List of shipwrecks in April 1943

The list of shipwrecks in April 1943 includes ships sunk, foundered, grounded, or otherwise lost during April 1943.

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 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 1 April 1943
Ship State Description
Aquila  Italy The cargo ship ran aground at Ras Ahmer, west of Cape Bon, Tunisia, and was later abandoned. Her crew survived. The wreck was scrapped in 1951.[1][2]
Benevento  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Zebib, Tunisia, by HMMTB 315 ( Royal Navy) and had to be run aground. She was later abandoned.[3][4]
Crema  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Zebib, Tunisia, by HMMTB 266 ( Royal Navy) with the loss of 44 of her 70 crew.[3][4]
KT 13  Kriegsmarine World War II: The transport ship struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea north of Cape Bon, Tunisia with the loss of nineteen of the 64 people aboard.[5][6][7]
KTShch-605  Soviet Navy World War II: The minesweeper was sunk by a mine in the Black Sea off Gelendzhik with all hands. Fourteen names are listed on the OBD Memorial website.[8][9][10][11]
Lubiana  Regia Marina The Beograd-class destroyer ran aground at Ras Ahmer, west of Cape Bon and was wrecked. Her crew were rescued.[2][12]
Madonna di Porto Salvo  Italy World War II: The fishing vessel was sunk with gunfire in the Mediterranean Sea off Punta Licosa (40°15′N 14°54′E / 40.250°N 14.900°E / 40.250; 14.900) by HMS Torbay ( Royal Navy).[13]
HMS MTB 63  Royal Navy The Vosper 70'-class motor torpedo boat was sunk in a collision with HMS MTB 64 ( Royal Navy) off Benghazi, Libya, (30°50′N 19°50′E / 30.833°N 19.833°E / 30.833; 19.833). Her crew were rescued.[14][15]
HMS MTB 64  Royal Navy The Vosper 70'-class motor torpedo boat was severely damaged in a collision with HMS MTB 63 ( Royal Navy) off Benghazi. A crew member was lost. She reached Benghazi two days later but was not repaired.[14][16][17]
Triglav  Italy World War II: The auxiliary sailing vessel was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea four nautical miles (7.4 km; 4.6 mi) south east of Cape San Vito, Sicily by HMS Unrivalled ( Royal Navy). Two of her crew were killed; eight survivors were rescued.[18]
Uzbekistan  Soviet Union The cargo ship ran onto a reef near the mouth of the Darling River, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada (48°43′N 125°03′W / 48.717°N 125.050°W / 48.717; -125.050) and had to be abandoned. Her crew were rescued but the area's rough seas and frequent storms gradually battered the ship to pieces.[19][20][21][22]
USS YP-235  United States Navy The yard patrol craft was sunk by an explosion in the Gulf of Mexico.[23]

2 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 2 April 1943
Ship State Description
City of Baroda  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy NC 9: The passenger ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 90 nautical miles (170 km) south west of Luderitz Bay, South-West Africa (27°56′S 15°21′E / 27.933°S 15.350°E / -27.933; 15.350) by U-509 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eight of the 338 people on board. Survivors abandoned ship and were rescued by HMT Cape Warwick ( Royal Navy). City of Baroda came ashore two days later and broke up on 26 April. She was declared a total loss.[24]
Dundrum Castle  United Kingdom The cargo ship caught fire and sank in the Straits of Perim, in the Red Sea (14°37′N 42°23′E / 14.617°N 42.383°E / 14.617; 42.383). Her crew were rescued.[25][26]
Gogra  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy OS 45: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 230 nautical miles (430 km; 260 mi) west of Oporto, Portugal (4°02′N 15°39′W / 4.033°N 15.650°W / 4.033; -15.650) by U-124 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 82 of her 90 crew. Survivors were rescued by Danby ( United Kingdom) and New Northland ( Canada).[27][28]
HMIS Haideri  Royal Indian Navy The auxiliary patrol vessel was wrecked between Madras, India and Trincomalee, Ceylon while towing six barges.[29]
Katha  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy OS 45: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 320 nautical miles (590 km; 370 mi) west of Oporto (41°02′N 15°39′W / 41.033°N 15.650°W / 41.033; -15.650) by U-124 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of her 64 crew. Survivors were rescued by Danby ( United Kingdom) and HMS La Malouine ( Royal Navy).[30][31]
Lysefjord  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (23°09′N 83°24′W / 23.150°N 83.400°W / 23.150; -83.400) by U-155 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of four of her 23 crew. Survivors were rescued by Howard ( United States).[32][33]
MTB 267  Royal Navy The Elco 70' motor torpedo boat was damaged by a storm in the Mediterranean Sea (34°26′N 16°14′E / 34.433°N 16.233°E / 34.433; 16.233) while sailing from Benghazi, Libya to Malta and was scuttled after her crew were rescued.[26][34]
Melbourne Star  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo liner was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (28°05′N 57°30′W / 28.083°N 57.500°W / 28.083; -57.500) by U-129 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 115 of the 119 people on board. Survivors were rescued by a Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft of the United States Navy.[35]
Simon Duhamel II  Free France World War II: Convoy TE 20: The fishing trawler straggled behind the convoy due to engine trouble. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (36°01′N 2°29′W / 36.017°N 2.483°W / 36.017; -2.483) by U-755 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 53 of her 54 crew.[36]
Tergesta  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk off Gytheio, Greece by Katsonis ( Hellenic Navy).[37]
Toyo Maru No.2  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Toyo Maru-class transport ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean five miles (8.0 km) west of Poluwat Island, Caroline Islands (07°22′N 149°18′E / 7.367°N 149.300°E / 7.367; 149.300) by USS Tunny ( United States Navy). Fifty-one passengers and crew were killed; there was one survivor.[38][39]
U-124  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type IXB submarine was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Oporto, Portugal by HMS Black Swan and HMS Stonecrop (both  Royal Navy) with the loss of all 53 crew.[40]

