither commissioned nor assigned a hull number, was scuttled off Corregidor.[67]
Munger T. Ball  United States World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico 80 nautical miles (150 km) northwest of Dry Tortugas Island (25°17′N 83°57′W / 25.283°N 83.950°W / 25.283; -83.950) by U-507 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 30 of her 34 crew. Survivors were rescued by Katy ( Norway).[76]
Perry  United States Navy World War II: The United States Navy-requisitioned auxiliary patrol boat was scuttled off Corregidor.[67]
Potemkin  Soviet Union World War II: The cargo liner was sunk at Kamysh Buran by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of 30 of her crewman. There were at least 25 survivors, all of whom were wounded.[77]
Q-111 Luzon  Philippine Army World War II: The enlarged Thornycroft 55-foot-class motor torpedo boat was scuttled in Manila Bay. She was raised by the Japanese in 1941, repaired and taken into Imperial Japanese Navy service as Gyoraitei 114
Sperrbercher 36 Eider  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Sperrbrecher struck a mine and was severely damaged in the North Sea off Heligoland. She was consequently withdrawn from service.[26]
Stanbank  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (34°55′N 61°47′W / 34.917°N 61.783°W / 34.917; -61.783) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of nine of her 48 crew. Survivors were rescued by Rhexenor ( United Kingdom).[78]
USS Vaga  United States Navy World War II: The harbour tug was scuttled off Corregidor (14°25′N 120°30′E / 14.417°N 120.500°E / 14.417; 120.500).[79]
Zabern  Germany World War II: The tankerstruck a mine and sank in the Bay of Kiel.[26]
Two unnamed ships Flags unknown World War II: Two "ships for channel cleaning" (dredgers?) were sunk in the Neretva Delta by partizans.[80]

