List of shipwrecks in May 1943

The list of shipwrecks in May 1943 includes ships sunk, foundered, grounded, or otherwise lost during May 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 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 1 May 1943
Ship State Description
Adelfotis Greece Greece World War II: The cargo ship (5,838 GRT, 1917) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (3°32′S 21°33′W / 3.533°S 21.550°W / -3.533; -21.550) by U-182 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 39 crew. Her captain was taken aboard U-182 as a prisoner of war.[1]
British Trust  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy MW 27: The tanker (8,466 GRT, 1939) was hit by a torpedo from a Heinkel He 111 of Kampfgeschwader 26 at approx. 20:00 hrs, her port side was opened for a third of her length and her cargo of oil caught fire. She listed heavily and sank within three minutes with the loss of 10 of her 69 crew, 30 nautical miles (56 km) north north west of Benghazi, Libya (32°40′N 19°53′E / 32.667°N 19.883°E / 32.667; 19.883).[2][3]
City of Singapore  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy TS 37: The cargo ship (6,555 GRT, 1923) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 75 nautical miles (139 km) south west of Freetown, Sierra Leone (7°55′N 14°16′W / 7.917°N 14.267°W / 7.917; -14.267) by U-515 ( Kriegsmarine). All 97 crew were rescued by HMT Arran and HMT Birdlip (both  Royal Navy).[4] Her 97 crew survived.[5]
Clan Macpherson  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy TS 37: The cargo ship (6,940 GRT, 1929) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 75 nautical miles (139 km) south west of Freetown (7°58′N 14°14′W / 7.967°N 14.233°W / 7.967; -14.233) by U-515 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of four of her 140 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Arran ( Royal Navy).[6]
Crusader  United States The 101-gross register ton, 73.4-foot (22.4 m) fishing vessel sank in the Shumagin Islands in the Territory of Alaska.[7]
Erinpura  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy MW 27: The troopship (5,128 GRT, 1911) was hit by a bomb in her forward hatch or deck by aircraft from Kampfgeschwader 26 at approximately 20:15 hrs 30 nautical miles (56 km) north north west of Benghazi (32°40′N 19°53′E / 32.667°N 19.883°E / 32.667; 19.883), and sank within four minutes with the loss of 942 lives (114 crew, 5 gunners and 822 troops).[2][8]
Keishin Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Keishin Maru-class auxiliary gunboat was sunk in the Pacific Ocean about five nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) from Shioyazaki, Fukushima prefecture, Japan (37°04′N 140°06′E / 37.067°N 140.100°E / 37.067; 140.100) by USS Pogy ( United States Navy) with the loss of one crewman.[9]
Mokambo  Belgium World War II: Convoy TS 37: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 75 nautical miles (139 km) south west of Freetown (7°58′N 14°14′W / 7.967°N 14.233°W / 7.967; -14.233) by U-515 ( Kriegsmarine). She was taken in tow by HMS Aimwell and HMS Oriana (both  Royal Navy) but capsized and sank the next day at Freetown. All 57 crew survived.[10][11]
Port Victor  United Kingdom World War II: The refrigerated cargo liner (12,411 GRT, 1942) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (47°49′N 22°02′W / 47.817°N 22.033°W / 47.817; -22.033) by U-107 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 19 of the 164 people aboard. Survivors were rescued by HMS Wren ( Royal Navy).[12]
Proletar Yugoslav Partisans World War II: The armed launch was captured by NAP-24 and MB-9 ( Regia Marina), but she sank from battle damage.[13]
ShCh-323  Soviet Navy World War II: The Shchuka-class submarine was sunk by a mine in the Baltic Sea off Petershof (59°55′N 30°02′E / 59.917°N 30.033°E / 59.917; 30.033) with the loss of 39 crew. There were 5 survivors. She was raised and scrapped in 1944.[14][15]
V 1241 Stangenwalde  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Vorpostenboot was sunk in the North Sea off Terschelling, Friesland, Netherlands in a battle with HMMGB 605, HMMGB 606, HMMGB 610, HMMGB 612, HMMTB 624, HMMTB 630 and HMMTB 632 (all  Royal Navy). 7 or 8 crew were killed or missing, and four other died of their wounds in the following days.[16][17]

2 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 2 May 1943
Ship State Description
USCGC CG-58012  United States Navy The 58-foot patrol boat was sunk off the Mary Ann Rocks whistle buoy, Manomet, Massachusetts by an explosion in the engine room. All four crewmen survived.[18]
Erna  Denmark World War II: The coaster (81 GRT) struck a mine and sank in the Smaalandsfarvandet (55°02′N 11°36′E / 55.033°N 11.600°E / 55.033; 11.600). One of her three crew was killed.[19]
F 111 Sogliola  Italy World War II: The auxiliary vessel was sunk by gunfire off Asinara Island, Italy by HMS Safari ( Royal Navy). There were six dead and 29 survivors.[16][20][21]
Gneisenau  Germany World War II: The ocean liner struck a mine in the Baltic Sea (54°38′00″N 12°25′01″E / 54.63333°N 12.41694°E / 54.63333; 12.41694). She capsized and sank. The wreck was raised on 12 July 1950 and scrapped in Denmark.[22][23]
HMS MTB 311  Royal Navy World War II: The Elco 77' motor torpedo boat (30/54 t, 1942) was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by a mine off Bône, Algeria.[24]
RD 12  Regia Marina World War II: The RD-class minesweeper was sunk off Cape Bon, Tunisia by Allied aircraft. There were no casualties.[25][20]
Tamon Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: Convoy No. 257: The transport was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (27°18′N 121°38′E / 27.300°N 121.633°E / 27.300; 121.633) by USS Stingray ( United States Navy). Eighty-one crewmen were killed.[26]
Turunmaa  Finnish Navy World War II: The gunboat was seriously damaged in an air raid south of Kotka and had to be beached. Crew casualties were one dead and nine wounded. The ship was immediately refloated and was fully repaired by 23 October 1943.[27]
U-465  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Bay of Biscay north of Cape Finisterre, Spain (44°48′N 8°58′W / 44.800°N 8.967°W / 44.800; -8.967) by a Short Sunderland aircraft of 461 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force with the loss of all 48 crew.[28]

3 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 3 May 1943
Ship State Description
Campo Basso  Italy World War II: The transport ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Kelibia, Tunisia by HMS Nubian, HMS Paladin and HMS Petard (all  Royal Navy). There were 73 dead and 30 survivors.[16][20][29]
USS LCT-23  United States Navy World War II: The LCT Mk 5 was sunk at Algiers, Algeria by an underwater explosion.[30]
Perseo  Regia Marina World War II: The Spica-class torpedo boat was sunk east of Tunis, Tunisia by HMS Nubian, HMS Paladin, and HMS Petard (all  Royal Navy). 133 crew and passengers were killed. There were 83 survivors.[31][20][32]