3 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 3 April 1943
Ship State Description
Aoba  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Aoba-class cruiser was skip-bombed and damaged at Moewe anchorage, Kavieng, New Ireland by Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft of the 43rd Bomb Group, United States Fifth Air Force and was beached to prevent sinking. Emergency repairs were performed 3–20 April and she was then towed to Truk and then to Kure. Repairs were finished on 24 November.[41]
Arima Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The fleet oiler was torpedoed and damaged north of Palau (10°12′N 134°35′E / 10.200°N 134.583°E / 10.200; 134.583) by USS Haddock ( United States Navy). She sank the next day. Eleven of her crew and sixteen gunners were killed.[42][43]
CH-13  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The CH-13-class submarine chaser was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean east of Honshu (41°03′N 141°58′E / 41.050°N 141.967°E / 41.050; 141.967) by USS Pickerel ( United States Navy) with the loss of all crew.[44][45]
Florida Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The transport ship was bombed and sunk at Kavieng (02°35′S 150°49′E / 2.583°S 150.817°E / -2.583; 150.817) by Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft of the United States Fifth Air Force.[23][46]
Gulfstate  United States World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 50 nautical miles (93 km; 58 mi) southeast of Marathon Key, Florida (24°26′N 80°18′W / 24.433°N 80.300°W / 24.433; -80.300), by U-155 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 43 of her 61 crew. Survivors were discovered by a United States Navy blimp. They were rescued by a United States Coast Guard aircraft with the assistance of USS Noa ( United States Navy).[47][48] Seventy years later in 2013, she again became a target, this time of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Remediation of Underwater Legacy Environmental Threats (RULET) project, which hunts down potential sources of oil pollution from sunken vessels.[49]
HA-31  Imperial Japanese Navy The unmanned midget submarine was stranded on a sand bank in shallow water, half-buried after their mooring lines snapped in a heavy storm at Kiska, Alaska Territory. Her repairs were never finished as a result of continuing air attacks and more storms.[50]
HA-33  Imperial Japanese Navy The unmanned midget submarine was stranded on a sand bank in shallow water, half-buried after their mooring lines snapped in a heavy storm at Kiska and was wrecked beyond repair.[50]
Nasello  Regia Marina World War II: The auxiliary patrol vessel was shelled and sunk off the Gulf of Orosei, Sardinia by HMS Safari ( Royal Navy).[51]
S. Francisco di Paola A.  Italy World War II: The sailing vessel was shelled and sunk off the Gulf of Orosei, Sardinia by HMS Safari ( Royal Navy).[51]
SF 78  Kriegsmarine The Siebel ferry was lost on this date.[citation needed]
SF 104 Balkenkreuz (Iron Cross) Luftwaffe The Siebel ferry foundered in a storm in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily, Italy and Tunisia.[52]
SF 196 Balkenkreuz (Iron Cross) Luftwaffe The Siebel ferry foundered in a storm in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and Tunisia.[52]
SF 203 Balkenkreuz (Iron Cross) Luftwaffe The Siebel ferry foundered in a storm in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and Tunisia.[52]
SF 223 Balkenkreuz (Iron Cross) Luftwaffe The Siebel ferry foundered in a storm in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and Tunisia.[52]
Tosei Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The fleet supply ship was torpedoed and sunk five nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) south of Tori Shima (30°14′N 139°45′E / 30.233°N 139.750°E / 30.233; 139.750) by USS Pollack ( United States Navy). A passenger was killed.[53]
Volharding  Netherlands The fishing vessel departed from IJmuiden, North Holland for fishing grounds in the North Sea. No further trace, presumed foundered with the loss of all four of her crew.[54]
West Irmo  United States World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (2°10′N 5°35′W / 2.167°N 5.583°W / 2.167; -5.583) by U-505 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of ten of her 101 crew. She was taken in tow, but sank the next day (2°17′N 5°25′W / 2.283°N 5.417°W / 2.283; -5.417).[55]

4 April[edit]

For the foundering of the British cargo ship Nagara on this day, see the entry for 29 March 1943.

List of shipwrecks: 4 April 1943
Ship State Description
Altair  Kriegsmarine World War II: The supply ship was torpedoed and sunk off Kristiansund, Norway (63°01′N 7°02′E / 63.017°N 7.033°E / 63.017; 7.033) by aircraft of Coastal Command, Royal Air Force.[3][56][57]
Dover Hill  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy JW 53: The cargo ship was bombed and severely damaged in the Kola Inlet by Luftwaffe aircraft.[58]
Koa Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Koa Maru-class auxiliary storeship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 120 nautical miles (220 km; 140 mi) north of Eniwetok (13°11′N 161°57′E / 13.183°N 161.950°E / 13.183; 161.950) by USS Porpoise ( United States Navy). Sixteen of her crew were killed.[59][60][61]
Patria  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk off Stavanger, Norway by aircraft of Coastal Command.[3][62]
Rygja  Germany World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Skagen, Denmark with the loss of a crew member.[63][64]
Sicilia  Regia Marina World War II: The hospital ship was sunk during an American air raid against Naples.[12] She was refloated in 1949 and scrapped.[37]
Uragio Maru  Japan World War II: American aircraft sank the cargo ship in Kiska Harbor, Territory of Alaska. Uragio Maru had not been seaworthy since she suffered damage in an American air attack on Kiska on 31 December 1942 and in a violent storm that struck Kiska on 4 January 1943.[65]
V 1252  Kriegsmarine The Vorpostenboot collided with FlJ 27 Schiewenhorst ( Kriegsmarine) and sank in the North Sea off Borkum.[3]