6 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 6 May 1942
Ship State Description
Abgara  Latvia World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Great Inagua Island, Bahamas (20°45′N 72°55′W / 20.750°N 72.917°W / 20.750; -72.917) by U-108 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 34 crew reached land in her lifeboats.[81]
More: Latvian Mercantile Marine during World War II
Alcoa Puritan  United States World War II: The Type C1-B cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico 15 nautical miles (28 km) off the mouth of the Mississippi River (28°35′N 88°22′W / 28.583°N 88.367°W / 28.583; -88.367) by the submarine U-507 ( Kriegsmarine). All 54 people on board were rescued by the cutter USCGC Boutwell ( United States Coast Guard).[82]
Amazone  Netherlands World War II: The сargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in 13 fathoms (24 m) of water off Fort Pierce, Florida, United States (27°21′N 80°04′W / 27.350°N 80.067°W / 27.350; -80.067) by U-333 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of fourteen of her 25 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS PC-484 ( United States Navy). Her wreck was demolished in 1944.[6][83]
D'Entrecasteaux  French Navy World War II: Operation Ironclad: The Bougainville-class aviso was badly damaged by Fleet Air Arm aircraft and was beached on the coast of Madagascar.
Empire Buffalo  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy SC 71: The Design 1105 ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea west of the Cayman Islands (19°14′N 82°34′W / 19.233°N 82.567°W / 19.233; -82.567) by U-125 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of thirteen of her 42 crew. Survivors were rescued by Caique ( United States).[84]
Green Island  United States World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 80 nautical miles (150 km) south of Grand Cayman Island (18°25′N 81°30′W / 18.417°N 81.500°W / 18.417; -81.500) by U-125 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 22 crew were rescued by Fort Qu'Appelle ( United Kingdom).[85]
Halsey  United States World War II: The tanker was torpedoed twice and sunk off St. Lucie Inlet (27°14′N 80°03′W / 27.233°N 80.050°W / 27.233; -80.050) or (27°23′N 80°03′W / 27.383°N 80.050°W / 27.383; -80.050) by U-333 ( Kriegsmarine) in eight fathoms (48 ft; 15 m) of water with her two masts rising above water. Her 32 crew survived in two lifeboats. They were rescued by USS PC-451 ( United States Navy) and towed to land by two fishing vessels.[6][86]
Java Arrow  United States World War II: The tanker was severely damaged by war causes. She was declared a constructive total loss. She was ubsequently repaired and returned to service in 1943 as Kerry Patch.[87]
Kanan Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea by USS Skipjack ( United States Navy).[88]
Laida  United States World War II: The motor boat was sunk by Japanese forces 30 nautical miles (56 km; 35 mi) north east of Port Moller, Territory of Alaska (55°53′N 160°28′W / 55.883°N 160.467°W / 55.883; -160.467 (Port Moller)).[89]
USS Luzon  United States Navy World War II: The Luzon-class gunboat was scuttled in Manila Bay off Corregidor, Philippines (14°23′N 120°35′E / 14.383°N 120.583°E / 14.383; 120.583). She was salvaged by the Imperial Japanese Navy later that month, repaired, and entered service as Karatsu.[90]
HMS ML 160  Royal Navy World War II: The Fairmile B motor launch was bombed and sunk at Brixton, London.[91]
USS Oahu  United States Navy World War II: The Panay-class gunboat was sunk in Manila Bay off Corregidor (14°23′N 120°35′E / 14.383°N 120.583°E / 14.383; 120.583) by Imperial Japanese Navy ships, or was scuttled.[90]
USS Quail  United States Navy World War II: The Lapwing-class minesweeper was scuttled at Corregidor (14°23′N 120°35′E / 14.383°N 120.583°E / 14.383; 120.583).[90]
HMT Senateur Duhamel  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler sank in the Atlantic Ocean after colliding with USS Semmes ( United States Navy) off Cape Lookout, North Carolina, United States.[92]
Taiei Maru  Japan World War II: Convoy No. 107: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the East China Sea (28°25′N 123°37′E / 28.417°N 123.617°E / 28.417; 123.617) by USS Triton ( United States Navy). Four of her 41 crew were killed.[93][94]
Taigen Maru  Japan World War II: Convoy No. 107: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the East China Sea (28°40′N 123°38′E / 28.667°N 123.633°E / 28.667; 123.633) by USS Triton ( United States Navy). Two passengers and 29 of her crew were killed.[93]
Tama Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper was damaged in Purvis Bay, Florida Island, Solomon Islands, by United States Navy aircraft, sinking on 6 May. Four of her crew were killed and seven were wounded.[55][56]
Vostok  Soviet Navy World War II: The transport ship struck a mine and sank in the Black Sea at the entrance of the Kerch Strait. Ten pf the 57 people aboard were killed. Survivors were rescued by her escort.[26][95]

7 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 7 May 1942
Ship State Description
Chloe Greece Greece World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 20 miles (32 km) west of Nouméa, New Caledonia (22°59′S 166°29′E / 22.983°S 166.483°E / -22.983; 166.483) by I-21 ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[96] Her 35 crew survived.[97]
Frank Seamans  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (6°21′N 55°38′W / 6.350°N 55.633°W / 6.350; -55.633) by U-162 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 27 crew were rescued by Koningin Emma ( Netherlands).[98]
Le Héros France Vichy France World War II: Battle of Madagascar: The Redoutable-class submarine was depth-charged and sunk in the Indian Ocean off Diego-Suarez, Madagascar, by Fairey Swordfish aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm , based on Illustrious ( Royal Navy).[99][100] with the loss of 24 lives.[101]
HMML 130  Royal Navy World War II: The Fairmile B motor launch was sunk off Malta by gunfire from S 31, S 34 and S 61 (all  Kriegsmarine). Four of her thirteen crew were killed. Survivors were captured by the German ships.[102]
USS Neosho  United States Navy World War II: Battle of the Coral Sea: The Cimarron-class oiler was bombed and damaged in the Coral Sea by Japanese aircraft. She was scuttled on 11 May by USS Henley ( United States Navy) after rescuing survivors still aboard along with survivors of USS Sims ( United States Navy) who were also aboard.
Ontario  Honduras World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico (28°11′N 87°32′W / 28.183°N 87.533°W / 28.183; -87.533) by U-507 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 45 crew were rescued by USS Onyx ( United States Navy).[103]
Ruth  Sweden World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged off Den Helder, North Holland, Netherlands by aircraft of Coastal Command, Royal Air Force while carrying a cargo of coal.[26] She was beached, but was declared a constructive total loss.[104]
Shōhō  Imperial Japanese Navy
Shōhō

