List of shipwrecks in May 1942

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

1 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 1 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Angarstroy  Soviet Union World War II: The cargo ship (4,761 GRT, 1927) was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 32 nautical miles (59 km) off the coast of Japan by USS Grenadier ( United States Navy). All aboard, 46 crew and 14 passengers, were rescued by Kayo Maru ( Japan).[1][2]
Bidevind  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (40°13′N 73°46′W / 40.217°N 73.767°W / 40.217; -73.767) by U-752 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 36 crew survived.[3]
Calcutta Maru  Imperial Japanese Army World War II: The Somedono Maru-class transport ship (5,338 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the East China Sea (28°11′N 123°55′E / 28.183°N 123.917°E / 28.183; 123.917) off Wenchow, China by USS Triton ( United States Navy). Four crewmen and 50 passengers killed. Survivors were rescued by Boko Maru and Kaisoku Maru (both  Japan).[4]
James E. Newsom  Canada World War II: The schooner (671 GRT, 1919) was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 370 nautical miles (690 km) north east of Bermuda (35°50′N 59°40′W / 35.833°N 59.667°W / 35.833; -59.667) by U-69 ( Kriegsmarine). All nine crew survived.[5]
La Paz  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (6,548 GRT, 1920) was torpedoed and damaged off Cape Canaveral, Florida (28°30′N 80°10′W / 28.500°N 80.167°W / 28.500; -80.167) by U-109 ( Kriegsmarine). She was beached. Repaired and returned to service on 7 October 1942 as a ship of the US Maritime Commission.[6][7][8]
Mizuho  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The seaplane tender (10,929/12,150 t, 1939) was torpedoed in the Pacific Ocean 40 miles (64 km) off Omae Zaki by USS Drum ( United States Navy) before midnight. Sank in the early hours of 2 May. 101 crewmen were killed. ComSubTenDiv 11, her commanding officer, and 471 crewmen were rescued by Takao ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[9]
Oi Maru No. 2  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Kitakami Maru-class auxiliary storeship was sunk by a defensive mine at Maloelap Atoll, Marshall Islands.[10]
Parnahyba  Brazil World War II: The cargo ship (6,692 GRT, 1913) was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Caribbean Sea off Trinidad (10°12′N 57°16′W / 10.200°N 57.267°W / 10.200; -57.267) by U-162 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of seven of her 72 crew. Survivors were rescued by Turret Cape ( Canada).[11][12][13]
HMS Punjabi  Royal Navy The Tribal-class destroyer (1,891/2,519 t, 1939) was rammed and sunk in the Greenland Sea by HMS King George V ( Royal Navy) with the loss of 49 of her 258 crew.
Tsiolkovskij  Soviet Union World War II: Convoy QP 11: The cargo ship (2,847 GRT, 1935) was torpedoed and damaged in the Barents Sea (71°46′N 34°30′E / 71.767°N 34.500°E / 71.767; 34.500) by U-589 ( Kriegsmarine). She then straggled behind the convoy and was sunk by Z24 and Z25 (both  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 27 of her 41 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Lord Middleton ( Royal Navy).[14]
U-573  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine (757/857 t, 1941) was depth charged and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea (approximately 37°N 1°E / 37°N 1°E / 37; 1) by a Lockheed Hudson aircraft of 233 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of one of her 44 crew. She put into Cartagena due to damage received and was interned. Sold to the Armada Española in August 1942, serving until 1970 as G-7 and S-01.

2 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 2 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Bengalen  Netherlands World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Sourabaya, Netherlands East Indies to prevent capture by the Japanese.[15]
Botavon  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy PQ 15: The cargo ship (5,848 GRT, 1912) was torpedoed by aircraft of 1 Staffeln, Kampfgeschwader 26 whilst anchored in 73°02′N 19°46′E / 73.033°N 19.767°E / 73.033; 19.767 on voyage from Middlesbrough, via Reykjavik, to Murmansk with government stores. Twenty-one of her 73 crew were killed On 3 May 1942, the wreck was sunk by a convoy escort.[16][17]
Calderon  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk by Axis aircraft in the Mediterranean Sea (31°05′30″N 29°07′00″E / 31.09167°N 29.11667°E / 31.09167; 29.11667). Her crew survived.[18]
Cape Corso  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy PQ 15: The freighter (3,807 GRT, 1929) was sunk in the Norwegian Sea (73°02′N 19°46′E / 73.033°N 19.767°E / 73.033; 19.767) by German torpedo bomber aircraft while in a convoy to Russia. Of her complement of 56, only 6 survived.[19][20]
USS Cythera  United States Navy World War II: The naval yacht (602 GRT, 835/1,000 t, 1906) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 115 nautical miles (213 km) east of Cape Fear, North Carolina (at 33°15′N 75°26′W / 33.250°N 75.433°W / 33.250; -75.433), by U-402 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 69 of her 71 crew. The survivors were taken on board U-402 as prisoners of war.[21]
HMS Edinburgh  Royal Navy World War II: Convoy QP 11: The Town-class cruiser (10,565/13,175 t, 1939) was torpedoed and sunk in the Kola Inlet by the destroyer Z24 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 58 of her 750 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Gossamer and HMS Harrier (both  Royal Navy).
Hermann Schoemann  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type 1934A-class destroyer (2,171/3,110 t, 1937) was shelled and damaged in the Barents Sea off Bear Island by HMS Edinburgh ( Royal Navy) and was consequently scuttled by her crew. Most of the crew rescued by Z24, and 56 by U-88 (both  Kriegsmarine).[22]
ORP Jastrząb  Polish Navy World War II: The S-class submarine (854/1,062 t, 1923) was shelled and damaged in the Barents Sea by HMS Seagull ( Royal Navy) and HNoMS St. Albans ( Royal Norwegian Navy) with the loss of five crew. Once the error was realised, both ships rescued the survivors, and Jastrząb was scuttled by HMS Seagull at 71°30′N 12°32′E / 71.500°N 12.533°E / 71.500; 12.533.[23]
Jutland  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy PQ 15: The cargo ship (6,153 GRT, 1928) straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and damaged in the Barents Sea by an aircraft of KG 26, Luftwaffe with the loss of one of the 62 people on board. Survivors abandoned ship and were rescued by HMS Badsworth ( Royal Navy). The ship was torpedoed and sunk on 3 May at 73°02′N 19°46′E / 73.033°N 19.767°E / 73.033; 19.767 by U-251 ( Kriegsmarine).[24][25]
USS Mindanao  United States Navy World War II: The gunboat (560 t, 1928) was scuttled in Manila Bay, Philippines.
Otto Leonhardt  Germany World War II: The cargo ship (3,682 GRT, 1911) was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea off Sfax, Tunisia by HMS Proteus ( Royal Navy). She was beached and did not see further service at sea.[26]
RFA Sandar  Royal Fleet Auxiliary World War II: The tanker (7,624 GRT, 1928) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (11°42′N 61°10′W / 11.700°N 61.167°W / 11.700; -61.167) by U-66 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of her 37 crew. Survivors were rescued by Alcoa Pilot ( United States).[27] Sandar was on a voyage from Trinidad to Gibraltar.[28][29]
U-74  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIB submarine (741/843 t, 1940) was depth charged and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cartagena, Spain (37°16′N 00°01′E / 37.267°N 0.017°E / 37.267; 0.017) by HMS Wishart and HMS Wrestler (both  Royal Navy) with the loss of all 47 crew.[30]
Uzan Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship (5,019 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off the south east coast of Honshū (33°26′N 135°52′E / 33.433°N 135.867°E / 33.433; 135.867) by USS Trout ( United States Navy).[31]