5 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 5 April 1943
Ship State Description
Aloe  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean 420 nautical miles (780 km; 480 mi) south east of Durban, Union of South Africa (32°37′S 37°50′E / 32.617°S 37.833°E / -32.617; 37.833) by U-182 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 47 crew survived. Her captain was taken on board U-182 as a prisoner of war. The rest of the crew were rescued by Alexander Ramsey ( United States).[66]
Blitar  Netherlands World War II: Convoy HX 231: The cargo ship romped ahead of the convoy. She was shelled in the Atlantic Ocean by U-229 ( Kriegsmarine) and returned fire. The next day, she was torpedoed and sunk (57°45′N 27°30′W / 57.750°N 27.500°W / 57.750; -27.500) by U-632 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 26 of her 80 crew.[67]
British Ardour  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HX 231: The tanker was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (58°08′N 34°04′W / 58.133°N 34.067°W / 58.133; -34.067) by U-706 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 62 crew were rescued by HMS Snowflake and HMS Vidette (both  Royal Navy), the former of which scuttled the ship.[68]
Ro-34  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Kaichū VI (Ro-33-class) submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off the Russell Islands (8°15′S 158°58′E / 8.250°S 158.967°E / -8.250; 158.967) by USS O'Bannon and USS Strong (both  United States Navy) with the loss of all 66 crew.
San Isidro  Spain World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by Katsonis ( Hellenic Navy).[3]
Shillong  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HX 231: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Cape Farewell, Greenland by U-635 ( Kriegsmarine). She was then torpedoed and sunk (57°10′N 35°30′W / 57.167°N 35.500°W / 57.167; -35.500) by U-630 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 71 of her 78 crew. Survivors were rescued by Zamalek ( United Kingdom).[69] Shillong was on a voyage from Port Lincoln, South Australia to Swansea, Glamorgan.[70]
Simeiz  Soviet Navy World War II: The tug was sunk by a mine off Cape Myskhako in the Black Sea. There were eight killed and thirteen survivors.[71][72]
SKA-095  Soviet Navy World War II: The MO-4-class patrol vessel was sunk by a mine off Cape Myskhako in the Black Sea.[71]
Sunoil  United States World War II: Convoy HX 231: The tanker straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean by U-563 ( Kriegsmarine). She was later torpedoed and sunk (58°16′N 34°14′W / 58.267°N 34.233°W / 58.267; -34.233) by U-530 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 69 crew.[73]
U-167  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type IXC/40 submarine was depth charged and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean off the Canary Islands, Spain (27°47′N 15°00′W / 27.783°N 15.000°W / 27.783; -15.000) by a Lockheed Hudson aircraft of 233 Squadron, Royal Air Force. She was scuttled the next day. Her 52 crew survived.[74]
U-635  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Iceland (58°20′N 31°52′W / 58.333°N 31.867°W / 58.333; -31.867) by a Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of 120 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of all 47 crew.[75]
Vaalaren  Sweden World War II: Convoy HX 231: The cargo ship romped ahead of the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (approximately 58°N 34°W / 58°N 34°W / 58; -34) by U-229 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 38 crew.[76][77]
Waroonga  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HX 231: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean by U-635 ( Kriegsmarine). She was then torpedoed and further damaged by U-630 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of nineteen of the 132 people aboard. Survivors were rescued by Joel R. Poinsett ( United States) and HMS Loosestrife ( Royal Navy), which scuttled the ship.[78]

6 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 6 April 1943
Ship State Description
Carridi  Regia Marina World War II: The naval trawler was sunk at Trapani, Sicily by Allied aircraft.[79]
John Sevier  United States World War II: Convoy GTMO 83: The Liberty ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 20 nautical miles (37 km) off Great Inagua Island, Bahamas (20°17′N 73°32′W / 20.283°N 73.533°W / 20.283; -73.533) by U-185 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 57 crew were rescued by USS Bennett ( United States Navy).[80][81]
Josefina Thordén  United Kingdom World War II: The tanker struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary (51°47′18″N 1°28′42″E / 51.78833°N 1.47833°E / 51.78833; 1.47833) with the loss of fifteen of her 55 crew.[82]
M 4041 Dr. Augustus Held  Kriegsmarine World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper struck a mine and sank in the Bay of Biscay off Le Verdon-sur-Mer, Gironde, France.[3]
MAS 533  Regia Marina World War II: The MAS 526-class torpedo boat was sunk at Trapani by Allied aircraft.[83]
MAS 576  Regia Marina World War II: The MAS 552-class torpedo boat was sunk at Trapani by Allied aircraft.[84]
Rovereto  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk off Cape Zebib, Tunisia, by Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft of the United States Army Air Force. Forty-five of her crew and 60 passengers were killed. There were twelve or 26 survivors, but one of them died of their wounds.[3][85][86][87]
San Diego  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk off Cape Zebib by Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft of the United States Army Air Force. All 125 men aboard were rescued.[3][85][86]
Ste. Lucille  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Trapani by Allied aircraft.[88]
U-632  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (58°02′N 28°42′W / 58.033°N 28.700°W / 58.033; -28.700) by a Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of 86 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of all 48 of her crew.[89]
UJ 2202 Jutland  Kriegsmarine World War II: The submarine chaser was bombed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by American aircraft.[3]
VAS 202  Regia Marina World War II: The VAS 201-class submarine chaser was sunk at Trapani by Allied aircraft.[90]
Vilsandi  Soviet Union The cargo liner was wrecked in Lake Ladoga. There were no casualties.[91]
Wa Wa  United States The fishing vessel foundered at Chatham, Alaska Territory.[92]

7 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 7 April 1943
Ship State Description
USS Aaron Ward  United States Navy World War II: The Gleaves-class destroyer was bombed and sunk in Ironbottom Sound by Japanese aircraft with the loss of 27 of her 208 crew.
Fukuei Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk off Sanriku by USS Pickerel ( United States Navy). Thirty of her crew were killed.[43][44]
USS Kanawha  United States Navy World War II: The Kanawha-class fleet replenishment oiler was bombed and damaged in Tulagi Harbour, Solomon Islands by Japanese aircraft and was beached. She sank the next day with a loss of nineteen of her crew.[93]
Kosei Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The British WWI War Standard G-class auxiliary storeship was torpedoed and severely damaged in the Pacific Ocean 259 nautical miles (480 km) north west of Truk, Marshall Islands (08°45′N 147°10′E / 8.750°N 147.167°E / 8.750; 147.167) by USS Tunny ( United States Navy). Four of her crew were killed. She sank under tow two days later 286 nautical miles (530 km) north west of Truk (08°53′N 146°42′E / 8.883°N 146.700°E / 8.883; 146.700).[3][94][95]
HMNZS Moa  Royal New Zealand Navy World War II: The Bird-class minesweeper was bombed and sunk in Tulagi Harbour by Japanese aircraft with the loss of five of her 35 crew.
U-644  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was torpedoed and sunk in the Norwegian Sea west of Narvik, Norway (69°38′N 5°40′W / 69.633°N 5.667°W / 69.633; -5.667) by HMS Tuna ( Royal Navy) with the loss of all 45 crew.[96]