World War II: Battle of the Coral Sea: The Zuihō-class aircraft carrier was bombed and sunk in the Coral Sea (16°07′14″S 151°54′47″E / 16.12056°S 151.91306°E / -16.12056; 151.91306) by aircraft based on USS Lexington and USS Yorktown (both  United States Navy) with the loss of 631 of her 833 crew. Survivors were rescued by Suzinami and Yūbari (both  Imperial Japanese Navy).

USS Sims  United States Navy World War II: Battle of the Coral Sea: The Sims-class destroyer was torpedoed and sunk in the Coral Sea by Japanese Aichi D3A Val aircraft with the loss of 177 of her 192 crew.

8 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 8 May 1942
Ship State Description
Bujun Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea by USS Skipjack ( United States Navy).[88]
Duca degli Abruzzi  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Diégo Suarez, Madagascar.[105]
USS Lexington  United States Navy World War II: Battle of the Coral Sea: The Lexington-class aircraft carrier was scuttled in the Coral Sea (15°20′S 155°30′E / 15.333°S 155.500°E / -15.333; 155.500) by USS Phelps ( United States Navy) following battle damage. Around 300 of her 2,122 crew were killed. The wreck was discovered in March 2018.
Mildred Pauline Canada Canada World War II: The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Nova Scotia by U-136 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all seven crew.[106][107]
Monge France Vichy France World War II: Battle of Madagascar: The Redoutable-class submarine was sunk in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Madagascar by HMS Active and HMS Panther (both  Royal Navy) with the loss of all 69 hands.[108][109]
Ohioan  United States World War II: The Design 1015 ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 10 nautical miles (19 km) off Boynton Beach, Florida (26°31′N 79°59′W / 26.517°N 79.983°W / 26.517; -79.983) in 92 fathoms (552 ft; 168 m) of water by U-564 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of fifteen of her 37 crew. Survivors were rescued by United States Coast Guard ships.[110][6]
HMS Olympus  Royal Navy World War II: The Odin-class submarine struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Malta (35°55′N 14°35′E / 35.917°N 14.583°E / 35.917; 14.583) with the loss of 89 of the 98 people on board.
Somalia  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Diégo Suarez. The wreck was later raised and scrapped.[111]
Taiyo Maru  Imperial Japanese Army World War II: Convoy No. 109: The Taiyo Maru-class transport ship was torpedoed by USS Grenadier ( United States Navy), setting her afire and igniting her cargo of calcium carbide, in turn detonating hand grenades and illumination rounds in her cargo. She sank in the Pacific Ocean 170 km (92 nmi) southwest of Me Shima, Nannyo Gunto, Kyushu. A total of 656 passengers, 156 crew and 4 gunners were killed. Fifteen survivors were rescued by Peking Maru, 480 by Minekaze and Tomitsu Maru, (all  Imperial Japanese Navy). Another 48 were rescued by the fishing vessel Genshin Maru No. 1 ( Japan) on 10 May.[112][113]
Torny  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico (26°45′N 86°40′W / 26.750°N 86.667°W / 26.750; -86.667) by U-507 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 26 crew. Survivors were rescued by two United States Navy aircraft.[114][115]