3 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 3 May 1942
Ship Country Description
British Workman  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ON 89: The tanker (6,994 GRT, 1922) straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Cape Race, Newfoundland (44°07′N 51°53′W / 44.117°N 51.883°W / 44.117; -51.883) by U-455 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of her 53 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMCS Alberni and HMCS Assiniboine (both  Royal Canadian Navy).[32]
Col. George F. E. Harrison  United States Army World War II: The Speedwell-class U.S. Army mine planter (1,130 t, 1919) was bombed and damaged off Corregidor. Four crewmen were killed. She was scuttled the next day in Mariveles Bay, Luzon. Raised, repaired and put in service as Harushima ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[33][34][35]
El Lago  United States The tanker ran aground on Execution Rock in Long Island Sound. She received assistance from vessels of the Eastern Sea Frontier ( United States Navy) and was refloated at 02:15 on 4 May.[36]
Konsul Karl Fisser  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the Norwegian Sea off Ålesund, Norway by aircraft of No. 608 Squadron RAF. The whole crew survived.[23][37][38] She was refloated on 30 September 1957 and re-sunk in deeper water.[39]
Laertes  Netherlands World War II: The cargo ship (5,825 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States (28°21′N 80°23′W / 28.350°N 80.383°W / 28.350; -80.383) by U-109 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 18 of her 66 crew. Survivors either reached land in their lifeboat or were rescued by a United States Navy aircraft. The wreck was partially demolished to provide 38 feet (12 m) of clearance.[40][6]
Ocean Venus  United Kingdom World War II: The Ocean ship (7,174 GRT, 1942) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 12 nautical miles (22 km) east south east of Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States (28°23′N 80°21′W / 28.383°N 80.350°W / 28.383; -80.350) by U-564 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of five of her 47 crew. The wreck was later partially demolished to provide 40 feet (12 m) of clearance.[41][42][6]
Sama  Nicaragua World War II: The cargo ship (567 GRT, 1922) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (25°04′N 79°45′W / 25.067°N 79.750°W / 25.067; -79.750) by U-506 ( Kriegsmarine). All 14 crew were rescued by Athelregent ( United Kingdom).[43]
San Rafael  Dominican Republic World War II: The cargo ship (1,973 GRT, 1905) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea (18°36′N 79°12′W / 18.600°N 79.200°W / 18.600; -79.200) by U-125 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 38 crew.[44]

4 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 4 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Eastern Sword  United States World War II: The cargo ship (3,785 GRT, 1920) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) off the Georgetown Lighthouse, British Guiana (7°10′N 57°58′W / 7.167°N 57.967°W / 7.167; -57.967) by U-162 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 16 of her 29 crew. One survivor was rescued by the fishing vessel Ocean Star ( British Guiana), the rest made land in their lifeboat.[45]
Eclipse  United Kingdom World War II: The tanker (9,767 GRT, 1931) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States (26°30′N 80°00′W / 26.500°N 80.000°W / 26.500; -80.000) by U-564 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 47 crew. Later salvaged, repaired and returned to service in December 1942.[46]
Empire Story  United Kingdom The cargo ship (7,037 GRT, 1942) ran aground on Briar Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, and was abandoned. She refloated herself and was later taken in tow by Foundation Franklin ( Canada) with the intention of taking her to Digby, Nova Scotia but she capsized and sank at 44°35′N 66°19′W / 44.583°N 66.317°W / 44.583; -66.317.[47]
Florence M. Douglas  United Kingdom World War II: The three-masted schooner (119 GRT, 1927) was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (7°55′N 58°10′W / 7.917°N 58.167°W / 7.917; -58.167) by U-162 ( Kriegsmarine). All crew survived.[48]
Herrenwyk  Germany World War II: The cargo ship (773 GRT, 1912) struck a mine and sank in the Bay of Kiel, Germany.[49]
Kikuzuki  Imperial Japanese Navy
Kikuzuki

World War II: Operation Mo: The Mutsuki-class destroyer (1,315/1,772 t, 1926) was torpedoed in Tulagi Harbor by aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown ( United States Navy). 12 of her 154 crew were killed and 22 wounded. She was beached on Florida Island to avoid sinking, but slid off the beach during the next high tide on 5 May and sank. Her wreck later was refloated and beached again by U.S. Army engineers.[50]

Kinjosan Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The armed merchant cruiser (3,252 GRT, 1936) was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (09°25′N 151°51′E / 9.417°N 151.850°E / 9.417; 151.850) off Truk, South Pacific Mandate by USS Greenling ( United States Navy). On 7 May twenty-three survivors were rescued from a raft by Hokkai Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy). On 13 May three survivors were rescued by Yamashimo Maru ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[51][52][53]
Klaus Fritzen  Germany World War II: The cargo ship (2,936 GRT, 1922) was bombed and sunk at Måløy, Norway by aircraft of Coastal Command, Royal Air Force.[23][26]
Kongosan Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The auxiliary gunboat (2,119 GRT, 1928) was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean south east of Honshū (33°32′N 136°05′E / 33.533°N 136.083°E / 33.533; 136.083) by the submarine USS Trout ( United States Navy).[31]
Norlindo  United States World War II: The Design 1074 cargo ship (2,686 GRT, 1920) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico 80 nautical miles (150 km) northwest of Dry Tortugas Island (24°57′N 84°00′W / 24.950°N 84.000°W / 24.950; -84.000) by the submarine U-507 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of five of her 28 crew. Survivors were rescued by San Blas ( Panama).[54]
USS Pigeon  United States Navy World War II: The submarine rescue vessel (950/1,400 t, 1919), a former Lapwing-class minesweeper was bombed and sunk at Corregidor, Philippines, by a Japanese dive bomber.
Sizilien  Germany World War II: The cargo ship (4,647 GRT, 1930) was bombed and sunk in the North Sea off Borkum by aircraft of Royal Air Force Coastal Command.[26]
Tama Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: Operation Mo: The auxiliary minesweeper was damaged in Purvis Bay, Florida Island, Solomon Islands, by aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown ( United States Navy), sinking on 6 May. Four crewmen were killed and seven wounded. (Look 06/05/1942)[55][56]
USS Tanager  United States Navy World War II: The Lapwing-class minesweeper (950/1,400 t, 1918) was sunk at Corregidor by Japanese shore-based artillery.[57]
Tuscaloosa City  United States World War II: The cargo ship (5,687 GRT, 1920) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 200 nautical miles (370 km) west of Negrit, Jamaica (18°25′N 81°31′W / 18.417°N 81.517°W / 18.417; -81.517) by the submarine U-125 ( Kriegsmarine). All 34 crew were rescued by Falcon ( United States).[58]
Unknown barges  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: Operation Mo: Four barges, probably landing barges, were sunk in Purvis Bay, Florida Island, Solomon Islands, by aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown ( United States Navy),[59]
Wa-1  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: Operation Mo: The Wa-1-class auxiliary minesweeper (215 t, 1942) was sunk in Purvis Bay, Florida Island, Solomon Islands, by aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown ( United States Navy).[55]
Wa-2  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: Operation Mo: The Wa-1-class auxiliary minesweeper (215 t, 1942) was sunk in Purvis Bay, Florida Island, Solomon Islands by aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown ( United States Navy).[55]
Wartenfels  Germany World War II: The cargo ship (6,186 GRT, 1921) was scuttled at Diégo-Suarez, Madagascar.[23] Later raised and repaired and entered British service as Empire Tugela.[26]