8 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 8 April 1943
Ship State Description
Castillo Montealegre  Spain World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (9°46′N 16°50′W / 9.767°N 16.833°W / 9.767; -16.833) by U-123 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of twelve of her 43 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Inkpen ( Royal Navy).[97][98][99][100]
Foggia  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Tunisia by HMS Unshaken ( Royal Navy).[3]
No. 045  Soviet Navy The MO-4-class patrol vessel was lost on this date.[citation needed]
SKA-054  Soviet Navy World War II: The MO-4-class patrol vessel was sunk by a mine off Gelendzhik.[101]
Toyo Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk off Rabaul, New Guinea by Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of the United States Army Air Force.[3]
U-733  Kriegsmarine The Type VIIC submarine collided with a Kriegsmarine patrol boat and sank at Gotenhafen. There were no casualties. She was raised on 16 April. Subsequently repaired, and returned to service in December 1943.[3][102]

9 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 9 April 1943
Ship State Description
Bamako  Free France World War II: Convoy 20K: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Dakar, Senegal (14°57′N 17°15′W / 14.950°N 17.250°W / 14.950; -17.250) by U-515 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of her crew.[103][1]
Bella Italia  Regia Marina World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper was torpedoed and sunk off Cape Carbonara, Sardinia by HMS Safari ( Royal Navy).[3][51]
Isonami  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Fubuki-class destroyer was torpedoed and sunk while rescuing survivors of Penang Maru ( Japan) in the Buton Passage, off south east Celebes 35 nautical miles (65 km) south east of Wangi-wangi Island, Netherlands East Indies (5°26′S 123°04′E / 5.433°S 123.067°E / -5.433; 123.067) by USS Tautog ( United States Navy) with the loss of seven of her 219 crew.[104]
Oyama Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk 250 nautical miles (460 km) north north west of Kavieng, New Ireland (00°38′N 150°17′E / 0.633°N 150.283°E / 0.633; 150.283), by USS Drum ( United States Navy). Four of her crew were killed.[105]
Penang Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Buton Passage (5°29′S 123°02′E / 5.483°S 123.033°E / -5.483; 123.033) by USS Tautog ( United States Navy). Thirteen troops, a guard and two of her crew were killed.[106][107]
Shanghai Maru  Japan World War II: Convoy 3202: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Isla Verde Passage, Philippines (13°05′N 121°43′E / 13.083°N 121.717°E / 13.083; 121.717) by USS Grayling ( United States Navy). One source says that she was lost with all 45 hands, another states that five lives were lost.[43][108][109] 13-05N, 121-43E

10 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 10 April 1943
Ship State Description
Entella  Italy World War II: The cargo ship ran aground at Torre Finocchio, Sardinia while avoiding torpedoes fired by HMS Safari ( Royal Navy). The same submarine destroyed the wreck with torpedoes the next day. Her crew were rescued.[3][51]
Irene  Germany World War II: The blockade runner was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (43°18′N 14°26′W / 43.300°N 14.433°W / 43.300; -14.433) by HMS Adventure ( Royal Navy). The entire ship's company, including more than 100 personnel of the Kriegsmarine, were rescued by HMS Adventure.[110]
Isonzo  Regia Marina World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea east of Cagliari, Sardinia by HMS Safari ( Royal Navy) with the loss of nine lives.[3][12][51]
Loredan  Regia Marina World War II: The auxiliary cruiser was torpedoed and sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea east of Cagliari by HMS Safari ( Royal Navy) with the loss of fifteen lives.[3][12][51]
MAS 501, and
MAS 503 		 Regia Marina World War II: The MAS motor torpedo boats were bombed and sunk at La Maddelena, Sardinia by Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft of the United States Twelfth Air Force.[3][23]
Trieste  Regia Marina World War II: The Trento-class cruiser was bombed and sunk at La Maddelena by Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft of the United States Twelfth Air Force. Seventy-seven of her crew and two civilians were killed. She was raised post-war and sold to Spain in 1951 for a proposed conversion to an aircraft carrier. This was not proceeded with and she was subsequently scrapped.[3][111]

11 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 11 April 1943
Ship State Description
Abisko  Sweden World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Schiermonnikoog, Friesland, Netherlands (53°43′N 6°01′E / 53.717°N 6.017°E / 53.717; 6.017). A crew member was killed and six were wounded.[3][77][112][113]
HMS Beverley  Royal Navy World War II: Convoy ON 176: The Town-class destroyer was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (52°19′N 40°28′W / 52.317°N 40.467°W / 52.317; -40.467 by U-188 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 148 of her 152 crew.
Dorpat  Germany World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank off Aarhus, Denmark. She was refloated on 12 May, repaired and returned to service.[114]
Edward B. Dudley  United States World War II: Convoy HX 232: The Liberty ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (approximately 53°N 38°W / 53°N 38°W / 53; -38 / 53°N 39°W / 53°N 39°W / 53; -39) by U-615 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 69 crew.[115][116]
Empire Whimbrel  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 400 nautical miles (740 km; 460 mi) south south west of Freetown, Sierra Leone (2°31′N 15°55′W / 2.517°N 15.917°W / 2.517; -15.917) by U-181 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 53 crew were rescued by HMS Witch and HMS Wolverine (both  Royal Navy).[117][118]
F 477  Kriegsmarine World War II: The MFP-C2 landing craft was bombed and sunk in Tunis harbor, Tunisia. A crew member was wounded.[119]
Fabriano  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Palermo, Sicily by aircraft based on Malta. There were fourteen dead and 91 survivors.[3][120]
Frode  Norway World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the English Channel off the coast of Sussex, United Kingdom (50°45′48″N 0°28′43″W / 50.76333°N 0.47861°W / 50.76333; -0.47861) with the loss of eight of her nineteen crew.[121]
Hanyang  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and disabled off the coast of Papua New Guinea by Imperial Japanese Army Air Force aircraft. She was on a voyage from Milne Bay to Oro Bay. A crew member was killed and five were wounded. She was subsequently repaired and returned to service.[122][123]
Ingerfire  Norway World War II: Convoy ONS 2: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (51°29′N 42°59′W / 51.483°N 42.983°W / 51.483; -42.983) by U-613 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eight of her 36 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMCS Camrose and HMCS St. Croix (both  Royal Canadian Navy).[124]
James W. Denver  United States World War II: Convoy UGS 7: The Liberty ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 475 nautical miles (880 km) west of the Canary Islands, Spain (28°46′N 25°40′W / 28.767°N 25.667°W / 28.767; -25.667) by U-195 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 67 crew. Survivors were rescued by Cabo Huertas, Campana, Juan (all  Spain). Albufeira ( Portugal) rescued eighteen survivors on 16 May. The remainder of her crew reached land in their lifeboat.[125][126]
MS 13  Regia Marina World War II: The MS 11-class MS boat was sunk at Trapani, Sicily by Allied aircraft.[127]
Matt W. Ransom  United States World War II: Convoy UGS 6A: The Liberty ship, on her maiden voyage, struck two mines in the Mediterranean Sea off Casablanca, Morocco (33°55′N 7°52′W / 33.917°N 7.867°W / 33.917; -7.867) and was damaged. She was abandoned by her 64 passengers and crew, who were rescued by USS PC-471 and USS PC-481 (both  United States Navy). She was later reboarded by seven of her crew and taken to Casablanca for temporary repairs. Later scuttled as a blockship at Utah Beach, France.[128]
Narenta  Regia Marina World War II: The auxiliary cruiser was sunk at Trapani by Allied aircraft. A crew member was killed. She was later raised and scrapped.[12][129]
RD 20  Regia Marina World War II: The RD-class minesweeper was sunk at Trapani by Allied aircraft. She was raised in 1945, repaired, and returned to service post-war.[130][131]
Recina  Yugoslavia World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean east of Australia (37°24′S 150°19′E / 37.400°S 150.317°E / -37.400; 150.317) by I-26 ( Imperial Japanese Navy). There were 32 dead and nineteen survivors.[3][132][133]
Runo  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 60 nautical miles (110 km) north of Bardia, Libya (32°15′N 23°55′E / 32.250°N 23.917°E / 32.250; 23.917) by U-593 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of sixteen of her 37 crew.[134]
Teseo  Regia Marina World War II: The ocean-going tug was sunk at Trapani by Allied aircraft. Fifteen of he crew were killed.[12][135]