9 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 9 May 1942
Ship State Description
Calgarolite Canada Canada World War II: The tanker was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) south west of Grand Cayman Island (19°24′N 82°30′W / 19.400°N 82.500°W / 19.400; -82.500) by U-125 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 45 crew survived.[116]
Douro  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (60°41′N 12°58′W / 60.683°N 12.967°W / 60.683; -12.967) by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of ten of her 20 crew. Survivors were rescued by the fishing trawler Gyllir ( Iceland).[117]
Lise  Norway World War II: The tanker was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (13°53′N 68°20′W / 13.883°N 68.333°W / 13.883; -68.333) by U-69 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of twelve of her 33 crew. Some of the survivors were rescued by HNLMS Femern ( Royal Netherlands Navy) and Socrates ( Netherlands), others reached land in their lifeboat.[118]
Lubrafol  Panama World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and set afire in the Atlantic Ocean 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) off Delray Beach, Florida, United States (26°26′N 80°00′W / 26.433°N 80.000°W / 26.433; -80.000) by U-564 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of thirteen of her 44 crew. Survivors were rescued by the United States Coast Guard. The burning Lubrafol drifted until 11 May when she finally sank at 26°41′N 80°01′W / 26.683°N 80.017°W / 26.683; -80.017 or 29°14′N 80°10′W / 29.233°N 80.167°W / 29.233; -80.167. The wreck was broken up for scrap in 1954.[119][6][120]
M-533  Kriegsmarine The Type 1916 minesweeper was sunk in a collision with R-45 ( Kriegsmarine) north west of Boulogne, Pas de Calais, France.[26][121]
Mont Louis Canada Canada World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south of Trinidad (8°23′N 58°44′W / 8.383°N 58.733°W / 8.383; -58.733) by U-162 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of thirteen of her 21 crew. Survivors were rescued by Mona Marie (Canada Canada).[122]
R-45  Kriegsmarine The Type R-41 minesweeper was sunk in a collision with Raule ( Kriegsmarine) off Dunkerque, Nord, France.[123]
U-352  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south of Morehead City, North Carolina, United States (34°21′N 76°35′W / 34.350°N 76.583°W / 34.350; -76.583) by USCGC Icarus ( United States Coast Guard) with the loss of fifteen of her 48 crew.

10 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 10 May 1942
Ship State Description
Aurora  United States World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and damaged in the Gulf of Mexico 40 nautical miles (74 km) off the Southwest Pass, Louisiana (28°35′N 90°00′W / 28.583°N 90.000°W / 28.583; -90.000) by U-506 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 50 crew. Survivors abandoned ship, and were rescued by USS Onyx and USS YP-157 (both  United States Navy). Aurora was taken in tow by Robert W. Wilmot ( United States) and USS Tuckahoe ( United States Navy) but ran aground at the entrance to the Mississippi River. She was refloated and taken to Algiers, Louisiana, where she was declared a total loss. She was subsequently repaired, and returned to service in 1943 as Jamestown.[124]
Chernomorets  Soviet Union World War II: The transport ship was bombed and sunk in the Black Sea by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of 500 lives. She was on a voyage from Kerch to Novorossiysk.[26]
Clan Skene  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (31°43′N 70°43′W / 31.717°N 70.717°W / 31.717; -70.717) by U-333 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of nine of her 82 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS McKean ( United States Navy).[125]
Kitty's Brook  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 35 nautical miles (65 km) south east of Cape Sable, Nova Scotia, Canada (42°56′N 63°59′W / 42.933°N 63.983°W / 42.933; -63.983) by U-588 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of nine of her 34 crew.[126]
Oridono Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the South China Sea (7°00′S 112°40′E / 7.000°S 112.667°E / -7.000; 112.667).[127]
HMHS Ramb IV  Royal Navy World War II: The hospital ship was bombed and set afire off Alexandria, Egypt by Junkers Ju 88 aircraft of Lehrgeschwader I1, Luftwaffe. Of the 360 wounded and staff aboard, 155 wounded and 10 of her crew were lost. The ship was scuttled by Royal Navy ships at 31°17′N 29°23′E / 31.283°N 29.383°E / 31.283; 29.383.[26][128]
S 31  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type 1939 Schnellboot was sunk by a mine off Malta. Eight of her crew were killed and another died of wounds. Survivors were rescued by S 61 ( Kriegsmarine).[129][130]
Warmia  Kriegsmarine World War II: The replenishment oiler struck a mine in the Bay of Biscay and was severely damaged.[26]