4 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 4 May 1943
Ship State Description
Aegir  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was sunk in the North Sea north of Juist by a mine laid by British aircraft.[16][33]
Ilyich  Soviet Union World War II: The Soviet schooner was sunk in the Black Sea when holed by a dud torpedo from S-102 ( Kriegsmarine).[34]
Lorient  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ONS 5: The cargo ship (4,737 GRT, 1921) straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south of Cape Farewell, Greenland (54°04′N 44°18′W / 54.067°N 44.300°W / 54.067; -44.300) by U-125 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 43 crew.[35]
Noku Maru  Japan World War II: The trawler was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean by USS Gudgeon ( United States Navy).[36]
USAT Oneida  United States Army World War II: The ship straggled behind her convoy and foundered in the Atlantic Ocean 70 nautical miles (130 km) north east of Cape Charles, Virginia (31°24′N 75°20′W / 31.400°N 75.333°W / 31.400; -75.333). Thirty-one people were rescued by USS Andres ( United States Navy) but 31 others were lost.[37][38][39]
Panam  Panama World War II: Convoy NK 538: The tanker straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of North Carolina, United States (at 34°11′N 76°12′W / 34.183°N 76.200°W / 34.183; -76.200), by U-129 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 51 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS SC-664 ( United States Navy).[40]
San Clemente Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The San Clemente Maru-class tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 50 nautical miles (93 km) south east of Palau (06°50′N 134°28′E / 6.833°N 134.467°E / 6.833; 134.467) by USS Seal ( United States Navy). One crewman was killed. Survivors were rescued by Hoei Maru ( Imperial Japanese Army).[41][42]
Sizilien  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk off Terschelling, Friesland, Netherlands by Royal Air Force aircraft.[43]
Spina Secondo  Italy World War II: The sailing vessel was sunk by gunfire off Kos, Greece by HMS Parthian ( Royal Navy). The three crew survived the sinking.[20][44]
U-109  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type IXB submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (47°22′N 22°40′W / 47.367°N 22.667°W / 47.367; -22.667) by a Consolidated Liberator aircraft of 86 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of all 52 crew.[45]
U-439  Kriegsmarine The Type VIIC submarine collided with U-659 ( Kriegsmarine) and sank in the Atlantic Ocean west of Cape Ortegal, Spain (43°32′N 13°20′W / 43.533°N 13.333°W / 43.533; -13.333) with the loss of nine of her 49 crew.[46]
U-659  Kriegsmarine The Type VIIC submarine collided with U-439 ( Kriegsmarine) in the Atlantic Ocean west of Cape Ortegal (43°32′N 13°20′W / 43.533°N 13.333°W / 43.533; -13.333) and sank with the loss of 44 of her 47 crew.[47]

5 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 5 May 1943
Ship State Description
Bonde  Norway World War II: Convoy ONS 5: The cargo ship (1,570 GRT, 1936) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (53°28′N 44°20′W / 53.467°N 44.333°W / 53.467; -44.333) by U-266 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of fourteen of her 26 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Tay ( Royal Navy).[48][49]
Bristol City  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ONS 5: The cargo ship (2,864 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south of Cape Farewell, Greenland (54°00′N 43°55′W / 54.000°N 43.917°W / 54.000; -43.917) by U-358 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of fifteen of her 49 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Loosestrife ( Royal Navy).[50]
Daifuku Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship (3,194 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the Yellow Sea (38°37′N 122°38′E / 38.617°N 122.633°E / 38.617; 122.633) by USS Snook ( United States Navy). Five crew and 10 passengers were killed.[51][52]
Dolius  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ONS 5: The cargo ship (5,507 GRT, 1924) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean east of Belle Isle, Newfoundland (54°00′N 43°35′W / 54.000°N 43.583°W / 54.000; -43.583) by U-638 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of four of her 70 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Sunflower ( Royal Navy).[53]
F 353  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type A Marinefahrprahm was sunk by a bomb in La Goulette, Tunisia.[54]
Fingal  Norway World War II: The cargo ship (2,137 GRT, 1923) was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia (30°35′S 153°29′E / 30.583°S 153.483°E / -30.583; 153.483) by I-180 ( Imperial Japanese Navy) with the loss of twelve of her 31 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS Patterson ( United States Navy).[55]
Gharinda  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ONS 5: The cargo ship (5,306 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (53°10′N 44°40′W / 53.167°N 44.667°W / 53.167; -44.667) by U-266 ( Kriegsmarine). All 92 crew were rescued by HMS Tay ( Royal Navy).[56]
Hakkai Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Hakkai Maru-class auxiliary gunboat was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Ise-Wan, Honshu (34°11′N 137°41′E / 34.183°N 137.683°E / 34.183; 137.683) by USS Sawfish ( United States Navy). 121 troops and 3 crewmen were killed. 121 survivors were rescued by Manazuru ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[57][58]
Harbury  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ONS 5: The cargo ship (5,081 GRT, 1933) straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 500 nautical miles (930 km) south of Cape Farewell, Greenland (55°01′N 42°59′W / 55.017°N 42.983°W / 55.017; -42.983) by U-628 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of seven of her 49 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Northern Spray ( Royal Navy).[59][60]
Harperley  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ONS 5: The cargo ship (4,586 GRT, 1930) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (55°00′N 42°58′W / 55.000°N 42.967°W / 55.000; -42.967) by U-264 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of ten of her 49 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Northern Spray ( Royal Navy). Harperley later sank at 55°03′N 42°56′W / 55.050°N 42.933°W / 55.050; -42.933.[61]
Hartwelson  United States The 3,087-gross register ton cargo ship ran aground on Bantam Rock off the coast of Maine and sank nearby in waters up to 30 feet (9.1 m) deep without loss of life, 8 nautical miles (15 km; 9.2 mi) south of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, at 43°43′47″N 069°37′26″W / 43.72972°N 69.62389°W / 43.72972; -69.62389 (Hartwelson).[62]
Holmbury  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (4,566 GRT, 1925) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 170 nautical miles (310 km) west of Cape Palmas, Liberia (4°30′N 10°20′W / 4.500°N 10.333°W / 4.500; -10.333) by U-123 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 46 crew. The captain was taken aboard U-123 as a prisoner of war, other survivors reached land in their lifeboats.[63]
Kinko Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship (1,264 t) was torpedoed and sunk in the Yellow Sea by USS Snook ( United States Navy). 16 crew and 1 passenger were killed.[51][52]
Kreml  Soviet Union World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged 22 nautical miles (41 km) south of Cape Koder by U-9 ( Kriegsmarine). She was declared at total loss.[64]
Maria Pia  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Tactician ( Royal Navy). All 16 crew survived.[16][20]
North Britain  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ONS 5: The cargo ship (4,635 GRT, 1940) straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (55°08′N 42°43′W / 55.133°N 42.717°W / 55.133; -42.717) by U-707 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 35 of her 46 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Northern Spray ( Royal Navy). North Britainwas on a voyage from Glasgow, Renfrewshire to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.[65][66]
RD 23  Regia Marina World War II: The RD-class minesweeper was sunk at La Goulette, Tunisia by Allied aircraft.[25]
RD 42  Regia Marina World War II: The RD-class minesweeper was sunk at La Goulette, Tunisia by Allied aircraft.[25]
RD 44  Regia Marina World War II: The RD-class minesweeper was sunk at Bizerte, Tunisia by Allied aircraft.[25]
RD 57  Regia Marina World War II: The RD-class minesweeper was sunk at La Goulette, Tunisia by Allied aircraft.[25]
San Antonio  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk by Allied Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft off Cape St Vito, Italy. An Italian escort rescued 52 men of the around 80 aboard.[67][68]
Selvistan  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ONS 5: The cargo ship (5,136 GRT, 1924) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (53°10′N 44°40′W / 53.167°N 44.667°W / 53.167; -44.667) by U-266 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of her 46 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Tay ( Royal Navy).[69]
Sempre Avanti  Italy World War II: The sailing vessel was sunk by a mine in the Mediterranean Sea while sailing from Trapani to Pantelleria. The crew survived the sinking.[20][70]
U-638  Kriegsmarine World War II: Convoy ONS 5: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north east of Newfoundland (54°12′N 44°05′W / 54.200°N 44.083°W / 54.200; -44.083) by HMS Sunflower ( Royal Navy) with the loss of all 44 crew.[71]
VAS 223  Regia Marina World War II: The VAS 201-class submarine chaser was beached/wrecked between Palermo, Sicily and Bizerte, Tunisia after being damaged by Allied aircraft.[72]
Wentworth  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ONS 5: The cargo ship (5,212 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (53°59′N 43°55′W / 53.983°N 43.917°W / 53.983; -43.917) with the loss of five of her 47 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Loosestrife ( Royal Navy), which scuttled the ship.[73]
West Madaket  United States World War II: Convoy ONS 5: The Design 1013 cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south of Cape Farewell, Greenland (54°47′N 44°12′W / 54.783°N 44.200°W / 54.783; -44.200) by U-584 ( Kriegsmarine). All 61 crew were rescued by HMS Pink ( Royal Navy).[74]
West Maximus  United States World War II: Convoy ONS 5: The Design 1013 cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (55°10′N 43°00′W / 55.167°N 43.000°W / 55.167; -43.000) by U-264 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of the 62 people aboard. Survivors were rescued by HMT Northern Spray ( Royal Navy).[75]