12 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 12 April 1943
Ship State Description
Fresno City  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HX 232: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Cape Farewell, Greenland (54°15′N 30°00′W / 54.250°N 30.000°W / 54.250; -30.000) by U-563 ( Kriegsmarine). She then straggled behind the convoy and was later torpedoed and sunk by U-706 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 45 crew were rescued by HMS Azalea ( Royal Navy).[136][137]
Froy  Norway World War II: The fishing vessel was sunk off Harstad by grenades launched by the crew of K-21 ( Soviet Navy). A crew member was killed and another died of wounds. The submarine attacked others fishing vessels in the area, sinking none but killing eight of their crew and capturing ten, of which three died in captivity.[138][circular reference]
Lancastrian Prince  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ON 176: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north east of the Dominion of Newfoundland (50°18′N 42°48′W / 50.300°N 42.800°W / 50.300; -42.800) by U-404 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 45 crew.[139] Lancastrian Prince was on a voyage from Liverpool, Lancashire to Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.[140]
Pacific Grove  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HX 232: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Cape Farewell (54°10′N 30°00′W / 54.167°N 30.000°W / 54.167; -30.000) by U-563 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eleven of the 67 people aboard. Survivors were rescued by HMS Azalea ( Royal Navy).[141]
Sapporo Maru No. 12  Japan World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk at eastern entrance to Tsugaru Strait, just off Shiriyazaki, northern Honshu, (41°23′N 141°30′E / 41.383°N 141.500°E / 41.383; 141.500) by USS Flying Fish ( United States Navy). A crew member was killed.[23][43]
St Lucien France Vichy France World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Unruly ( Royal Navy). Her crew were rescued.[3][142]
Sydney Maru  Imperial Japanese Army World War II: Convoy Hansa 2B: The Shanghai Maru-class auxiliary transport was bombed in Hansa Bay, New Guinea (03°18′N 143°38′E / 3.300°N 143.633°E / 3.300; 143.633) by Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of the United States Fifth Air Force. She was beached and abandoned. Nine of her crew and three soldiers were killed.[143]
Ulysses  Netherlands World War II: Convoy HX 232: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Cape Farewell (54°30′N 30°30′W / 54.500°N 30.500°W / 54.500; -30.500) by U-563 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 41 crew were rescued by HMS Azalea ( Royal Navy).[144]

13 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 13 April 1943
Ship State Description
HNoMS Eskdale  Royal Norwegian Navy World War II: Convoy PW 323: The Hunt-class destroyer was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel off Lizard Head, Cornwall, United Kingdom by S 90 and S 112 (both  Kriegsmarine). Twenty-five of her crew were killed.[145]
Portland  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled in the Indian Ocean when intercepted by Georges Leygues ( French Navy).[3]
Santa Irene  Portugal World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea east of Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy by HMS Taurus ( Royal Navy) with the loss of eighteen of her nineteen crew.[3][146][147]

14 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 14 April 1943
Ship State Description
Emile Allard  France World War II: The buoy tender was strafed and sunk off Brest, Finistère by Westland Whirlwind aircraft of 263 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of three of her fourteen crew.[148][149]
HA-29  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The unmanned midget submarine was damaged beyond repair at Kiska, Territory of Alaska by Curtiss P-40 Warhawk aircraft of the Eleventh Air Force, United States Army Air Force. Her wreck was used as spares in an attempt to repair other submarines.[50]
HA-34  Imperial Japanese Navy The unmanned midget submarine was damaged beyond repair at Kiska by Curtiss P-40 Warhawk aircraft of the Eleventh Air Force, United States Army Air Force. Her wreck was used as spares in an attempt to repair other submarines.[50]
Pasvik  Norway World War II: The icebreaking tug struck a mine and sank in Varangerfjord (69°55′N 30°00′E / 69.917°N 30.000°E / 69.917; 30.000) with the loss of nine of her crew. Another source says all eleven aboard were killed, possibly including two Germans.[150][151]
Penerf France Vichy France World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Nice, Alpes-Maritimes (43°32′N 7°12′E / 43.533°N 7.200°E / 43.533; 7.200) by HMS Ultor ( Royal Navy). Twenty-three of the 38 men aboard were killed.[3][152][153]
Port Victor  United Kingdom World War II: The refrigerated cargo liner was torpedoed and damaged by U-107 ( Kriegsmarine. She was on a voyage from Buenos Aires, Argentina to a British port.[154]
Stanlake  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy PW 323: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel off The Lizard, Cornwall by S 82, S 90 and S 112 (all  Kriegsmarine). Her 24 crew survived.[3][155]
U-526  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type IXC/40 submarine struck a mine and sank in the Bay of Biscay off Lorient, Morbihan, France (47°30′N 3°45′W / 47.500°N 3.750°W / 47.500; -3.750) with the loss of 42 of her 54 crew.[156]
Van Heemskerk  Netherlands World War II: The passenger ship was bombed and sunk in Milne Bay by Japanese aircraft with the loss of four lives.[3][157]