11 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 11 May 1942
Ship State Description
Anakriya  Soviet Navy World War II: The barge was bombed and sunk in the Black Sea by Luftwaffe aircraft while evacuating wounded from Crimea.[131]
HMT Bedfordshire  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Lookout, North Carolina, United States (34°10′N 76°41′W / 34.167°N 76.683°W / 34.167; -76.683) by U-558 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 37 crew.[132]
C 308  United Kingdom World War II: The tug was bombed and sunk at Malta by Luftwaffe aircraft. Ten of her crew were killed.[23][133]
Cape of Good Hope  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north east of the Virgin Islands (22°48′N 58°43′W / 22.800°N 58.717°W / 22.800; -58.717) by U-502 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 37 crew survived.[134]
Empire Dell  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ON 92: The CAM ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (53°00′N 29°57′W / 53.000°N 29.950°W / 53.000; -29.950) by U-124 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 48 crew.[135]
HMS Jackal  Royal Navy World War II: The J-class destroyer was bombed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea north west of Mersa Matruh, Egypt by Junkers Ju 88 aircraft of I Staffeln, Lehrgeschwader 1, Luftwaffe, with the loss of 77 of her crew. She was subsequently scuttled the next day by HMS Jervis ( Royal Navy).
HMS Kipling  Royal Navy World War II: The K-class destroyer was bombed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea north west of Mersa Matruh by Junkers Ju 88 aircraft of I Staffeln, Lehrgeschwader 1, Luftwaffe.[136]
HMS Lively  Royal Navy World War II: The L-class destroyer was bombed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 100 nautical miles (190 km) north east of Tobruk, Libya by Junkers Ju 88 aircraft of Lehrgeschwader 1, Luftwaffe, with the loss of 77 of her 221 crew.
Rion  Soviet Navy World War II: The gunboat was bombed and sunk in the Black Sea by Luftwaffe aircraft while evacuating wounded from Crimea.[131]

12 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 12 May 1942
Ship State Description
Berezan  Soviet Union World War II: The auxiliary sailing ship was sunk at Kerch by Luftwaffe aircraft, or by mines.[77]
Brilliant  Soviet Navy World War II: The Zemchug-class patrol vessel was bombed and sunk by Luftwaffe aircraft at Iokanga. She was raised on 25 September 1942, repaired, and recommissioned in June 1944.
Cocle  Panama World War II: Convoy ON 92: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (52°37′N 29°13′W / 52.617°N 29.217°W / 52.617; -29.217) by U-94 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of five of her 42 crew. Survivors were rescued by Bury ( United Kingdom).[137]
Cristales  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ON 92: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (52°55′N 29°50′W / 52.917°N 29.833°W / 52.917; -29.833) and was abandoned by her 82 crew. They were rescued by USCGC Spencer ( United States Coast Guard) and HMCS Shediac ( Royal Canadian Navy). Cristales was scuttled by the latter ship.[138]
K-23  Soviet Navy World War II: The K-class submarine was sunk in the Barents Sea off Nordkyn, Norway by the auxiliary warships UJ 1101, UJ 1108 and UJ 1110 (all  Kriegsmarine). All 71 men aboard were killed.[139][140]
Krasny Flot  Soviet Union World War II: The transport ship was bombed and sunk at Yeni-Kale by Luftwaffe aircraft. There were no casualties.[26]
Krasny Moryak  Soviet Union World War II: The transport ship was bombed and sunk at Temryuk by Luftwaffe aircraft. Four of her crew were killed.[26]
Leto  Netherlands World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 8 nautical miles (15 km) north of Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada (49°32′N 65°19′W / 49.533°N 65.317°W / 49.533; -65.317) by U-553 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of twelve of the 53 people on board, including one or two of the four officer survivors from Oscilla ( Netherlands).[141][142]
SS Llanover (1928)  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ON 92: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (52°50′N 29°04′W / 52.833°N 29.067°W / 52.833; -29.067) by U-124 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 46 crew were rescued by Bury ( United Kingdom). Llanover was scuttled by HMCS Arvida ( Royal Canadian Navy).[143]
Mount Parnes Greece Greece World War II: Convoy ON 92: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (52°31′N 29°20′W / 52.517°N 29.333°W / 52.517; -29.333) by U-124 ( Kriegsmarine). She was later scuttled by one of the convoy escorts. Her 33 crew survived.[144]
Nicoya  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of St. Lawrence south of Anticosti Island, Quebec, Canada (49°19′N 64°15′W / 49.317°N 64.250°W / 49.317; -64.250) by U-553 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of the 88 people on board.[145]
Okinoshima  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The minelayer was torpedoed and damaged in the Bismarck Sea southwest of Buka Island by USS S-42 ( United States Navy). She sank under tow in the St. George Channel off of New Ireland, Papua New Guinea (05°06′S 153°48′E / 5.100°S 153.800°E / -5.100; 153.800).[55]
PK-083  Soviet Navy World War II: The patrol boat was bombed and sunk at Kerch by Luftwaffe aircraft.[26]
Sansei Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy The Sansei Maru-class auxiliary transport ran aground off Peleliu. She was refloated on 13 August 1942.[146]
Shoei Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The salvage ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Bismarck Sea (04°51′S 152°15′E / 4.850°S 152.250°E / -4.850; 152.250) six nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) northeast of Cape St. George, New Ireland, by USS S-44 ( United States Navy) while on its way to assist Okinoshima ( Imperial Japanese Navy). Her commanding officer was killed.[147][148]
SKA-0133  Soviet Navy World War II: The patrol boat was bombed and sunk at Kerch by Luftwaffe aircraft.[26]
SKA-0183  Soviet Navy World War II: The patrol boat was bombed and sunk at Kerch by Luftwaffe aircraft.[26]
SKA-0411  Soviet Navy World War II: The patrol boat was bombed and sunk at Kerch by Luftwaffe aircraft.[26]
SKA-0611  Soviet Navy World War II: The patrol boat was bombed and sunk at Kerch by Luftwaffe aircraft.[26]
SKA-0811  Soviet Navy World War II: The patrol boat was bombed and sunk at Kerch by Luftwaffe aircraft.[26]
Virginia  United States World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico (28°53′N 89°29′W / 28.883°N 89.483°W / 28.883; -89.483) by U-507 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 27 of her 41 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS PT-157 ( United States Navy).[149]