5 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 5 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Afoundria  United States World War II: The Design 1022 cargo ship (5,010 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 8 nautical miles (15 km) north of the Le Male Lighthouse, Haiti (19°59′N 73°26′W / 19.983°N 73.433°W / 19.983; -73.433). All 46 people on board were rescued by USS Mulberry ( United States Navy).[60]
HMS Auricula  Royal Navy World War II: Battle of Madagascar: The Flower-class corvette (925/1,170 t, 1941) struck a mine in the Indian Ocean off the northern tip of Madagascar. She was taken in tow by HMS Freesia ( Royal Navy) but sank the next day. Several members of her ship´s company were wounded but none was killed.[61]
Bévéziers France Vichy France World War II: Battle of Madagascar: The Agosta-class submarine (1,572/2,084 t, 1937) was bombed and sunk in Currier Bay, Diego Suarez, Madagascar (12°16′S 49°17′E / 12.267°S 49.283°E / -12.267; 49.283). Her crew lost two killed and one wounded in the sinking, and then took part in the land battle in the next days, and lost five more killed and eight wounded.[62][63]
Bougainville France Vichy France World War II: Battle of Madagascar: The armed merchant cruiser (4,504 GRT, 1939) was bombed and sunk at Diego Suarez, Madagascar, by Royal Navy aircraft.[64]
Delisle  United States World War II: The cargo ship (3,478 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 15 nautical miles (28 km) off Jupiter Inlet, Florida (27°06′N 80°03′W / 27.100°N 80.050°W / 27.100; -80.050) by the submarine U-564 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of the 38 people on board. Survivors abandoned ship, but the crew reboarded her the next day and she was towed to Miami, Florida by a United States Navy tug. Later repaired and returned to service.[65]
D'Entrecastreax France Vichy France World War II: Battle of Madagascar: The Bougainville-class aviso was bombed and sunk in the Indian Ocean off Madagascar by aircraft from HMS Illustrious and gunfire from HMS Active and HMS Panther (all  Royal Navy). Raised, repaired and put in Free French service.[66]
Fisheries II  United States Navy World War II: The U.S. Navy-requisitioned patrol yacht was scuttled off Corregidor.[67]
USS Genesee  United States Navy World War II: The fleet tug (688 GRT / 1,190 t, 1905) was scuttled off Corregidor Island, Philippines. She subsequently was salvaged by the Imperial Japanese Navy, repaired, and entered Japanese service as Patrol Boat No. 107.
John Adams  United States World War II: The Liberty ship (7,176 GRT/14,250 t, 1942) was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off New Caledonia (23°30′S 164°35′E / 23.500°S 164.583°E / -23.500; 164.583) by I-21 ( Imperial Japanese Navy). Five Armed Guard gunners were lost, three gunners and all 42 crewmen were rescued.[68][69]
Joseph M. Cudahy  United States World War II: The tanker (6,950 GRT, 1921) was torpedoed and damaged in the Gulf of Mexico 125 nautical miles (232 km) west of Naples, Florida (25°57′N 83°57′W / 25.950°N 83.950°W / 25.950; -83.950) by U-507 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 27 of her 37 crew. Survivors were rescued by Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft of the United States Navy. The burned out hulk was scuttled by USS Coral ( United States Navy) as a hazard to navigation.[70]
HMS LCM 46  Royal Navy The landing craft mechanized (21/35 t, 1942) capsized and sank in the East Indies.
Lady Drake  Canada World War II: The passenger ship (7,985 GRT, 1928) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 90 nautical miles (170 km) north of Bermuda (35°43′N 64°43′W / 35.717°N 64.717°W / 35.717; -64.717) by the submarine U-106 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 12 of the 268 people aboard. Survivors were rescued by USS Owl ( United States Navy).[71]
Magnhild  Norway The cargo ship (1,383 GRT, 1903) ran aground on Virgin Rocks, Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. All 20 crew were rescued by the minesweeper USS Brant ( United States Navy). Magnhild was declared a total loss on 23 May.[72][73]
Maryann  United States Navy World War II: The US Navy-requisitioned converted yacht, neither commissioned nor assigned a hull number, was scuttled off Corregidor.[67]
Munger T. Ball  United States World War II: The tanker (5,104 GRT, 1920) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico 80 nautical miles (150 km) northwest of Dry Tortugas Island (25°17′N 83°57′W / 25.283°N 83.950°W / 25.283; -83.950) by U-507 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 30 of her 34 crew. Survivors were rescued by Katy ( Norway).[74]
Perry  United States Navy World War II: The U.S. Navy-requisitioned auxiliary patrol boat was scuttled off Corregidor.[67]
Potemkin  Soviet Union World War II: The cargo liner (836 GRT) was sunk by German aircraft at Kamysh Buran. 30 crewman were killed, 25 wounded.[75]
Q-111 Luzon  Philippine Army World War II: The 65-foot (20 m) motor torpedo boat (40 t, 1939), an enlarged version of the Thornycroft 55-foot-class motor torpedo boat was scuttled in Manila Bay. She was raised and repaired by the Japanese in 1943 and put in Japanese service as Gyoraitei 114 ( Imperial Japanese Navy).
Sperrbercher 36 Eider  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Sperrbrecher (3,288 GRT / 7,500 t, 1936) struck a mine and was severely damaged in the North Sea off Heligoland. She was consequently withdrawn from service.[26]
Stanbank  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (5,966 GRT, 1942) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (34°55′N 61°47′W / 34.917°N 61.783°W / 34.917; -61.783) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of nine of her 48 crew. Survivors were rescued by Rhexenor ( United Kingdom).[76]
Unknown ships Unknown World War II: Two "ships for channel cleaning" (dredges?) were sunk in Neretva Delta by Partizans.[77]
USS Vaga  United States Navy World War II: The harbor tug (529 GRT) was scuttled off Corregidor (14°25′N 120°30′E / 14.417°N 120.500°E / 14.417; 120.500).[78]
Zabern  Germany World War II: The tanker (6,233 GRT) struck a mine and sank in the Bay of Kiel.[26]

6 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 6 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Abgara  Latvia World War II: The cargo ship (4,422 GRT, 1911) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean southeast of Great Inagua Island, the Bahamas (20°45′N 72°55′W / 20.750°N 72.917°W / 20.750; -72.917) by the submarine U-108 ( Kriegsmarine). All 34 crew reached land in her lifeboats.[79]
More: Latvian Mercantile Marine during World War II
Alcoa Puritan  United States World War II: The Type C1-B cargo ship (6,759 GRT, 1941) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico 15 nautical miles (28 km) off the mouth of the Mississippi River (28°35′N 88°22′W / 28.583°N 88.367°W / 28.583; -88.367) by the submarine U-507 ( Kriegsmarine). All 54 people on board were rescued by the cutter USCGC Boutwell (Ensign of the United States Coast Guard (1915–1953).png United States Coast Guard).[80]
Amazone  Netherlands World War II: The сargo ship (1,294 GRT, 1922) was torpedoed and sunk in 13 fathoms (78 ft; 24 m) of water off of Fort Pierce, Florida (27°21′N 80°04′W / 27.350°N 80.067°W / 27.350; -80.067) by the submarine U-333 ( Kriegsmarine) with 14 of her 25 crew members lost. The survivors were picked up by the submarine chaser USS PC-484 ( United States Navy). The wreck was demolished in 1944.[6][81]
D'Entrecasteaux  French Navy World War II: Operation Ironclad: The Bougainville-class aviso (1,969/2,600 t, 1933) was badly damaged by British naval aircraft and beached on the coast of Madagascar.
Empire Buffalo  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy SC 71: The Design 1105 ship (6,404 or 6,374 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea west of the Cayman Islands (19°14′N 82°34′W / 19.233°N 82.567°W / 19.233; -82.567) by the submarine U-125 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 13 of her 42 crew. Survivors were rescued by Caique ( United States).[82]
Green Island  United States World War II: The cargo ship (1,946 GRT, 1937) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 80 nautical miles (150 km) south of Grand Cayman Island (18°25′N 81°30′W / 18.417°N 81.500°W / 18.417; -81.500) by the submarine U-125 ( Kriegsmarine). All 22 crew were rescued by Fort Qu'Appelle ( United Kingdom).[83]
Halsey  United States World War II: The tanker (7,088 GRT, 1920) was torpedoed twice and sunk off St. Lucie Inlet (27°14′N 80°03′W / 27.233°N 80.050°W / 27.233; -80.050) or (27°23′N 80°03′W / 27.383°N 80.050°W / 27.383; -80.050) by the submarine U-333 ( Kriegsmarine) in eight fathoms (48 ft; 15 m) of water with her two masts rising above water. All 32 crew members survived in two lifeboats. The survivors were rescued by USS PC-451 ( United States Navy) and towed to land by two fishing vessels.[6][84]
Kanan Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship (2,567 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea by the submarine USS Skipjack ( United States Navy).[85]
Laida  United States World War II: The 58-gross register ton, 64.5-foot (19.7 m) motor cargo vessel was sunk by Japanese forces 30 nautical miles (56 km; 35 mi) northeast of Port Moller (55°53′N 160°28′W / 55.883°N 160.467°W / 55.883; -160.467 (Port Moller)), Territory of Alaska.[86]
USS Luzon  United States Navy World War II: The Luzon-class gunboat (560 t, 1928) was scuttled in Manila Bay, Philippines off Corregidor (14°23′N 120°35′E / 14.383°N 120.583°E / 14.383; 120.583) . She was salvaged by the Imperial Japanese Navy later that month, repaired, and entered service as Karatsu ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[87]
HMS ML 160  Royal Navy World War II: The Fairmile B motor launch (75/85 t, 1940) was bombed and sunk at Brixton.[88]
USS Oahu  United States Navy World War II: The Panay-class gunboat (450/474 t, 1928) was sunk in Manila Bay off Corregidor, Philippines, by Imperial Japanese Navy ships, or scuttled (14°23′N 120°35′E / 14.383°N 120.583°E / 14.383; 120.583).[87]
USS Quail  United States Navy World War II: The Lapwing-class minesweeper (950/1,400 t, 1919) was scuttled at Corregidor (14°23′N 120°35′E / 14.383°N 120.583°E / 14.383; 120.583).[87]
HMT Senateur Duhamel  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler (913 GRT, 1927) sank after colliding in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Lookout, North Carolina, with the auxiliary ship USS Semmes ( United States Navy).[89]
Taiei Maru  Japan World War II: Convoy No. 107: The cargo ship (2,208 GRT, 1918) was torpedoed and sunk in the East China Sea (28°25′N 123°37′E / 28.417°N 123.617°E / 28.417; 123.617) by the submarine USS Triton ( United States Navy). Four of her 41 crew were killed.[90][91]
Taigen Maru  Japan World War II: Convoy No. 107: The cargo ship (5,665 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the East China Sea (28°40′N 123°38′E / 28.667°N 123.633°E / 28.667; 123.633) by the submarine USS Triton ( United States Navy). Two passengers and 29 crewmen killed.[90]
Tama Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper (264 GRT, 1936) was damaged in Purvis Bay, Florida Island, Solomon Islands, by U.S. Navy aircraft, sinking on 6 May. Four crewmen were killed and seven wounded.[55][56]
Vostok  Soviet Navy World War II: The transport ship (2,782 GRT) struck a mine and sank in the Black Sea at the entrance of the Kerch Strait. Ten people were killed. The 47 survivors were saved by her escort.[26][92]