15 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 15 April 1943
Ship State Description
HMT Adonis  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea off Lowestoft, Suffolk, by a Kriegsmarine E-boat with the loss of twenty of her 31 crew.[158]
Archimede  Regia Marina World War II: The Brin-class submarine was bombed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Brazil (03°23′S 30°28′W / 3.383°S 30.467°W / -3.383; -30.467) by a Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft of VP 83 Squadron, United States Navy.[23]
Borgå  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 25 nautical miles (46 km) north east of Borkum by Bristol Beaufighter aircraft of the Royal Air Force with the loss of two of her crew.[3][159]
Clan MacIndoe  United Kingdom The cargo ship caught fire in the Mediterranean Sea off Alexandria, Egypt. She was beached on 27 April, but declared a total loss due to a broken back and being burnt out.[25][160]
Fedora  Italy World War II: The transport boat was captured by a Partizan boat and burnt.[161]
India Maru  Imperial Japanese Army World War II: The Daifuku Maru No. 1-class transport ship was bombed and sunk near Kairiru Island (03°12′N 143°43′E / 3.200°N 143.717°E / 3.200; 143.717) by Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft of the United States Fifth Air Force. Three gunners and seven of her crew were killed.[162]
Kaihei Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Kaihei Maru-class auxiliary transport ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Island off the Bonin Islands (21°13′N 152°24′E / 21.217°N 152.400°E / 21.217; 152.400) by USS Seawolf ( United States Navy). Four of her crew were killed.[163][164]
M 5613 Christa  Kriegsmarine The minesweeper ran aground at Odderøy, Norway and was wrecked.[3]
Netztender 14 Simon  Kriegsmarine World War II: The net tender was sunk by a mine in the Baltic Sea.[165]
Shchuka  Soviet Union World War II: The defecting motorboat was shelled and sunk in the Arctic Sea by MO-123 and MO-133 (both  Soviet Navy).[166]
Simson  Germany World War II: The tug struck a mine and sank off Wrangel Island, Soviet Union.[167]
USS YP-4536  United States Navy The yard patrol craft ran aground and sank on the Bahama Banks.[23]

16 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 16 April 1943
Ship State Description
Cigno  Regia Marina World War II: Battle of the Cigno Convoy: The Spica-class torpedo boat was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea south-east of Marettimo by HMS Pakenham and HMS Paladin (both  Royal Navy). One hundred and three of her crew were killed.[168]
Giacomo Medici  Regia Marina World War II: The La Masa-class destroyer was sunk at Catania by American aircraft. Her crew survived.[169][170]
King Edwin  United Kingdom The cargo ship caught fire at Malta and was scuttled. She was raised in 1945, towed out to sea and sunk.[171]
HMS Pakenham  Royal Navy World War II: Battle of the Cigno Convoy: The P-class destroyer was shelled and crippled in the Mediterranean Sea off Marettimo by Cassiopea and Cigno (both  Regia Marina). She was scuttled by HMS Paladin ( Royal Navy). Ten of her crew were lost.[145]
HSwMS Ulven  Swedish Navy World War II: The submarine struck a mine and sank in the Skagerrak west of Marstrand with the loss of all 33 crew.

17 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 17 April 1943
Ship State Description
Amaho Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (42°00′N 143°20′E / 42.000°N 143.333°E / 42.000; 143.333) by USS Flying Fish ( United States Navy) with the loss of eight lives.[172][173]
Arizona  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was sunk in an Allied air raid on Palermo, Sicily, Italy. She was refloated on 22 October 1946 but ran aground whilst under tow and was declared a total loss.[1]
Fort Rampart  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HX 233: The Fort ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (47°22′N 21°58′W / 47.367°N 21.967°W / 47.367; -21.967) by U-628 ( Kriegsmarine). Six of her 56 crew were killed. Survivors were rescued by HMCS Arvida ( Royal Canadian Navy). Fort Rampart was later torpedoed again the same day by U-628 but remained afloat. The wreck was torpedoed, shelled and sunk the next day 900 nautical miles (1,700 km; 1,000 mi) east north east of the Azores, Portugal (47°28′N 22°00′W / 47.467°N 22.000°W / 47.467; -22.000) by U-226 ( Kriegsmarine).[174][175]
HMS LCP(R) 780  Royal Navy The landing craft, personnel (ramped) was lost when Sembilan ( Netherlands) that was carrying her was sunk by Leonardo da Vinci ( Regia Marina).[176]
HMS LCP(R) 782  Royal Navy World War II: The landing craft, personnel (ramped) was lost when Sembilan ( Netherlands), that was carrying her, was sunk by Leonardo da Vinci ( Regia Marina).[176]
Monginevro  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Zembretta by HMMTB 634 and HMMTB 656 ( Royal Navy). There were no casualties.[citation needed]
Naïade  Regia Marina World War II: The Sirène-class submarine was sunk in a United States Army Air Forces raid on Toulon, Var, France.[177]
Nisshin Maru No. 2  Japan World War II: The transport was damaged, probably by a mine, in the East China Sea and was abandoned. She eventually drifted ashore on Formosa, China and was later scrapped.[178]
Sembilan  Netherlands World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean south of Mauritius (31°30′S 33°30′E / 31.500°S 33.500°E / -31.500; 33.500) by Leonardo da Vinci ( Regia Marina) with the loss of 85 of the 86 people aboard.[3][176][179]
Shinnan Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine laid by US Navy TBF Avenger aircraft on 30 March and sank off Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands (6°50′N 155°45′E / 6.833°N 155.750°E / 6.833; 155.750). 12 crew and 23 passengers were killed.[3][23][43]
U-175  Kriegsmarine
U-175

World War II: The Type IXC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (47°53′N 22°04′W / 47.883°N 22.067°W / 47.883; -22.067) by USCGC Spencer ( United States Coast Guard) with the loss of thirteen of her 54 crew. Survivors were rescued by USCGC Spencer and USCGC Duane ( United States Coast Guard) and made prisoners of war.