13 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 13 May 1942
Ship State Description
Batna  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ON 92: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (52°09′N 33°56′W / 52.150°N 33.933°W / 52.150; -33.933) by U-94 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 42 crew. Survivors were rescued by Bury ( United Kingdom).[150]
City of Melbourne  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Barbados (15°00′N 54°40′W / 15.000°N 54.667°W / 15.000; -54.667) by U-156 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 87 crew.[151]
Denpark  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy SL 109: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (22°28′N 28°10′W / 22.467°N 28.167°W / 22.467; -28.167) by U-128 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 21 of her 46 crew. Survivors were rescued by City of Windsor ( United Kingdom).[152]
Esso Houston  United States World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 150 nautical miles (280 km) east of Barbados (12°12′N 57°25′W / 12.200°N 57.417°W / 12.200; -57.417) by U-162 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 42 crew. Survivors were rescued by Havprins ( Norway) or reached land in their lifeboats.[153]
Gulfpenn  United States World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico (28°29′N 89°12′W / 28.483°N 89.200°W / 28.483; -89.200) by U-506 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of thirteen of her 38 crew. Survivors were rescued by Telde ( Honduras).[154]
Hav  Norway World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and was damaged in the Mediterranean Sea off Port Said, Egypt with the loss of two of her 38 crew. She was taken in tow and beached (31°17′57″N 32°21′09″E / 31.29917°N 32.35250°E / 31.29917; 32.35250) but was declared a constructive total loss.[155][156]
Iltis  Kriegsmarine World War II: The torpedo boat was torpedoed and sunk off Boulogne, Pas-de-Calais, France (50°46′N 01°34′E / 50.767°N 1.567°E / 50.767; 1.567) by HM MTB 219 and HM MTB 221 (both  Royal Navy) with the loss of 118 of her crew.[26][157]
Koenjit  Netherlands World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 300 nautical miles (560 km) north north east of Barbados (15°30′N 52°40′W / 15.500°N 52.667°W / 15.500; -52.667) by U-156 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 37 crew survived.[158]
Letitia Porter  Netherlands World War II: The motor launch was being carried as deck cargo on board Koenjit ( Netherlands) and was lost when that ship was torpedoed and sunk by U-156 ( Kriegsmarine).[159]
HM MTB 220  Royal Navy World War II: The Vosper 70'-class motor torpedo boat was sunk by gunfire from a Kriegsmarine Schnellboot.[160]
Nagasaki Maru  Japan World War II: The ocean liner struck a mine and sank in the Pacific Ocean off Nagasaki with the loss of 39 lives. Her captain later committed hara-kiri.[161]
Norlantic  United States World War II: The Design 1099 ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (12°13′N 66°30′W / 12.217°N 66.500°W / 12.217; -66.500 by U-69 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of seven of her 29 crew. Survivors were rescued by India, Mississippi (both  Netherlands), Marpesia ( Norway) and the tug Crusader Kingston (Flag unknown).[162]
Seeadler  Kriegsmarine World War II: The torpedo boat was torpedoed and sunk off Boulogne(50°46′N 01°34′E / 50.767°N 1.567°E / 50.767; 1.567) by HM MTB 219 and HM MTB 221 (both  Royal Navy) with the loss of 85 of her crew.[26][163]
Shonan Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean by USS Drum ( United States Navy).[26]
Tolken  Sweden World War II: Convoy ON 92: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 675 nautical miles (1,250 km) south east of Cape Farewell, Greenland (51°50′N 33°35′W / 51.833°N 33.583°W / 51.833; -33.583) by U-94 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 34 crew were rescued by Bury ( United Kingdom).[164]