6 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 6 May 1943
Ship State Description
Amazone  Netherlands World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Miami, 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 14 of her 25 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS PC-484 ( United States Navy). (Look 06/05/1942)
FR-60  Regia Marina World War II: The auxiliary minelayer was scuttled at Bizerte, Tunisia.[76]
FR-74  Regia Marina World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper, a former SC-1-class submarine chaser, was scuttled at Bizerte, Tunisia.
FR-75 Madame de Pompei  Regia Marina World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper was scuttled at Bizerte, Tunisia.[16]
FR-77 Ravigan  Regia Marina World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper was scuttled at Bizerte, Tunisia.[77]
FR-78 Heron I  Regia Marina World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper was scuttled at Bizerte, Tunisia.[16]
FR-79 Pen Men  Regia Marina World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper was scuttled at Bizerte, Tunisia.[16]
FR 116  Regia Marina World War II: The Requin-class submarine was scuttled at Bizerte.[78]
FR 117  Regia Marina World War II: The Circé-class submarine was scuttled at Bizerte.[78]
Halsey  United States World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Jupiter Inlet, Florida (27°14′N 80°03′W / 27.233°N 80.050°W / 27.233; -80.050) by U-333 ( Kriegsmarine). All 32 crew were rescued by American fishing vessels.[79]
I-O-32 Balkenkreuz (Iron Cross) Luftwaffe World War II: The Siebelgefäß landing craft was bombed and sunk at Marsala.[80]
I-O-64 Balkenkreuz (Iron Cross) Luftwaffe World War II: The Siebelgefäß landing craft was probably bombed and sunk at Marsala.[80]
Java Arrow  United States World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and damaged 8 nautical miles (15 km) off Vero Beach, Florida (27°35′N 80°08′W / 27.583°N 80.133°W / 27.583; -80.133) by U-333 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 47 crew. Survivors abandoned ship, and were rescued by USS PC-483 ( United States Navy). Java Arrow was later towed into Port Everglades, Florida. Subsequently repaired and returned to service in 1943 as Kerry Patch.[81]
Onda  Italy World War II: the fishing vessel was sunk by gunfire in the Mediterranean Sea off Asinara Island, Italy (40°58′N 08°20′E / 40.967°N 8.333°E / 40.967; 8.333) by HMS Safari ( Royal Navy). Seven of her nine crew were killed.[16][20][21]
PiLB 102  Kriegsmarine World War II: The PiLB 39 Type personnel landing craft was damaged beyond repair by an air attack at Reggio Calabria, Italy.[82]
PiLB 104  Kriegsmarine World War II: The PiLB 39 Type personnel landing craft was damaged beyond repair by an air attack at Reggio Calabria, Italy.[83]
PiLB 124  Kriegsmarine World War II: The PiLB 39 Type personnel landing craft was damaged beyond repair by an air attack at Reggio Calabria, Italy.[84]
PiLB 125  Kriegsmarine The PiLB 39 Type personnel landing craft was lost on this date.
RD 18  Regia Marina World War II: The RD-class minesweeper was sunk off Cape Zebib, Tunisia by Allied aircraft.[25]
Saint Sauveur France Vichy France World War II: The cargo ship was sunk by Allied aircraft off Reggio di Calabria, Italy. She was salvaged in September, repaired and entered Italian service in 1944 as Capo Faro.[85]
SF 168 Balkenkreuz (Iron Cross) Luftwaffe World War II: The Siebel ferry was bombed and sunk off Marsala.
SF 195 Balkenkreuz (Iron Cross) Luftwaffe World War II: The Siebel ferry was bombed and sunk off Marsala.[80]
SF 201 Balkenkreuz (Iron Cross) Luftwaffe World War II: The Siebel ferry was bombed and sunk off Marsala.[80]
SF 202 Balkenkreuz (Iron Cross) Luftwaffe World War II: The Siebel ferry was bombed and sunk off Marsala.[80]
SF 213 Balkenkreuz (Iron Cross) Luftwaffe World War II: The Siebel ferry was bombed and sunk off Marsala.[80]
SF 222 Balkenkreuz (Iron Cross) Luftwaffe World War II: The Siebel ferry was bombed and sunk off Marsala.[80]
SF 226 Balkenkreuz (Iron Cross) Luftwaffe World War II: The Siebel ferry was bombed and sunk off Marsala.[80]
Tifone  Regia Marina World War II: The Ciclone-class torpedo boat was heavily damaged by American aircraft off Tunisia and was grounded. Six crew were killed. She was scuttled at the small fishing port of Korbous the next day.[20][86][87]
U-125  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type IXC submarine was rammed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (52°30′N 45°20′W / 52.500°N 45.333°W / 52.500; -45.333) by HMS Oribi ( Royal Navy). She was then shelled and sunk by HMS Snowflake ( Royal Navy). All 54 crew took to their lifeboats, but the Admiralty forbade the British ships to rescue them and they subsequently died.
U-192  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type IXC/40 submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Cape Farewell, Greenland (53°06′N 45°02′W / 53.100°N 45.033°W / 53.100; -45.033) by HMS Loosestrife ( Royal Navy) with the loss of all 55 crew.
U-438  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (52°00′N 45°10′W / 52.000°N 45.167°W / 52.000; -45.167) by HMS Pelican ( Royal Navy) with the loss of all 48 crew.
U-531  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type IXC/40 submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north east of Newfoundland (52°48′N 45°18′W / 52.800°N 45.300°W / 52.800; -45.300) by HMS Vidette ( Royal Navy).
U-630  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north east of Newfoundland (52°31′N 44°50′W / 52.517°N 44.833°W / 52.517; -44.833) by HMS Vidette ( Royal Navy) with the loss of all 47 crew.[88]
USS YF-575  United States Navy The self-propelled covered lighter ran aground and sank off Atlantic City, New Jersey.[89]