18 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 18 April 1943
Ship State Description
Corbis  United Kingdom World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean 500 nautical miles (930 km; 580 mi) east south east of Port Elizabeth, Union of South Africa (34°56′S 34°03′E / 34.933°S 34.050°E / -34.933; 34.050) by U-180 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 50 of her 60 crew. Survivors were rescued by a South African Air Force rescue boat.[180]
Empire Bruce  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (6°40′N 13°17′W / 6.667°N 13.283°W / 6.667; -13.283) by U-123 ( Kriegsmarine).[181] Her 49 crew were rescued by HMMMS 107 ( Royal Navy).
Høegh Carrier  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the North Sea off Den Helder, North Holland, Netherlands by Bristol Beaufighter aircraft of the Royal Air Force with the loss of two of her crew.[3][182][183]
Liv  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Porto Torres, Sardinia by Royal Air Force aircraft. She was later refloated.[184]
Luigi Razza  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Port Torres by Royal Air Force aircraft. She was refloated in 1945 and repaired, returning to service in 1946 as Antonio Strazzera.[185]
Manaar  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean south of Mauritius by Leonardo da Vinci ( Regia Marina). There were four killed and 94 survivors.[3][176]
Nisshun Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The ammunition transport was torpedoed and sunk 200 nautical miles (370 km; 230 mi) north north west of Mussau Island, Bismarck Archipelago (01°55′N 148°24′E / 1.917°N 148.400°E / 1.917; 148.400) by USS Drum ( United States Navy). Thirty-five of her crew were killed. Survivors were rescued by CH-18 ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[186]
HMS P615  Royal Navy World War II: The Oruç Reis-class submarine was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (6°49′N 13°09′W / 6.817°N 13.150°W / 6.817; -13.150) by U-123 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 44 crew.[145][187]
HMS Regent  Royal Navy World War II: The Rainbow-class submarine struck a mine and sank in the Strait of Otranto with the loss of all 63 crew.[145][188][189]
Two unnamed seiners  Soviet Union World War II: The seiners were sunk in the Black Sea by Kriegsmarine R boats and S boats.[190]
UJ 2205 Le Jacques Coeur  Kriegsmarine World War II: The submarine chaser was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea north north west of Isola di Femmine, Sicily, Italy (38°15′N 13°13′E / 38.250°N 13.217°E / 38.250; 13.217) by HMS Unseen ( Royal Navy). Four of her crew were killed and eleven were wounded. Survivors were rescued by VAS 207 and VAS 230 (both  Regia Marina).[3][191][192]
V 1409 Limburgia  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Vorpostenboot was torpedoed and sunk in the Seine Bay by HMMGB 38 and HMMGB 39 (both  Royal Navy).[3]
USS YC-891  United States Navy The unpowered covered lighter sank while under tow off Key West, Florida.[23]

19 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 19 April 1943
Ship State Description
Alpino  Regia Marina World War II: The Soldati-class destroyer was sunk at La Spezia by aircraft of the Bomber Command, Royal Air Force. Forty-eight of her crew were killed.[193][194]
Banshu Maru No. 5  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Banshu Maru No. 5 -class auxiliary storeship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean about 108 nautical miles (200 km; 124 mi) north west of Iwo Jima (26°15′N 139°35′E / 26.250°N 139.583°E / 26.250; 139.583) by USS Seawolf ( United States Navy). Fourteen of her crew were killed.[3][195]
Bivona  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea northwest of Trapani, Sicily (38°11′N 11°44′E / 38.183°N 11.733°E / 38.183; 11.733) by HMS Unrivalled ( Royal Navy). Out of 56 men aboard – 38 Italians and eighteen Germans, including crew and passing soldiers heading to Tunisia – only eight survived: three Italians and five Germans.[3][18][192]
Francesco Crispi  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea off Elba (42°46′N 9°46′E / 42.767°N 9.767°E / 42.767; 9.767) by HMS Saracen ( Royal Navy). Depending on sources, there were between 1,200 and 1,300 men (crew and troops) aboard, of which 676 were saved and more than 500 were lost.[3][196][197]
Mostaganem  Italy World War II: The cargo ship, which was carrying Allied prisoners, was bombed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea by Allied aircraft. She was then torpedoed and sunk by HMS Unrivalled ( Royal Navy) north of Marettimo Island. Two of her crew were killed. There were 25 survivors.[3][18][198]
Robert Gray  United States World War II: Convoy HX 234: The Liberty ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (50°57′N 40°35′W / 50.950°N 40.583°W / 50.950; -40.583) by U-108 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 62 crew.[199][200]
TKA-84  Soviet Navy World War II: The G-5-class motor torpedo boat was sunk in the Black Sea by Luftwaffe aircraft. There was one survivor.[citation needed]

20 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 20 April 1943
Ship State Description
El Amirante  Panama World War II: Convoy HX 235: The cargo ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean in a storm. She had previously been in collision with Elias Boudinot ( United States).[201]
Kosei Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk north of Wewak, New Guinea by aircraft of the United States Army Air Force with the loss of 199 lives.[3][23][43]
Lena Luckenbach  United States World War II: Convoy HX 233: The cargo ship collided with James Fenimore Cooper ( United States) in the Atlantic Ocean and was abandoned by her 62 crew, who were rescued by Lightning ( United States). Lena Luckenbach was boarded by a salvage party from HMS Bergamot ( Royal Navy) and beached at Kames Bay. She was later repaired and returned to service.[202]
Meiji Maru No.1 Go  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Peacetime Standard Type D auxiliary gunboat was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Honshu (37°10′N 141°25′E / 37.167°N 141.417°E / 37.167; 141.417) by USS Scorpion ( United States Navy) with the loss of nine of her crew.[203][204]
Michigan  United States World War II: Convoy UGS 7: The Design 1013 ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 60 nautical miles (110 km) west of Oran, Algeria (35°59′N 1°25′W / 35.983°N 1.417°W / 35.983; -1.417) by U-565 ( Kriegsmarine). All 61 people on board were rescued by HMS Foxtrot and HMT Stella Carina (both  Royal Navy).[205]
Sidi-Bel-Abbès  France World War II: Convoy UGS 7: The troopship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) north of the Habibas Islands, Algeria (35°59′N 1°25′W / 35.983°N 1.417°W / 35.983; -1.417) by U-565 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 611 of the 1,131 people on board. Lifeboats from Michigan ( United States) rescued many of the Senegalese soldiers on board.[206]
Suceava  Romania World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Black Sea (44°53′N 31°24′E / 44.883°N 31.400°E / 44.883; 31.400) by S-33 ( Soviet Navy). There were 28 dead and 70 survivors.[207] The wreck was subsequently refloated and scrapped.[208]
Sumatra Maru  Imperial Japanese Army The Celebes Maru No. 1-class transport ran aground on a submerged reef in rough seas at night heading to the San Bernardino Strait. She was refloated and anchored seven kilometres (4.3 mi) east of the San Bernardino Strait off Luzon, Philippines.[209]