7 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 7 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Chloe Greece Greece World War II: The cargo ship (4,641 GRT, 1928) was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 20 miles (32 km) west of Nouméa, New Caledonia (22°59′S 166°29′E / 22.983°S 166.483°E / -22.983; 166.483) by I-21 ( Imperial Japanese Navy).[93] Her 35 crew survived.[94]
Frank Seamans  Norway World War II: The cargo ship (4,271 GRT, 1928) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (6°21′N 55°38′W / 6.350°N 55.633°W / 6.350; -55.633) by U-162 ( Kriegsmarine). All 27 crew were rescued by Koningin Emma ( Netherlands).[95]
Le Héros France Vichy France World War II: Battle of Madagascar: The Redoutable-class submarine (1,547/2,051 t, 1934) was depth-charged and sunk in the Indian Ocean off Diego-Suarez, Madagascar, by Fleet Air Arm Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers from the aircraft carrier Illustrious ( Royal Navy)[96][97] with the loss of 24 lives.[98]
HMML 130  Royal Navy World War II: The Fairmile B motor launch (75/85 t, 1940) was sunk by gunfire from S 31, S 34 and S 61 (all  Kriegsmarine) off Malta. Four crew were killed and all nine survivors were captured by the German ships.[99]
USS Neosho  United States Navy World War II: Battle of the Coral Sea: The Cimarron-class oiler (7,470 GRT, 11,315/24,830 t, 1939) was bombed and damaged in the Coral Sea by Japanese aircraft. She was scuttled on 11 May by USS Henley ( United States Navy) after rescuing survivors still aboard along with survivors of USS Sims who were also aboard.
Ontario  Honduras World War II: The cargo ship (3,099 GRT, 1904) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico (28°11′N 87°32′W / 28.183°N 87.533°W / 28.183; -87.533) by U-507 ( Kriegsmarine). All 45 crew were rescued by USS Onyx ( United States Navy).[100]
Ruth  Sweden World War II: The cargo ship (3,622 or 4,229 GRT, 1911) was bombed and sunk at Den Helder, North Holland, Netherlands by aircraft of Coastal Command, Royal Air Force while carrying a cargo of coal.
Cargo Steamship Ruth
[26]
Shōhō  Imperial Japanese Navy
Shōhō

World War II: Battle of the Coral Sea: The Zuihō-class aircraft carrier (11,262/14,200 t, 1941) was bombed and sunk in the Coral Sea (16°07′14″S 151°54′47″E / 16.12056°S 151.91306°E / -16.12056; 151.91306) by aircraft based on USS Lexington and USS Yorktown (both  United States Navy) with the loss of 631 of her 833 crew. 203 survivors rescued by Suzinami and some by Yūbari (both  Imperial Japanese Navy).

USS Sims  United States Navy World War II: Battle of the Coral Sea: The Sims-class destroyer (1,570/2,211 t, 1939) was torpedoed and sunk in the Coral Sea by Japanese Aichi D3A Val aircraft with the loss of 177 of her 192 crew.

8 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 8 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Bujun Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship (4,804 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea by USS Skipjack ( United States Navy).[85]
Duca Degli Abruzzi  Italy World War II: The cargo ship (2,315 GRT) was scuttled at Diégo-Suarez, Madagascar.[101]
USS Lexington  United States Navy World War II: Battle of the Coral Sea: The Lexington-class aircraft carrier (35,689/47,700 t, 1927) was scuttled by USS Phelps ( United States Navy) following battle damage. Around 300 of her 2,122 crew were killed. Wreck discovered in March 2018.
Mildred Pauline  Canada World War II: The three-masted schooner (300 or 325 GRT, 1919) was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada by U-136 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all seven crew.[102][103]
Monge France Vichy France World War II: Battle of Madagascar: The Redoutable-class submarine (1,547/2,049 t, 1932) was sunk in the Indian Ocean off Madagascar by HMS Active and HMS Panther (both  Royal Navy). All 69 hands were lost.[104][105]
Ohioan  United States World War II: The Design 1015 cargo ship (6,078 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 10 nautical miles (19 km) off Boynton Beach, Florida (26°31′N 79°59′W / 26.517°N 79.983°W / 26.517; -79.983) in 92 fathoms (552 ft; 168 m) of water by U-564 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 15 of her 37 crew. Survivors were rescued by United States Coast Guard ships.[106][6]
HMS Olympus  Royal Navy World War II: The Odin-class submarine (1,781/2,038 t, 1930) struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Malta (35°55′N 14°35′E / 35.917°N 14.583°E / 35.917; 14.583) with the loss of 89 of the 98 people on board.
Somalia  Italy World War II: The cargo ship (2,699 GRT, 1918) was scuttled at Diégo-Suarez, Madagascar. The wreck was later raised and scrapped.[107]
Taiyo Maru  Imperial Japanese Army World War II: Convoy No. 109: The Taiyo Maru-class transport ship (14,503 or 14,458 GRT, 1911) was torpedoed, setting her afire and igniting her cargo of calcium carbide, in turn detonating hand grenades and illumination rounds in her cargo, and she sank in the Pacific Ocean 170 km (92 nmi) southwest of Me Shima, Nannyo Gunto, Kyushu by USS Grenadier ( United States Navy). 656 passengers, 156 crewmen and 4 gunners were killed. 15 survivors were rescued by Peking Maru, 480 by Minekaze and Tomitsu Maru, (all  Imperial Japanese Navy). Another 48 were rescued by the fishing vessel Genshin Maru No. 1 ( Japan) on 10 May.[108][109]
Torny  Norway World War II: The cargo ship (2,424 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico (26°45′N 86°40′W / 26.750°N 86.667°W / 26.750; -86.667) by U-507 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 26 crew. Survivors were rescued by two United States Navy aircraft.[110][111]