7 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 7 May 1943
Ship State Description
HMAS Adele  Royal Australian Navy The armed yacht (288 GRT, 1906) was wrecked on a breakwater at the entrance to Port Kembla, New South Wales.[90]
Albina  Italy World War II: The sailing vessel was damaged beyond repair by gunfire south of San Lucido, Italy by HMS Unrivalled ( Royal Navy). The crew survived, only one was wounded.[16][20][91]
Berakit  Netherlands World War II: The cargo ship (6,608 GRT, 1924) was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean, east of the Felidhu Atoll in the Maldives at the entrance to One and Half Degree Channel (3°40′N 75°20′E / 3.667°N 75.333°E / 3.667; 75.333) by I-27 ( Imperial Japanese Navy). Her master was taken as a prisoner of war; four crewmen were killed.[92][93]
Gouverneur General Pasquier France Vichy French World War II: The cargo liner was sunk by mines in the South China Sea off the coast of French Indochina.[94]
Hermes  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Vasilefs Georgios-class destroyer, badly damaged in a British air attack on 30 April 1943, was scuttled at La Goulette, Tunisia.[95]
KT 5  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Marinefahrpram was shelled in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Bon, Tunisia. She sank two days later.[16]
KT 9  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Marinefahrpram was shelled in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Bon. She sank two days later.[16]
KT 21  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Marinefahrpram was shelled in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Bon. She sank two days later.[16]
Laconikos Greece Greece World War II: Convoy SL 128: The cargo ship (3,803 GRT, 1914) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north east of the Azores, Portugal (41°40′N 18°13′W / 41.667°N 18.217°W / 41.667; -18.217) by U-89 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 23 of her 34 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Shippigan ( Royal Navy).[96]
MO-209  Soviet Navy World War II: The MO-4-class patrol vessel was sunk by a mine off Gogland in the Gulf of Finland (60°04′N 27°14′W / 60.067°N 27.233°W / 60.067; -27.233).[97][98][99]
MS 22  Regia Marina World War II: The MS 11-class MS boat was sunk off Tunis, Tunisia by Allied aircraft.[100]
No. 106  Soviet Navy The Sh-4 Type motor torpedo boat was lost on this date.
Samuel Jordan Kirkwood  United States World War II: The Liberty ship torpedoed and sunk in the South Atlantic 125 nautical miles (232 km) south east of Ascension Island (15°00′S 7°00′W / 15.000°S 7.000°W / -15.000; -7.000) by U-195 ( Kriegsmarine). All 71 people aboard were rescued by a United States Army rescue boat.[101][102]
Shinsei Maru No. 3  Japan World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Yellow Sea by USS Snook ( United States Navy).[16]
Sirvall  Sweden World War II: The ore carrier struck a mine and sank in the Baltic Sea off Rügen, Germany. There was no casualty.[16][103][104]
Tamon Maru No. 5  Japan World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the off Benten Zaki, Honshu, Japan (40°05′N 141°53′E / 40.083°N 141.883°E / 40.083; 141.883) by USS Wahoo ( United States Navy). 11 crew were killed.[52][89][105]
Tosei Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship (4,363 t) was torpedoed and sunk in the Yellow Sea (35°58′N 123°31′E / 35.967°N 123.517°E / 35.967; 123.517) by USS Snook ( United States Navy). 38 crew were killed.[16][52]
U-447  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Gibraltar (35°30′N 11°55′W / 35.500°N 11.917°W / 35.500; -11.917) by two Lockheed Hudson aircraft of 233 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of all 48 crew.[106]
U-663  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and damaged in the Bay of Biscay west of Brest, Finistère, France by Short Sunderland aircraft of 10 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force. She sank the next day with the loss of all 49 crew.[107]
VAS 231  Regia Marina World War II: The VAS 231-class submarine chaser was sunk off Tunis by Allied aircraft.[108]
ZF5  Kriegsmarine World War II: The training hulk, the former French Le Fantasque-class destroyer L'Audacieux, was bombed and sunk at Bizerte, Tunisia by British aircraft.[109]