14 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 14 May 1942
Ship State Description
Amapala  Honduras World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Gulf of Mexico (26°40′N 88°17′W / 26.667°N 88.283°W / 26.667; -88.283) by U-507 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 57 crew. Survivors were rescued by the fishing schooner Gonzalez ( United States) and a United States Navy aircraft. Amapala was taken in tow by USCGC Boutwell ( United States Coast Guard) but foundered on 16 May at 26°30′N 89°12′W / 26.500°N 89.200°W / 26.500; -89.200.[165]
Brabant  Belgium World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea (11°32′N 62°43′W / 11.533°N 62.717°W / 11.533; -62.717) by U-155 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of the 37 people on board.[166]
British Colony  United Kingdom World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 90 nautical miles (170 km) north east of Bridgetown, Barbados (13°12′N 58°10′W / 13.200°N 58.167°W / 13.200; -58.167) by U-162 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of four of her 47 crew.[167]
Comayagua  Honduras World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 14 nautical miles (26 km) south west of Grand Cayman Island (19°00′N 81°37′W / 19.000°N 81.617°W / 19.000; -81.617) by U-125 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of seven of her 42 crew. Survivors were rescued by Cimboco ( United Kingdom).[168]
David McKelvy  United States World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and damaged in the Gulf of Mexico 35 nautical miles (65 km) south of the mouth of the Mississippi River (28°30′N 89°55′W / 28.500°N 89.917°W / 28.500; -89.917) by U-506 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss ofseventeen of her 42 crew. Survivors abandoned ship and were rescued by USCGC Boutwell ( United States Coast Guard) and Norsol ( Norway). David McKelvy was beached on the Louisiana coast where she was declared a total loss.[169]
Dzerzhinsky  Soviet Navy World War II: The Fidonisy-class destroyer was sunk by a mine off Sevastopol with the loss of 260 of her crew.[26][170]
Isbjørn  Norway World War II: Operation Fritham: The icebreaker was bombed and sunk in Isfjord, Svalbard by Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor aircraft of the Luftwaffe with the loss of seventeen of her 21 crew.[171][172]
Mount Olympus Greece Greece World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Port Said, Egypt (31°21′N 32°21′E / 31.350°N 32.350°E / 31.350; 32.350) with the loss of three of her 30 crew.[173]
M 1307 Neufisch I  Kriegsmarine World War II: The minesweeper struck a mine and sank off Esbjerg, Denmark (55°26′N 08°15′E / 55.433°N 8.250°E / 55.433; 8.250) with the loss of eight lives.[26][174]
Potrero del Llano  Mexico World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Florida, Florida, United States (25°35′N 80°06′W / 25.583°N 80.100°W / 25.583; -80.100) by U-564 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of thirteen of her 35 crew.
San Giusto  Italy World War II: The schooner was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Turbulent ( Royal Navy). There was one person reported missing and eleven survivors.[26][175]
Selis  Norway World War II: Operation Fritham: The seal catcher was bombed and sunk in Isfjord by Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor aircraft of the Luftwaffe with the loss of twelve of the 82 people aboard.[172]
HMS Trinidad  Royal Navy World War II: Convoy PQ 13: The Crown Colony-class cruiser was bombed and damaged in the Arctic Ocean by Junkers Ju 88 aircraft of the Luftwaffe with the loss of 69 lives, including some survivors of ships sunk previously. She was scuttled the next day by HMS Matchless ( Royal Navy).[133][176][177]