9 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 9 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Calgarolite  Canada World War II: The tanker (11,941 GRT, 1929) was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) south west of Grand Cayman Island (19°24′N 82°30′W / 19.400°N 82.500°W / 19.400; -82.500) by U-125 ( Kriegsmarine). All 45 crew survived.[112]
Douro  Norway World War II: The cargo ship (928 GRT, 1921) was bombed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (60°41′N 12°58′W / 60.683°N 12.967°W / 60.683; -12.967) by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of ten of her 20 crew. Survivors were rescued by the trawler Gyllir (Flag of Iceland (1918–1944).svg Iceland).[113]
John Adams  United States World War II: The Liberty ship was sunk in the Pacific Ocean by enemy action. 13 survivors were rescued by USS Helm ( United States Navy). (See entry at 5 May 1942)[114]
Lise  Norway World War II: The tanker (6,826 GRT, 1931) was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (13°53′N 68°20′W / 13.883°N 68.333°W / 13.883; -68.333) by U-69 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 12 of her 33 crew. Some of the survivors were rescued by HNLMS Femern ( Royal Netherlands Navy) and Socrates ( Netherlands), others reached land in their lifeboat.[115]
Lubrafol  Panama World War II: The tanker (7,138 GRT, 1924) was torpedoed and set afire in the Atlantic Ocean 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) off Delray Beach, Florida, United States (26°26′N 80°00′W / 26.433°N 80.000°W / 26.433; -80.000) by U-564 ( Kriegsmarine). 13 crew were killed, 31 survivors rescued by the United States Coast Guard. The burning Lubrafol drifted until 11 May when she finally sank at 26°41′N 80°01′W / 26.683°N 80.017°W / 26.683; -80.017 or 29°14′N 80°10′W / 29.233°N 80.167°W / 29.233; -80.167. The wreck was broken up for scrap in 1954.[116][6][117]
M-533  Kriegsmarine The Type 1916 minesweeper (508/550 t, 1919) was sunk in a collision with R-45 ( Kriegsmarine) north west of Boulogne, Pas de Calais, France. R-45 also sank.[26][118]
Mont Louis  Canada World War II: The cargo ship (1,905 GRT, 1927) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south of Trinidad (8°23′N 58°44′W / 8.383°N 58.733°W / 8.383; -58.733) by U-162 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 13 of her 21 crew. Survivors were rescued by Mona Marie ( Canada).[119]
R-45  Kriegsmarine The Type R-41 minesweeper (125/135 t, 1940) was sunk in a collision with Raule ( Kriegsmarine) off Dunkirk.[120]
U-352  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine (757/857 t, 1941) was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south of Morehead City, North Carolina, United States (34°21′N 76°35′W / 34.350°N 76.583°W / 34.350; -76.583) by USCGC Icarus ( United States Navy) with the loss of 15 of her 48 crew.

10 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 10 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Aurora  United States World War II: The tanker (7,050 GRT, 1920) was torpedoed and damaged in the Gulf of Mexico 40 nautical miles (74 km) off the Southwest Pass, Louisiana (28°35′N 90°00′W / 28.583°N 90.000°W / 28.583; -90.000) by U-506 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 50 crew. The survivors abandoned ship, and were rescued by USS Onyx and USS YP-157 (both  United States Navy). Aurora was taken in tow by Robert W. Wilmot ( United States) and USS Tuckahoe ( United States Navy) but ran aground at the entrance to the Mississippi River. She was refloated and taken to Algiers, Louisiana, where she was declared a total loss. The ship was subsequently repaired and returned to service in 1943 as Jamestown.[121]
Chernomorets  Soviet Union World War II: The transport ship (1,048 GRT) was bombed and sunk in the Black Sea by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of 500 lives. She was on a voyage from Kerch to Novorossiysk.[26]
Clan Skene  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (31°43′N 70°43′W / 31.717°N 70.717°W / 31.717; -70.717) by U-333 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of nine of her 82 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS McKean ( United States Navy).[122]
Kitty's Brook  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (4,031 GRT, 1907) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 35 nautical miles (65 km) south east of Cape Sable, Nova Scotia, Canada (42°56′N 63°59′W / 42.933°N 63.983°W / 42.933; -63.983) by U-588 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of nine of her 34 crew.[123]
Oridono Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the South China Sea (7°00′S 112°40′E / 7.000°S 112.667°E / -7.000; 112.667)}.[124]
HMHS Ramb IV  Royal Navy (Flag of the Red Cross.png Red Cross): World War II: The hospital ship (3,676 GRT, 1937) was bombed and set afire off Alexandria, Egypt by Junkers Ju 88 aircraft of Lehrgeschwader I1, Luftwaffe. Of the 360 wounded and staff aboard, 155 wounded and 10 crew members were lost. The ship was scuttled by Royal Navy ships at 31°17′N 29°23′E / 31.283°N 29.383°E / 31.283; 29.383.[26][125]
S 31  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type 1939 Schnellboot (79/100 t, 1939) was sunk by a mine off Malta. Eight crew were killed and another died of wounds. Survivors were rescued by S 61 ( Kriegsmarine).[126][127]
Warmia  Kriegsmarine World War II: The replenishment oiler struck a mine in the Bay of Biscay and was severely damaged.[26]

11 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 11 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Anakriya  Soviet Navy World War II: The barge (422 GRT) was bombed and sunk in the Black Sea by Luftwaffe aircraft while evacuating wounded from Crimea.[128]
HMT Bedfordshire  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler (443 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Lookout, North Carolina (34°10′N 76°41′W / 34.167°N 76.683°W / 34.167; -76.683) by U-558 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 37 crew.
C 308  United Kingdom World War II: The tug (192 or 154 GRT) was bombed and sunk at Malta by Luftwaffe aircraft. Ten crew were killed.[23][129]
Cape of Good Hope  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (4,963 GRT, 1925) was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north east of the Virgin Islands (22°48′N 58°43′W / 22.800°N 58.717°W / 22.800; -58.717) by U-502 ( Kriegsmarine). All 37 crew survived.[130]
Empire Dell  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ON 92: The CAM ship (7,065 GRT, 1941) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (53°00′N 29°57′W / 53.000°N 29.950°W / 53.000; -29.950) by U-124 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 48 crew.[131]
HMS Jackal  Royal Navy World War II: The J-class destroyer (1,690/2,330 t, 1939) was bombed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea northwest of Mersa Matruh, Egypt by Junkers Ju 88 aircraft of I Staffeln, Lehrgeschwader 1, Luftwaffe, with the loss of 77 of her crew. She was subsequently scuttled the next day by HMS Jervis ( Royal Navy).
Kinjosan Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Truk, South Pacific Mandate by USS Greenling ( United States Navy). (Look 04/05/1942)[51]
HMS Kipling  Royal Navy World War II: The K-class destroyer (1,690/2,330 t, 1939) was bombed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea northwest of Mersa Matruh by Junkers Ju 88 aircraft of I Staffeln, Lehrgeschwader 1, Luftwaffe.[132]
HMS Lively  Royal Navy World War II: The L-class destroyer (1,920/2,660 t, 1941) was bombed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 100 nautical miles (190 km) north east of Tobruk, Libya by Junkers Ju 88 aircraft of Lehrgeschwader 1, Luftwaffe, with the loss of 77 of her 221 crew.
Rion  Soviet Navy World War II: The gunboat (840 t, 1928) was bombed and sunk in the Black Sea by Luftwaffe aircraft while evacuating wounded from Crimea.[128]