8 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 8 May 1943
Ship State Description
Camerata  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (4,875 GRT, 1931) was sunk at anchor at Gibraltar with limpet mine by Italian frogmen. She was declared a constructive total loss, but was repaired in 1950 and entered Spanish service as Campo Grande.[3][110]
HMT Daneman  Royal Navy The naval trawler (516 GRT, 1937) struck an iceberg and sank under tow the next day in the Atlantic Ocean south of Greenland (58°03′N 44°00′E / 58.050°N 44.000°E / 58.050; 44.000). Six of her 48 crew died.[111][112][113]
Kagerō  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Kagerō-class destroyer was heavily damaged by an American mine in Blackett Strait south west of Rendova, Solomon Islands (8°08′S 156°55′E / 8.133°S 156.917°E / -8.133; 156.917). She was further damaged by American aircraft and sank in the evening. There were 18 dead and 36 wounded.[114][115]
Kuroshio  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Kagerō-class destroyer struck several American mines and sank in Blackett Strait south west of Rendova, Solomon Islands (8°08′S 156°55′E / 8.133°S 156.917°E / -8.133; 156.917) with the loss of 83 lives.[114][116]
Liv  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged at Porto Torres, Sardinia by HMS Safari ( Royal Navy). She was bombed and sunk the next day by Royal Air Force aircraft. Liv was raised post-war. She was scrapped at La Spezia, Liguria in January 1948.[117][118]
Mahsud  United Kingdom World War II: The ship (7,540 GRT, 1917) was sunk at anchor at Gibraltar with Limpet mine by Italian frogmen.[110]
Oyashio  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Kagerō-class destroyer was disabled by a mine in Blackett Strait south west of Rendova, Solomon Islands and then further damaged by American aircraft, sinking in the evening. There were 91 dead.[114][119]
PiLB 251  Kriegsmarine World War II: The PiLB 40 type landing craft was sunk by a bomb at Bizerta, Tunisia.[120]
Pat Harrison  United States World War II: The Liberty ship was damaged by an Italian limpet mine by Italian Frogmen at Gibraltar. She was beached but declared a constructive total loss. Scrapped in 1951. Two crewmen were killed.[110][121]
Peppino Palomba  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Safari ( Royal Navy).[16]
Sumida Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Madang with the loss of 18 lives.[16][122]
Tomioka Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Madang.[16]

9 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 9 May 1943
Ship State Description
Aso Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Fuji Maru-class auxiliary gunboat was torpedoed and sunk in the Sulu Sea south of Negros, Philippines (09°09′N 122°50′E / 9.150°N 122.833°E / 9.150; 122.833) by USS Gar ( United States Navy). The submarine commander reported around 75 survivors in the water and ordered to machine-gun them, sinking a lifeboat that opened fire on the submarine and estimating having killed about half. A Japanese source says only one crew was killed.[52][123][124]
Corneville  Norway World War II: The cargo ship (4,544 GRT, 1930) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Guinea 30 nautical miles (56 km) off Takoradi, Gold Coast (4°50′N 1°10′W / 4.833°N 1.167°W / 4.833; -1.167) by U-515 ( Kriegsmarine). All 41 crew survived.[125]
Jimmu Maru  Japan World War II: The oiler was torpedoed and damaged in the Pacific Ocean off Ofunato on the north east coast of Honshu by USS Wahoo ( United States Navy). She was run ashore near Hirota Village (38°52′N 141°43′E / 38.867°N 141.717°E / 38.867; 141.717) and abandoned as a Constructive Total Loss.[105][126]
Kanbe  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy TS 38: The cargo ship (6,244 GRT, 1941) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 60 nautical miles (110 km) south of Monrovia, Liberia by U-123 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 66 of her 71 crew. Survivors were rescued by Rio Francoli ( Spain).[127]
HMS MTB 61  Royal Navy World War II: The Vosper 70'-class motor torpedo boat (40/47 t, 1942) was wrecked in the Mediterranean Sea off Kelibia, Tunisia, with the loss of one crew.[113][128]
PiLB 258  Kriegsmarine World War II: The PiLB 40 type landing craft was lost off Cape Bon, Tunisia.[129]
Santa Maria Salina  Italy World War II: The coaster was torpedoed and sunk south-east off Lipari, Italy by HMS Unrivalled ( Royal Navy). There were 48 dead and 46 survivors.[16][91]
SF 147  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Siebel ferry was sunk by a destroyer off Cape Bon, Tunisia.[130]
T 35 Seeaal  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Siebel ferry was sunk by a destroyer off Cape Bon, Tunisia.[131]
Takao Maru  Imperial Japanese Army World War II: The British WWI C Class standard cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Ofunato on the north east coast of Honshu (38°57′N 141°49′E / 38.950°N 141.817°E / 38.950; 141.817) by USS Wahoo ( United States Navy). Two crewmen were killed.[105][132][126]
VAS 212  Regia Marina World War II: The VAS 201-class submarine chaser was sunk at Palermo, Sicily by Allied aircraft.[72]
VAS 213  Regia Marina World War II: The VAS 201-class submarine chaser was sunk at Palermo, Sicily by Allied aircraft.[72]
VAS 229  Regia Marina World War II: The VAS 201-class submarine chaser was sunk at Palermo, Sicily by Allied aircraft.[72]
VAS 230  Regia Marina World War II: The VAS 201-class submarine chaser was sunk at Palermo, Sicily by Allied aircraft.[72]
HMCS Vercheres  Royal Canadian Navy The auxiliary minesweeper (157 GRT, 1901) was destroyed by fire at Sorel, Quebec.[133]

10 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 10 May 1943
Ship State Description
F 344  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type A Marinefahrprahm was sunk by Allied aircraft in the port of Pantelleria.[134]
Kinai Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: Convoy 4508: The Kinai Maru-class auxiliary transport was torpedoed and damaged in the Pacific Ocean 243 nautical miles (450 km) east of Saipan (14°33′N 149°23′E / 14.550°N 149.383°E / 14.550; 149.383) by USS Plunger ( United States Navy). Only one crew was killed. About 400 troops and passengers were taken off by Tatsutake Maru, she is torpedoed and sunk while taking them off. Kinai Maru was shelled and sunk by USS Plunger the next day (14°33′N 149°23′E / 14.550°N 149.383°E / 14.550; 149.383).[135][136]
HMS MTB 264  Royal Navy World War II: The Elco 70' motor torpedo boat (27/32 t, 1941) was sunk by a mine in the Mediterranean Sea off Sousse, Tunisia.[137]
HMAS Maroubra  Royal Australian Navy World War II: The diving/stores ship (49 GRT, 1930) was strafed by nine Imperial Japanese Navy Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter aircraft at Millingimbi, Northern Territories, Australia. She caught fire and sank. There were no casualty.[138][139]
SKA-098  Soviet Navy World War II: The patrol boat was sunk by a mine off Cape Myskhako in the Black Sea. Six of her 22 crew were killed.[140]
Tatsutake Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: Convoy 4508: The Tatsutake Maru-class ammunition ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 243 nautical miles (450 km; 280 mi) east of Saipan (14°33′N 149°23′E / 14.550°N 149.383°E / 14.550; 149.383) by USS Plunger ( United States Navy) while taking troops and passengers off Kinai Maru. Four crewmen and many evacuees of Kinai Maru were killed. Survivors were rescued by Hiyodori ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[135][141]