21 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 21 April 1943
Ship State Description
Ashantian  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ONS 3: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north east of St. John's, Dominion of Newfoundland (55°46′N 45°14′W / 55.767°N 45.233°W / 55.767; -45.233) by U-415 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of sixteen of her 67 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Northern Gift ( Royal Navy).[210]
Erich Ohlrogge  Germany World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank off eastern Jutland, Denmark.[211]
Flora Alberta Canada Canada The fishing schooner collided with Fanad Head ( United Kingdom) approximately 140 kilometres (76 nmi) southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The ship was sliced in half and subsequently sunk, with the loss of 21 of her 28 crew.[212]
USS Grenadier  United States Navy World War II: The Tambor-class submarine, immobilized by irreparable propulsion failure, was ineffectively shelled by the netlayer Choko Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy) and bombed and damaged in the Strait of Malacca off Penang, Malaya by a Japanese aircraft. She was consequently scuttled by her crew at 6°30′N 97°40′E / 6.500°N 97.667°E / 6.500; 97.667. All 76 crew were taken as prisoners of war by Choko Maru.[213]
John Drayton  United States World War II: The Liberty ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean (32°10′S 34°50′E / 32.167°S 34.833°E / -32.167; 34.833) by Leonardo da Vinci ( Regia Marina). Fourteen survivors were rescued on 27 April by HMS Relentless ( Royal Navy). Eight of 24 originally in a second lifeboat are rescued on 21 May. Six gunners and 21 crewmen die in the sinking or in the ordeal in the lifeboats.[176][80][214]
KT 7  Kriegsmarine World War II: The transport ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Laforey, HMS Loyal and HMS Lookout (all  Royal Navy). There were 37 dead and twelve survivors.[3][215][216]
HMS LCI(L)-7  Royal Navy World War II: The landing craft, infantry (large) was bombed by Luftwaffe aircraft at Algiers, Algeria. She was beached and left to burn. Four men were killed.[217][218]
Marco Foscarini  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk by HMS Unison ( Royal Navy) in the Strait of Sicily west of Marsala, Italy (37°50′N 11°30′E / 37.833°N 11.500°E / 37.833; 11.500). Depending on sources there were 25 or 28 dead, one died of wounds and there were 95 or 96 survivors.[219][220]
Scebeli  Norway World War II: Convoy ON 178: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (56°07′N 44°26′W / 56.117°N 44.433°W / 56.117; -44.433) by U-191 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 40 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Kale ( Royal Navy).[221]
HMS Splendid  Royal Navy World War II: The S-class submarine was shelled and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea off Corsica, France by Hermes ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eighteen of her 45 crew. She was scuttled to prevent capture before the survivors were rescued and taken as prisoners of war.
Wanstead  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ONS 3: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Cape Farewell, Greenland (55°46′N 45°14′W / 55.767°N 45.233°W / 55.767; -45.233) by U-415 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 50 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Northern Gift and HMS Poppy (both  Royal Navy). Wanstead was later torpedoed and sunk by U-413 ( Kriegsmarine).[222][223]

22 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 22 April 1943
Ship State Description
Amerika  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HX 234: The cargo liner straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (57°30′N 42°50′W / 57.500°N 42.833°W / 57.500; -42.833) by U-306 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 86 of the 130 people on board. Survivors were rescued by HMS Asphodel ( Royal Navy).[224]
Duna  Germany World War II: The cargo ship struck a German mine and sank in Lyngefjord. There were nine dead and twelve survivors.[3][151]
HMS Herring  Royal Navy World War II: Convoy FN 108: The Fish-class trawler was sunk in a collision with Cassard ( France) two nautical miles (3.7 km; 2.3 mi) north of Buoy No. 20, north east of Blyth, Northumberland (51°19′N 1°21′W / 51.317°N 1.350°W / 51.317; -1.350). Her crew were rescued by Cassard.[218][225]
Milano  Regia Marina World War II: The minesweeper was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Unbroken ( Royal Navy).[3]
Tagliamento  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (42°46′N 9°46′E / 42.767°N 9.767°E / 42.767; 9.767) by HMS Saracen ( Royal Navy).[37]
Valente  Italy World War II: The tug was attacked and set afire off Cape Vaticano by HMS Sahib ( Royal Navy).[3]
Yamazato Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Strait of Malacca (3°28′N 99°47′E / 3.467°N 99.783°E / 3.467; 99.783) by HNLMS O 21 ( Royal Netherlands Navy). Eighteen crew, four gunners and 34 passengers were killed.[3][43][226]

23 April[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 23 April 1943
Ship State Description
DB-5  Soviet Navy World War II: The No. 1-class landing boat was sunk by artillery fire off the beachhead of Malaya Zemlya, Myskhako, Soviet Union. A crew member died after giving his lifejacket to a wounded soldier.[227][228]
Patrol Boat No. 39  Imperial Japanese Navy
Patrol Boat No. 39 sinking after being torpedoed by USS Seawolf on 23 April 1943.

World War II: The No.31-class patrol boat was torpedoed and sunk in the Philippine Sea off Yonaguni Island (23°48′N 122°42′E / 23.800°N 122.700°E / 23.800; 122.700) by the submarine USS Seawolf ( United States Navy).[3][163][229]

U-189  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type IXC/40 submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean east of Cape Farewell, Greenland by a Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of 120 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of all 54 crew.[230]
U-191  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type IXC/40