12 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 12 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Berezan  Soviet Union World War II: The motor sailer was sunk by German aircraft or mines at Kerch.[75]
HMT Bedfordshire  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Lookout, North Carolina, United States (34°10′N 76°41′W / 34.167°N 76.683°W / 34.167; -76.683) by U-558 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 37 crew. (Look 11/05/1942)[133]
Brilliant  Soviet Navy World War II: The Zemchug-class patrol vessel (424/580 t, 1937) was bombed and sunk by German aircraft at Iokanga. Raised 25 September 1942, repaired and recommissioned in June 1944.
Cocle  Panama World War II: Convoy ON 92: The cargo ship (5,630 GRT, 1920) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (52°37′N 29°13′W / 52.617°N 29.217°W / 52.617; -29.217) by U-94 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of five of her 42 crew. The survivors were rescued by Bury ( United Kingdom).[134]
Cristales  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ON 92: The cargo ship (5,389 GRT, 1926) was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (52°55′N 29°50′W / 52.917°N 29.833°W / 52.917; -29.833) and was abandoned by her 82 crew. They were rescued by USCGC Spencer ( United States Coast Guard) and HMCS Shediac ( Royal Canadian Navy). Cristales was scuttled by the latter ship.[135]
K-23  Soviet Navy World War II: The K-class submarine (1,487/2,104 t, 1940) was sunk off Nordkyn, Norway in the Barents Sea by the auxiliary warships UJ 1101, UJ 1108 and UJ 1110 (all  Kriegsmarine). All 71 men aboard were killed.[136][137]
Krasny Flot  Soviet Union World War II: The transport ship (712 GRT) was bombed and sunk at Yeni-Kale by Luftwaffe aircraft. No casualties.[26]
Krasny Moryak  Soviet Union World War II: The transport ship (348 GRT) was bombed and sunk at Temryuk by Luftwaffe aircraft. Four crewmen killed.[26]
Leto  Netherlands World War II: The cargo ship (4,712 GRT, 1929) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 8 nautical miles (15 km) north of Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada (49°32′N 65°19′W / 49.533°N 65.317°W / 49.533; -65.317) by U-553 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 12 of the 53 people on board, including one or two of the four officer survivors from Oscilla ( Netherlands).[138][139]
Llanover  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ON 92: The cargo ship (4,959 GRT, 1928) was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (52°50′N 29°04′W / 52.833°N 29.067°W / 52.833; -29.067) by U-124 ( Kriegsmarine). All 46 crew were rescued by Bury ( United Kingdom). Llanover was scuttled by HMCS Arvida ( Royal Canadian Navy).[140]
Mount Parnes Greece Greece World War II: Convoy ON 92: The cargo ship (4,371 GRT, 1917) was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (52°31′N 29°20′W / 52.517°N 29.333°W / 52.517; -29.333) by U-124 ( Kriegsmarine). She was later scuttled by one of the convoy escorts. All 33 crew survived.[141]
Nicoya  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (5,364 GRT, 1929) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of St. Lawrence south of Anticosti Island, Quebec, Canada (49°19′N 64°15′W / 49.317°N 64.250°W / 49.317; -64.250) by U-553 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of the 88 people on board.[142]
Okinoshima  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The minelayer (4,290/4,984 t, 1936) was torpedoed and damaged in the Bismarck Sea southwest of Buka Island by USS S-42 ( United States Navy), she sank under tow in the St. George Channel off of New Ireland, Papua New Guinea (05°06′S 153°48′E / 5.100°S 153.800°E / -5.100; 153.800).[55]
PK-083  Soviet Navy World War II: The patrol boat was bombed and sunk at Kerch by Luftwaffe aircraft.[26]
Sansei Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy The Sansei Maru-class auxiliary transport ran aground off Peleliu. Refloated on 13 August 1942.[143]
Shoei Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The salvage ship (a.k.a. Matsue Maru) (5,644 GRT, 1938) was torpedoed and sunk in the Bismarck Sea (04°51′S 152°15′E / 4.850°S 152.250°E / -4.850; 152.250) six nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) northeast of Cape St. George, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea by USS S-44 ( United States Navy) while on its way to assist Okinoshima. Her commanding officer was killed.[144][145]
SKA-0133  Soviet Navy World War II: The patrol boat was bombed and sunk at Kerch by Luftwaffe aircraft.[26]
SKA-0183  Soviet Navy World War II: The patrol boat was bombed and sunk at Kerch by Luftwaffe aircraft.[26]
SKA-0411  Soviet Navy World War II: The patrol boat was bombed and sunk at Kerch by Luftwaffe aircraft.[26]
SKA-0611  Soviet Navy World War II: The patrol boat was bombed and sunk at Kerch by Luftwaffe aircraft.[26]
SKA-0811  Soviet Navy World War II: The patrol boat was bombed and sunk at Kerch by Luftwaffe aircraft.[26]
Virginia  United States World War II: The tanker (10,731 GRT, 1941) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico (28°53′N 89°29′W / 28.883°N 89.483°W / 28.883; -89.483) by U-507 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 27 of her 41 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS PT-157 ( United States Navy).[146]

13 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 13 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Batna  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy ON 92: The cargo ship (4,399 GRT, 1928) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (52°09′N 33°56′W / 52.150°N 33.933°W / 52.150; -33.933) by U-94 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 42 crew. Survivors were rescued by Bury ( United Kingdom).[147]
City of Melbourne  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (6,630 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Barbados (15°00′N 54°40′W / 15.000°N 54.667°W / 15.000; -54.667) by U-156 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 87 crew.[148]
Denpark  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy SL 109: The cargo ship (3,491 GRT, 1928) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (22°28′N 28°10′W / 22.467°N 28.167°W / 22.467; -28.167) by U-128 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 21 of her 46 crew. Survivors were rescued by City of Windsor ( United Kingdom).[149]
Esso Houston  United States World War II: The tanker (7,699 GRT, 1938) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 150 nautical miles (280 km) east of Barbados (12°12′N 57°25′W / 12.200°N 57.417°W / 12.200; -57.417) by U-162 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 42 crew. Survivors were rescued by Havprins ( Norway) or reached land in their lifeboats.[150]
Gulfpenn  United States World War II: The tanker (8,862 GRT, 1921) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico (28°29′N 89°12′W / 28.483°N 89.200°W / 28.483; -89.200) by U-506 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 13 of her 38 crew. Survivors were rescued by Telde ( Honduras).[151]
Hav  Norway World War II: The cargo ship (5,062 GRT, 1939) struck a mine and was damaged in the Mediterranean Sea off Port Said, Egypt with the loss of two of her 38 crew. She was taken in tow and beached (31°17′57″N 32°21′09″E / 31.29917°N 32.35250°E / 31.29917; 32.35250) but was declared a constructive total loss.[152][153]
Iltis  Kriegsmarine World War II: The torpedo boat (932/1,319 t, 1928) was torpedoed and sunk off Boulogne-sur-Mer, France (50°46′N 01°34′E / 50.767°N 1.567°E / 50.767; 1.567) by HM MTB 219 and HM MTB 221 (both  Royal Navy) with the loss of 118 crew.[26][154]
Koenjit  Netherlands World War II: The cargo ship (4,551 GRT, 1929) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 300 nautical miles (560 km) north north east of Barbados (15°30′N 52°40′W / 15.500°N 52.667°W / 15.500; -52.667) by U-156 ( Kriegsmarine). All 37 crew survived.[155]
Letitia Porter  Netherlands World War II: The motor launch (15 GRT) was being carried as deck cargo on board Koenjit ( Netherlands) and was lost when that ship was torpedoed and sunk by U-156 ( Kriegsmarine).[156]
HM MTB 220  Royal Navy World War II: The Vosper 70'-class motor torpedo boat (32/40 t, 1941) was sunk by gunfire from a Kriegsmarine Schnellboot.[157]
Nagasaki Maru  Japan World War II: The ocean liner (5,268 GRT) struck a mine and sank in the Pacific Ocean off Nagasaki with the loss of 39 people. Her captain later committed hara-kiri.[158]
Norlantic  United States World War II: The Design 1099 cargo ship (2,606 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (12°13′N 66°30′W / 12.217°N 66.500°W / 12.217; -66.500 by U-69 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of seven of her 29 crew. Survivors were rescued by India, Mississippi (both  Netherlands), Marpesia ( Norway) and the tug Crusader Kingston (flag unknown).[159]
Seeadler  Kriegsmarine World War II: The torpedo boat (923/1,290 t, 1927) was torpedoed and sunk off Boulogne-sur-Mer, France (50°46′N 01°34′E / 50.767°N 1.567°E / 50.767; 1.567) by HM MTB 219 and HM MTB 2.21 (both  Royal Navy) with the loss of 85 crew.[26][160]
Shonan Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship (5,356 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean by USS Drum ( United States Navy).[26]
Tolken  Sweden World War II: Convoy ON 92: The cargo ship (4,471 GRT, 1922) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 675 nautical miles (1,250 km) south east of Cape Farewell, Greenland (51°50′N 33°35′W / 51.833°N 33.583°W / 51.833; -33.583) by U-94 ( Kriegsmarine). All 34 crew were rescued by Bury ( United Kingdom).[161]
SS Tolken in Gothenburg harbor in 1940 in her neutrality markings (upper left part of the image)