11 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 11 May 1943
Ship State Description
Antigone  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy SC 129: The cargo ship (4,545 GRT, 1928) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 300 nautical miles (560 km) north west of the Azores, Portugal (40°30′N 32°30′W / 40.500°N 32.500°W / 40.500; -32.500) by U-402 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of her 46 crew. Survivors were rescued by Melrose Abbey ( United Kingdom).[142][143]
Grado  Norway World War II: Convoy SC 129: The cargo ship (3,082 GRT, 1918) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (40°30′N 32°30′W / 40.500°N 32.500°W / 40.500; -32.500) by U-402 ( Kriegsmarine). All 36 crew were rescued by Melrose Abbey ( United Kingdom).[142]
I-O-41 Balkenkreuz (Iron Cross) Luftwaffe World War II: The Siebelgefäß landing craft was bombed and sunk at Pantelleria.[80]
HMS ML 133  Royal Navy The Fairmile B motor launch (76/86 t, 1940) was destroyed in a fire off the west coast of Scotland with the loss of one crew.[144][113]
Nailsea Meadow  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (4,962 GRT, 1937) was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean 40 nautical miles (74 km) south of Port St Johns, Cape Colony (32°04′S 29°14′E / 32.067°S 29.233°E / -32.067; 29.233) by U-196 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 44 crew. Survivors were rescued by R-6 ( South African Air Force).[145]
No. 404  Soviet Union World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper, while under tow from engine failure, was bombed by German fighters and grounded in shallow water.[146]
Partinico  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk by Allied aircraft at Catania.[147]
SF 225 Balkenkreuz (Iron Cross) Luftwaffe World War II: The Siebel ferry was bombed and sunk at Pantelleria.[80]
Tinhow  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (5,232 GRT, 1913) was torpedoed and sunk in the Mozambique Channel (25°15′S 33°30′E / 25.250°S 33.500°E / -25.250; 33.500) by U-181 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 75 of the 230 people aboard. Survivors were rescued by Portuguese fishing vessels.[148]
U-528  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type IXC/40 submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (46°55′N 14°44′W / 46.917°N 14.733°W / 46.917; -14.733) by Handley Page Halifax aircraft of 58 Squadron, Royal Air Force and HMS Fleetwood ( Royal Navy) with the loss of eleven of her 56 crew.[149]
Yodogawa Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: Convoy R-09: The Shinko Maru-class auxiliary collier/oiler was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean north east of Manus Island (00°40′N 148°55′E / 0.667°N 148.917°E / 0.667; 148.917) by USS Grayback ( United States Navy). Two crewmen were killed.[150][151]

12 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 12 May 1943
Ship State Description
Brand  Norway World War II: Convoy HX 243: The cargo ship (4,819 GRT, 1927) straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (47°19′N 24°41′W / 47.317°N 24.683°W / 47.317; -24.683) by U-603 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of her 42 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMCS Morden ( Royal Canadian Navy).[152][153]
Fort Concord  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HX 237: The Fort ship (7,138 GRT, 1942) straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (46°05′N 25°20′W / 46.083°N 25.333°W / 46.083; -25.333) by U-456 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 37 of her 56 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMCS Drumheller ( Royal Canadian Navy) and U-103 ( Kriegsmarine).[154][155]
I-31  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Type B1 submarine was depth charged, shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean five nautical miles (9.3 km) north east of Chichagof Harbor, Attu Island, Alaska, United States (52°08′S 177°38′E / 52.133°S 177.633°E / -52.133; 177.633) by USS Edwards ( United States Navy). Lost with all 95 hands.[156]
MAS 572  Regia Marina The MAS 552-class MAS boat was sunk in the Black Sea south of the Crimea in a collision with MAS 566 ( Regia Marina).[157]
HMS MMS 89  Royal Navy World War II: The MMS-class minesweeper was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by a mine off Bizerte, Tunisia. One crew died of wounds.[113][158]
RTShch-119  Soviet Navy World War II: The K-15/M-17-class river minesweeping launch belonging to the Volga military flotilla was sunk by a mine near Ekaterinovka, Asthrakan Oblast, Russia. All eight crew were killed.[159]
Sandanger  Norway World War II: Convoy HX 237: The tanker (9,432 GRT, 1938) straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (approximately 49°N 21°W / 49°N 21°W / 49; -21) by U-221 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of twenty of her 39 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMCS Kootenay ( Royal Canadian Navy).[160][161]
SKR-31  Soviet Navy World War II: The auxiliary guard ship was sunk by German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighter-bomber aircraft off Cape Tsyp-Navolok. 51 crew were killed.[162]
Sumatra Maru  Imperial Japanese Army World War II: The Celebes Maru No. 1-class transport was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean in a shallow water cove off Bulusan, Luzon, Philippines (12°44′N 124°08′E / 12.733°N 124.133°E / 12.733; 124.133) by USS Gudgeon ( United States Navy). One man was killed. Abandoned as a constructive total loss on 27 May.[36][163]
TKA-21  Soviet Navy World War II: The A-2 (Higgins 78')-class motor torpedo boat was sunk by German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighter-bomber aircraft off Cape Tsyp-Navolok. Two crew were killed.[164]
U-89  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (46°30′N 25°40′W / 46.500°N 25.667°W / 46.500; -25.667) by a Fairey Swordfish aircraft of 811 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, based on HMS Biter and by HMS Broadway and HMS Lagan (all  Royal Navy) with the loss of all 48 crew.[165]
U-186  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type IXC/40 submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north of the Azores, Portugal (41°54′N 31°49′W / 41.900°N 31.817°W / 41.900; -31.817) by HMS Hesperus ( Royal Navy) with the loss of all 53 crew.[166]
U-456  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was damaged in the Atlantic Ocean by a Fido homing torpedo dropped by a Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of 86 Squadron, Royal Air Force. She dived in an effort to evade an attack by HMS Opportune ( Royal Navy) but was lost with all 49 crew.[167]

13 May[edit]

For the loss of the Italian cargo ship Paolo on this date, see the entry for 28 February 1943.