15 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 15 May 1942
Ship State Description
Kupa  Yugoslavia World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (14°50′N 52°20′W / 14.833°N 52.333°W / 14.833; -52.333) by U-156 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 70 crew.[178]
M 26  Kriegsmarine World War II: The minesweeper was bombed and sunk off Cap de La Hague, Manche, France by Royal Air Force aircraft.[179]
M 256  Kriegsmarine World War II: the minesweeper was bombed and severely damaged off Cap de la Hogue by Royal Air Force aircraft. She later sank off Cherbourg, Seine-Inférieure. She was raised, repaired and returned to service.[26]
Selje  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the North Sea north of Terschelling, Friesland, Netherlands by Lockheed Hudson aircraft of 320 and 407 Squadrons, Royal Air Force with the loss of fourteen of the 62 people aboard.[180][29]
Siljestad  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north-east of Barbados (15°20′N 52°40′W / 15.333°N 52.667°W / 15.333; -52.667) by U-156 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 33 crew.[181][182][183][29]
Soudan  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy WS 15: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Agulhas, Union of South Africa (36°10′S 20°22′E / 36.167°S 20.367°E / -36.167; 20.367. One of her 101 crew was killed.[184][185][186]
Toyohara Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Honshū by USS Tuna ( United States Navy). Twenty-one of her crew were killed.[187][188]
V 2002 Madeleine Louise  Kriegsmarine World War II: The vorpostenboot was bombed and sunk in the North Sea off Terschelling by Lockheed Hudson aircraft of 407 Squadron, Royal Air Force.[26][180][189]

16 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 16 May 1942
Ship State Description
Goyo Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Goyo Maru-class auxiliary transport was torpedoed and damaged by USS Tautog ( United States Navy) south of Truk, South Seas Mandate. She was beached on the Royalist Reef to prevent sinking. She was later refloated and taken to Truk.[190]
MTB 338  Royal Navy The BPB 60'-class motor torpedo boat exploded and burned at Trinidad.[191]
Nicarao  United States World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north of the Bahamas (25°20′N 74°19′W / 25.333°N 74.317°W / 25.333; -74.317) by U-751 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eight of her 39 crew. Survivors were rescued by Esso Augusta ( United States).[192]
William C. McTarnahan  United States World War II: The tanker was torpedoed, shelled and damaged in the Gulf of Mexico 35 nautical miles (65 km) east of the Ship Shoal Lighthouse, Louisiana (28°52′N 90°20′W / 28.867°N 90.333°W / 28.867; -90.333) by U-506 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eighteen of her 45 crew. Survivors abandoned ship and were rescued by the shrimpers Defender, Pioneer and Viscali (all  United States). William C. McTarnahan was taken in tow by Baranca ( United States) and USS Tuckahoe ( United States Coast Guard). She was subsequently repaired and returned to service in 1943 as St. James.[193]

17 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 17 May 1942
Ship State Description
Barrdale  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (15°15′N 52°27′W / 15.250°N 52.450°W / 15.250; -52.450) by U-156 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 53 crew.[194] The 52 survivors were rescued by Rio Iguazu ( Argentina) and landed at Recife, Brazil.[195]
RFA Beth  Royal Fleet Auxiliary World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 135 nautical miles (250 km) east south east of Barbados (

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