14 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 14 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Amapala  Honduras World War II: The cargo ship (4,148 GRT, 1924) was torpedoed and damaged in the Gulf of Mexico (26°40′N 88°17′W / 26.667°N 88.283°W / 26.667; -88.283) by U-507 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 57 crew. Survivors were rescued by the fishing schooner Gonzalez ( United States) and a United States Navy aircraft. Amapala was taken in tow by USCGC Boutwell ( United States Navy) but foundered on 16 May at 26°30′N 89°12′W / 26.500°N 89.200°W / 26.500; -89.200.[162]
Brabant  Belgium World War II: The cargo ship (2,483 GRT, 1938) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea (11°32′N 62°43′W / 11.533°N 62.717°W / 11.533; -62.717) by U-155 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of the 37 people on board.[163]
British Colony  United Kingdom World War II: The tanker (6,917 GRT, 1927) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 90 nautical miles (170 km) north east of Bridgetown, Barbados (13°12′N 58°10′W / 13.200°N 58.167°W / 13.200; -58.167) by U-162 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of four of her 47 crew.[164]
Comayagua  Honduras World War II: The cargo ship (2,493 GRT, 1921) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 14 nautical miles (26 km) southwest of Grand Cayman Island (19°00′N 81°37′W / 19.000°N 81.617°W / 19.000; -81.617) by U-125 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of seven of her 42 crew. Survivors were rescued by Cimboco ( United Kingdom).[165]
David McKelvy  United States World War II: The tanker (6,821 GRT, 1921) was torpedoed and damaged in the Gulf of Mexico 35 nautical miles (65 km) south of the mouth of the Mississippi River (28°30′N 89°55′W / 28.500°N 89.917°W / 28.500; -89.917) by U-506 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 17 of her 42 crew. Survivors abandoned ship and were rescued by USCGC Boutwell ( United States Navy) and Norsol ( Norway). David McKelvy was beached on the Louisiana coast where she was declared a total loss.[166]
Dzerzhinsky  Soviet Navy World War II: The Fidonisy-class destroyer (1,326/1,580 t, 1917) was sunk by a mine off Sevastopol with the loss of 260 of her crew.[26][167]
Isbjørn  Norway World War II: Operation Fritham: The icebreaker (437 GRT, 1894) was bombed and sunk in Isfjord, Svalbard by Luftwaffe Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor aircraft with the loss of 17 of her 21 crew.[168][169]
Mount Olympus Greece Greece World War II: The cargo ship (6,692 GRT, 1920) struck a mine and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Port Said, Egypt (31°21′N 32°21′E / 31.350°N 32.350°E / 31.350; 32.350) with the loss of three of her 30 crew.[170]
M 1307 Neufisch I  Kriegsmarine World War II: The minesweeper (538 GRT, 1938) struck a mine and sank off Esbjerg, Denmark (55°26′N 08°15′E / 55.433°N 8.250°E / 55.433; 8.250) with the loss of eight lives.[26][171]
Potrero del Llano  Mexico World War II: The tanker (4,000 GRT, 1912) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Florida, Florida, United States (25°35′N 80°06′W / 25.583°N 80.100°W / 25.583; -80.100) by U-564 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 13 of her 35 crew.
San Giusto  Italy World War II: The schooner (243 GRT) was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Turbulent ( Royal Navy). There was 1 missing and 11 survivors.[26][172]
Selis  Norway World War II: Operation Fritham: The seal catcher (166 or 172 GRT, 1918) was bombed and sunk in Isfjord, Svalbard, by Focke-Wulf Fw 200 "Condor" aircraft of the Luftwaffe with the loss of 12 of the 82 people aboard.[169]
HMS Trinidad  Royal Navy World War II: Convoy PQ 13: The Crown Colony-class cruiser (8,821/11,086 t, 1941) was bombed and damaged in the Arctic Ocean by Junkers Ju 88 aircraft of the Luftwaffe with the loss of 69 lives, including some survivors of ships sunk previously. She was scuttled the next day by HMS Matchless ( Royal Navy).[129][173][174]

15 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 15 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Kupa  Yugoslavia World War II: The cargo ship (4,382 GRT, 1917) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (14°50′N 52°20′W / 14.833°N 52.333°W / 14.833; -52.333) by U-156 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 70 crew.[175]
M 26  Kriegsmarine World War II: The minesweeper (713/908 t, 1940) was bombed and sunk by Royal Air Force aircraft off Cap de La Hague, France.[176]
M 256  Kriegsmarine World War II: the minesweeper was bombed and severely damaged off Cap de la Hogue by Royal Air Force aircraft. She late sank off Cherbourg, Seine-Inférieure but was raised, repaired and returned to service.[26]
Selje  Germany World War II: The cargo ship (6,698 GRT, 1930) was bombed and sunk in the North Sea north of Terschelling, Netherlands by Lockheed Hudson aircraft of 320 and 407 Squadrons, Royal Air Force with the loss of 14 of the 62 people aboard.[177][29]
Siljestad  Norway World War II: The cargo ship (4,301 GRT, 1927) was torpedoed and sunk north-east of Barbados (15°20′N 52°40′W / 15.333°N 52.667°W / 15.333; -52.667) by U-156 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 33 crew.[178][179][180][29]
Soudan  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy WS 15: The cargo ship (6,677 GRT, 1931) struck a mine and sank in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Agulhas, South Africa (36°10′S 20°22′E / 36.167°S 20.367°E / -36.167; 20.367. One of her 101 crew was killed.[181][182][183]
Toyohara Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship (805 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Honshū by USS Tuna ( United States Navy). 21 crew were killed.[184][185]
V 2002 Madeleine Louise  Kriegsmarine World War II: The vorpostenboot (464 GRT, 1933) was bombed and sunk in the North Sea off Terschelling by Lockheed Hudson aircraft of 407 Squadron, RAF.[26][177][186]

16 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 16 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Goyo Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Goyo Maru-class auxiliary transport was torpedoed and damaged by USS Tautog ( United States Navy) south of Truk. She was beached on Royalist Reef to prevent sinking. She was later pulled off and taken to Truk.[187]
MTB 338  Royal Navy The BPB 60'-class motor torpedo boat (18/22 t, 1942) exploded and burned at Trinidad.[188]
Nicarao  United States World War II: The cargo ship (1,445 GRT, 1920) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north of the Bahamas (25°20′N 74°19′W / 25.333°N 74.317°W / 25.333; -74.317) by U-751 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eight of her 39 crew. Survivors were rescued by Esso Augusta ( United States).[189]
William C. McTarnahan  United States World War II: The tanker (7,306 GRT, 1941) was torpedoed, shelled and damaged in the Gulf of Mexico 35 nautical miles (65 km) east of the Ship Shoal Lighthouse, Louisiana (28°52′N 90°20′W / 28.867°N 90.333°W / 28.867; -90.333) by U-506 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 18 of her 45 crew. Survivors abandoned ship and were rescued by the shrimpers Defender, Pioneer and Viscali (all  United States). William C. McTarnahan was taken in tow by Baranca ( United States) and USS Tuckahoe ( United States Coast Guard). She was subsequently repaired and returned to service in 1943 as St. James.[190]