List of shipwrecks: 13 May 1943
Ship State Description
Klaus Howaldt  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed by Handley-Page Hampden aircraft of 455 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force south of Lista, Norway (58°03′45″N 6°39′15″E / 58.06250°N 6.65417°E / 58.06250; 6.65417), and was beached or sank.[16][168][169]
Mambí  Cuba World War II: Convoy NC 18: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 6 nautical miles (11 km) north of Manatí, Cuba (21°25′N 76°40′W / 21.417°N 76.667°W / 21.417; -76.667), by U-176 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 23 of her 34 crew.[170][171]
Mocenigo  Regia Marina World War II: The Marcello-class submarine was bombed and sunk in the port of Cagliari, Sardinia by United States Army Air Force aircraft. The whole crew survived.[89][172]
Nickeliner  United States World War II: Convoy NC 18: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 6 nautical miles (11 km) north of Manati (21°25′N 76°40′W / 21.417°N 76.667°W / 21.417; -76.667) by U-176 ( Kriegsmarine). All 31 crew were rescued by a Cuban submarine chaser.[171]
Santa Rita  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Cagliari by United States Army Air Forces bomber aircraft. She was refloated after the war but was sunk in 1946 by a mine while being towed to a naval shipyard for repairs.[172][173]
U-753  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (48°37′N 22°39′W / 48.617°N 22.650°W / 48.617; -22.650) by a Short Sunderland aircraft of 423 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force and also by HMCS Drumheller ( Royal Canadian Navy) and HMS Lagan ( Royal Navy) with the loss of all 47 crew.

14 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 14 May 1943
Ship State Description
Agata  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Olbia by United States Army Air Forces North American B-25 Mitchell bomber aircraft of the 310th Bombardment Group.[16][174]
Anna Maria II  Regia Marina World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper was sunk by Allied aircraft off Katakolo, Greece, with the loss of four lives.[175]
AHS Centaur  Australian Army
Propaganda poster based on the sinking of AHS Centaur

( Red Cross): World War II: The hospital ship (3,222 GRT, 1924) was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Queensland (27°16′59″S 153°59′13″E / 27.28306°S 153.98694°E / -27.28306; 153.98694), probably by I-177 ( Imperial Japanese Navy), with the loss of 332 of the 396 people aboard.

Città di Trieste  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Civitavecchia by United States Army Air Forces Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft of the 2nd and 99th Bomb Groups.[16][174]
Erice  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Civitavecchia by American aircraft.[16][174]
HDML 1154  Royal Navy World War II: The Harbour Defence Motor Launch (44/52 t, 1943) was sunk by a mine off of Bizerte, Tunisia, with the loss of six crew.[113][176][177]
M-8  Kriegsmarine World War II: The minesweeper was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea off Hook of Holland, South Holland, Netherlands (52°03′N 03°51′E / 52.050°N 3.850°E / 52.050; 3.850) by HMMTB 232 ( Royal Navy). 53 crew were killed.[178][179][180]
M-122  Soviet Navy World War II: The M-class submarine was sunk off the Rybachiy Peninsula (69°56′N 32°53′E / 69.933°N 32.883°E / 69.933; 32.883) by Focke-Wulf Fw 190 aircraft of Jagdgeschwader 5, Luftwaffe, with the loss of all 22 crew.[16][181]
Mira  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Civitavecchia by American aircraft.[16][174] She was later refloated.[182]
Ro-102  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Ro-100-class submarine was sunk in the Pacific Ocean 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) west of Lae New Guinea by USS PT-150 and USS PT-152 (both  United States Navy. Lost with all 42 hands.[16][183]
San Jose  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was sunk at Olbia, Sardinia, Italy in an Allied air raid. Refloated post-war, repaired and returned to service in 1950.[184]
U-235  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was sunk at Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein in an American air raid. Two crew were killed. She was subsequently raised, repaired and returned to service.[185]
U-236  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was sunk at Kiel in an American air raid. There were no casualties. She was subsequently raised, repaired and returned to service.[16][186]
U-237  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was sunk at Kiel in an American air raid. There were no casualties. She was subsequently raised, repaired and returned to service.[187]
U-640  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Cape Farewell, Greenland (60°32′N 31°05′W / 60.533°N 31.083°W / 60.533; -31.083) by a Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft of the United States Navy with the loss of all 49 crew.[188]

15 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 15 May 1943
Ship State Description
Cormull  United Kingdom World War II: The coaster struck a mine in the North Sea 16 nautical miles (30 km) north east of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk and was severely damaged. She was on a voyage from Blyth, Northumberland to London. Subsequently repaired and returned to service.[189]
Indus Maru  Imperial Japanese Army World War II: Convoy No. 3207: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Sulu Sea south of Negros (13°07′N 121°49′E / 13.117°N 121.817°E / 13.117; 121.817) by USS Gar ( United States Navy). Between the Indus Maru and Meikai Maru sinkings, 1,648 survivors were rescued by Matsuwa ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[123][190][191]
Irish Oak  Ireland
Irish Oak after being torpedoed by U-607, painting by Kenneth King, National Maritime Museum of Ireland

World War II: The Design 1019 cargo ship (5,589 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (47°51′N 25°53′W / 47.850°N 25.883°W / 47.850; -25.883) by U-607 ( Kriegsmarine). All 33 crew were rescued by Irish Plane ( Ireland).

Meikai Maru  Imperial Japanese Army World War II: Convoy No. 3207: The Peking Maru-class auxiliary transport ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Sulu Sea south of Negros, Philippines (13°10′N 121°50′E / 13.167°N 121.833°E / 13.167; 121.833) by USS Gar ( United States Navy). Twelve crewmen were killed. Between the Indus Maru and Meikai Maru sinkings, 1,648 survivors were rescued by Matsuwa ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[16][123][190]
Maroussio Logothetis Greece Greece World War II: The cargo ship (4,669 GRT, 1913) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (5°28′N 14°28′W / 5.467°N 14.467°W / 5.467; -14.467) by U-105 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 25 of her 39 crew. One crew member was taken aboard U-105 as a prisoner of war. Other survivors were rescued by a Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft of 270 Squadron, Royal Air Force.[192][193]
Snurp II  Norway The fishing vessel (126 GRT, 1943) sank in Skorafjorden, Norway due to overloading.[194]
U-176  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type IXC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 23°21′N 80°18′W / 23.350°N 80.300°W / 23.350; -80.300) by CS-13 ( Cuban Revolutionary Navy) with the loss of all 53 crew.
U-266  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (45°28′N 10°20′W / 45.467°N 10.333°W / 45.467; -10.333) by a Handley Page Halifax aircraft of 58 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of all 47 crew.[195]
UJ 2213 Heureux  Kriegsmarine World War II: The naval trawler/submarine chaser was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Monaco by HMS Sickle ( Royal Navy). There were 46 dead and 70 survivors.[16][196]

16 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 16 May 1943
Ship State Description
Cities Service Boston  United States The cargo ship ran aground at Bass Point, New South Wales, Australia. She was a total loss.[197]
Enrico Tazzoli  Regia Marina World War II: The Calvi-class submarine was depth charged and sunk by a Handley Page Halifax aircraft of 58 Squadron, Royal Air Force.[16]
Raju  Merivoimat The Syöksy-class motor torpedo boat was wrecked off Koivisto.[198]
U-182  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type IX submarine was depth charged and sunk by USS MacKenzie ( United States Navy) with the loss of all 61 crew and two prisoners of war. The latter were the captains of Adelfotis ( Greece) and Aloe ( United Kingdom).[1][199][200][201]
U-463  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type XIV submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Bay of Biscay (45°57′N 11°40′W / 45.950°N 11.667°W / 45.950; -11.667) by a Handley Page Halifax aircraft of 58 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of all 57 crew.
William K. Vanderbilt  United States World War II: The Liberty ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Suva, Fiji (18°41′S 175°07′E / 18.683°S 175.117°E / -18.683; 175.117) by I-19 ( Imperial Japanese Navy). The lifeboats were machine gunned by I-19 but only one crewman was killed in the sinking.[202]

17 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 17 May 1943
Ship State Description
Alsedo  Spanish Navy The Alsedo-class destroyer was severely damaged by fire at Ferrol.[16]
Aymeric  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ONS 7: The cargo ship (5,196 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (59°42′N 41°39′W / 59.700°N 41.650°W / 59.700; -41.650) by U-657 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 53 of her 78 crew. Survivors were rescued by Copeland ( United Kingdom) and HMT Northern Wave ( Royal Navy).[203]
Bygdøy  Norway World War II: The cargo ship (1,252 GRT, 1921) struck a mine and sank in Öresund. All fourteen crew survived.[204]
England Maru  Imperial Japanese Army World War II: Convoy P-512: The Daifuku Maru No. 1-class transport (5,829 t, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (00°45′S 148°30′E / 0.750°S 148.500°E / -0.750; 148.500) by USS Grayback ( United States Navy). Two hundred and thirty-two troops and thirteen crewmen were killed.[205]
Eurostadt  Germany World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk by S-56 ( Soviet Navy) off Vadsø, Norway. 11 of her 26 crew were killed.[16][206][207]
Galicia  Spanish Navy The Almirante Cervera-class cruiser was severely damaged by fire at Ferrol.[16]
H.M. Storey  United States World War II: The oil tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Vanuatu (17°30′S 173°02′E / 17.500°S 173.033°E / -17.500; 173.033) by I-25 ( Imperial Japanese Navy). The 63 made it to lifeboats, two crewman killed.[208][209][210]
Krasnyy Dagestan  Soviet Navy World War II: The auxiliary river gunboat was damaged beyond repair by a mine near Gusiny Island on the Volga River. Two sailors were killed.[211][212]
Kyphissia  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea off Texel, North Holland, Netherlands by Bristol Beaufighter aircraft of Coastal Command, Royal Air Force.[16]
Lazaga  Spanish Navy The Alsedo-class destroyer was severely damaged by fire at Ferrol.[16]
M-414  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type 1940 minesweeper was torpedoed and sunk off Texel by Bristol Beaufighter aircraft of Coastal Command.[16][213]
Mendez Nuñez  Spanish Navy The Blas de Lezo-class cruiser was severely damaged by fire at Ferrol.[16]
Miguel de Cervantes  Spanish Navy The Almirante Cervera-class cruiser was severely damaged by fire at Ferrol.[16]
Northmoor  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy LMD 17: The cargo ship (4,392 GRT, 1928) was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean (28°27′S 32°43′E / 28.450°S 32.717°E / -28.450; 32.717) by U-198 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of twelve of her 39 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT St Loman ( Royal Navy).[214]
PiLB 66  Kriegsmarine The PiLB 39 Type personnel landing craft ran aground between Palermo and Messina in a storm. She was later scuttled.[215]
U-128  Kriegsmarine
U-128

World War II: The Type IXC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (10°00′N 35°35′W / 10.000°N 35.583°W / 10.000; -35.583) by USS Jouett and USS Moffett (both  United States Navy) with the loss of seven of her 54 crew.

U-646  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Iceland (62°10′N 14°37′W / 62.167°N 14.617°W / 62.167; -14.617) by a Lockheed Hudson aircraft of 269 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of all 46 crew.[216]
U-657  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean east of Cape Farewell, Greenland (58°54′N 42°33′W / 58.900°N 42.550°W / 58.900; -42.550) by HMS Swale ( Royal Navy) with the loss of all 47 crew.[217]
V 1110 Hermann Hinrichs  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Vorpostenboot was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea off Vlieland, Friesland, Netherlands by Bristol Beaufighter aircraft of Coastal Command. Eight crew were killed.[16][218]
Woosung Maru  Japan The Standard British WWI C-class cargo ship ran aground on a reef and sank off Chiba Prefecture, Honshu.[219]

18 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 18 May 1943
Ship State Description
HMS Barwick  Royal Navy The rescue and salvage tug was engulfed by flames when the tanker Delphinula ( United Kingdom) exploded at Alexandria, Egypt. Her crew lost two killed, five who died from their wounds, five missing presumed killed and five wounded. She remained afloat, was repaired and resumed service in January 1944.[220][221]
Delphinula  United Kingdom The tanker was driven ashore on 9 May near Alexandria, Egypt. She was on a voyage from Haifa, Palestine to Alexandria. As her cargo was taken out to lighten her, oil splilled around her and caught fire on 18 May, burning the tanker and two tugs. The fire was extinguished on 20 June and the twisted wreck broke in two on 21 July. She was declared a constructive total loss. Four crew were killed.[113][220][221][222]
Empire Eve  United Kingdom World War II: The CAM ship (5,979 GRT, 1941) was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Algeria (36°37′N 00°46′E / 36.617°N 0.767°E / 36.617; 0.767) by U-414 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of five of her 61 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Barfoil and a landing craft tank (both  Royal Navy).
H. M. Storey