17 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 17 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Barrdale  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (5,072 GRT, 1925) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (15°15′N 52°27′W / 15.250°N 52.450°W / 15.250; -52.450) by U-156 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 53 crew.[191] The 52 survivors were rescued by Rio Iguazu ( Argentina) and landed at Recife, Brazil.[192]
RFA Beth  Royal Fleet Auxiliary World War II: The tanker (6,852 GRT, 1930) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 135 nautical miles (250 km) east south east of Barbados (11°48′N 57°32′W / 11.800°N 57.533°W / 11.800; -57.533) by U-162 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 31 crew.[193][194]
Challenger  United States World War II: The cargo ship (7,667 GRT, 1918) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea (12°11′N 61°18′W / 12.183°N 61.300°W / 12.183; -61.300) by U-155 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eight of the 64 people on board. Survivors were rescued by USS Turquoise ( United States Navy).[195]
Foam  United States World War II: The trawler (324 GRT, 1919) was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 85 nautical miles (157 km) south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (43°20′N 63°08′W / 43.333°N 63.133°W / 43.333; -63.133) by U-432 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 21 crew. Survivors either reached the Sambro Lightship ( Canada) in their lifeboats or were rescued by HMCS Halifax ( Royal Canadian Navy).[196]
Fort Qu'Apelle  United Kingdom World War II: The Fort ship (7,127 GRT, 1942) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (59°50′N 63°30′W / 59.833°N 63.500°W / 59.833; -63.500) by U-135 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 13 of her 47 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMCS Melville ( Royal Canadian Navy).[197][198]
Gulfoil  United States World War II: The tanker (5,189 GRT, 1912) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico 75 nautical miles (139 km) south west of the mouth of the Mississippi River (28°08′N 89°46′W / 28.133°N 89.767°W / 28.133; -89.767) by U-506 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 21 of her 40 crew. Survivors were rescued by Benjamin Brewster ( United States).[199]
I-28  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Type B1 submarine (2,589/3,713 t, 1942) was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 2 miles (3.2 km) west of Royalist Reef, Truk, South Pacific Mandate (06°30′N 152°00′E / 6.500°N 152.000°E / 6.500; 152.000) by USS Tautog ( United States Navy) with the loss of all 88 crew.
I-64  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Kaidai IV-class submarine (1,635/2,300 t, 1930) was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean south south east of Cape Ashizuri, Kyūshū (29°25′N 134°9′E / 29.417°N 134.150°E / 29.417; 134.150) by USS Triton ( United States Navy). Lost with all 81 hands.[90]
No. 0137  Soviet Navy The KM-2-class motor launch was lost on this date.
Peisander  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (6,225 GRT, 1925) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 350 nautical miles (650 km) off Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, United States (37°24′N 65°38′W / 37.400°N 65.633°W / 37.400; -65.633) by U-653 ( Kriegsmarine). All 65 crew were rescued by USCGC General Greene ( United States Navy).[200]
Ruth Lykes  United States World War II: The cargo ship (2,612 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Caribbean Sea (16°37′N 82°27′W / 16.617°N 82.450°W / 16.617; -82.450) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of the 36 people on board. Survivors were rescued by Somerville ( Norway).[201]
S 34  Kriegsmarine World War II: The S 30 Type E-boat (79/100 t, 1940) was severely damaged by coastal artillery off the harbour of Valletta, Malta. It was subsequently scuttled by a German Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter aircraft.[202]
SKR-21  Soviet Navy World War II: The auxiliary guard ship (1,200 t, 1932) was sunk by German aircraft at Iokanga. Four crew were killed. She was raised on 3 July 1944 and repaired, but not recommissioned by the Soviet Navy.
San Victorio  United Kingdom World War II: The Empire Pym-type tanker (8,136 GRT, 1942) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea (11°40′N 62°33′W / 11.667°N 62.550°W / 11.667; -62.550) by U-155 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 52 of the 53 people on board. The ship was on her maiden voyage. The survivors were rescued by USS Turquoise ( United States Navy).[203][204]
Skottland  Norway World War II: The cargo ship (2,117 GRT, 1920) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (43°06′N 67°20′W / 43.100°N 67.333°W / 43.100; -67.333) by U-588 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 24 crew. Survivors were rescued by the fishing vessel O. K. Service IV ( Canada).[205]
Tazan Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo liner (5,477 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea off French Indochina (6°22′N 108°36′E / 6.367°N 108.600°E / 6.367; 108.600) by USS Skipjack ( United States Navy).[85][206]
Thames Maru  Japan World War II: The Daifuku Maru No. 1-class cargo ship (5,871 GRT) was torpedoed and damaged in the Pacific Ocean off Shimonomisaki, Honshu (33°28′N 135°35′E / 33.467°N 135.583°E / 33.467; 135.583) by USS Silversides ( United States Navy). She was beached to prevent sinking. Refloated, repaired, and returned to service.[26][207]
Tottori Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship (5,973 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean by USS Silversides ( United States Navy).[26]

18 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 18 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Bolsena  Italy World War II: The cargo ship (2,384 GRT, 1918) was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Benghazi by HMS Turbulent ( Royal Navy). 50 men (33 merchant crew, 5 armed guard and 12 military passengers) died in the sinking or from their wounds. There were 36 survivors.[26][208]
Duatepe  Turkey World War II: The cargo ship (128 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the Black Sea 10 miles (16 km) off the coast of Bulgaria by ShCh-205 ( Soviet Navy).[209]
Fauna  Netherlands World War II: The cargo ship (1,254 GRT, 1912) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caicos Passage (22°10′N 72°30′W / 22.167°N 72.500°W / 22.167; -72.500) by U-558 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 29 crew.[210]
Kaynardzha  Turkey World War II: The schooner (350 GRT) was shelled and sunk in the Black Sea 10 miles (16 km) off the coast of Bulgaria by ShCh-205 ( Soviet Navy).[209]
Mercury Sun  United States World War II: The tanker (8,893 GRT, 1931) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 125 nautical miles (232 km) south of Cape Corrientes, Cuba (20°01′N 84°26′W / 20.017°N 84.433°W / 20.017; -84.433) by U-125 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of her 35 crew. Survivors were rescued by SS Howard ( United States).[211]
Quaker City  United States World War II: U-156 ( Kriegsmarine) torpedoed and sank the cargo ship (4,961 GRT, 1920) in the Atlantic Ocean 300 nautical miles (560 km) east of Barbados (15°47′N 53°12′W / 15.783°N 53.200°W / 15.783; -53.200) with the loss of 11 of her 40 crew. USS Blakeley ( United States Navy) rescued some of the survivors; others reached land in their lifeboats.[212][213]
Tisnaren  Sweden World War II: The cargo ship (5,747 GRT, 1918) was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (3°28′N 32°15′W / 3.467°N 32.250°W / 3.467; -32.250) by Comandante Cappellini ( Regia Marina). All 41 crew and passengers were rescued by Black Hawk ( United States).[214]
William J. Salman  United States World War II: The cargo ship (2,616 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 125 nautical miles (232 km) south of Cape Frances, Cuba (20°08′N 83°46′W / 20.133°N 83.767°W / 20.133; -83.767) by U-125 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of her 28 crew. Survivors were rescued by Ķegums ( Latvia).[215] (More: Latvian Mercantile Marine during World War II)

19 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 19 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Commandate Lyra  Brazil World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean by a Italian submarine Barbarigo[216] and was abandoned be her crew; [ 2 crewmen missing], who were rescued by USS Milwaukee and USS Moffett (both  United States Navy). A salvage party from USS Omaha was placed on board and the ship was towed to Fortaleza by USS Thrush (both  United States Navy).[217][218]
Heredia  United States World War II: The refrigerated cargo ship (4,732 GRT, 1908) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) south east of the Ship Shoal Buoy, Louisiana (28°53′N 91°03′W / 28.883°N 91.050°W / 28.883; -91.050) by U-506 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 36 of her 62 crew. Survivors were rescued by the shrimpers Conquest, J. Edwin Treakle, Papa Joe, Shellwater (all  United States) and an aircraft.[219]
Isabela  United States World War II: The cargo ship (3,110 GRT, 1911) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 35 nautical miles (65 km) south of the Navassa Island Lighthouse (17°50′N 75°00′W / 17.833°N 75.000°W / 17.833; -75.000) by U-751 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of her 37 crew.[220]
Ogontz  United States World War II: The cargo ship (5,037 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico 70 nautical miles (130 km) south east of Cozumel, Mexico (23°30′N 86°37′W / 23.500°N 86.617°W / 23.500; -86.617) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 19 of her 41 crew. Survivors were rescued by Esso Dover ( United States).[221]
Penelope  Italy World War II: The cargo ship (1,160 GRT, 1907) was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Thrasher ( Royal Navy).[26]

20 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 20 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Darina  United Kingdom World War II: The tanker (8,113 GRT, 1939) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 500 nautical miles (930 km) south east of Bermuda (29°17′N 54°25′W / 29.283°N 54.417°W / 29.283; -54.417) by U-158 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of her 56 crew. Survivors were rescued by British Ardour ( United Kingdom), Dagrun ( Norway) and Exanthia ( United States).[222]
Eocene  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy AT 46: The tanker (4,216 GRT, 1922) was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Sollum, Egypt (31°56′N 25°14′E / 31.933°N 25.233°E / 31.933; 25.233) by U-431 ( Kriegsmarine). All 43 people on board were rescued by HMT Cocker ( Royal Navy).[223]
George Calvert  United States World War II: The Liberty ship (7,191 GRT, 1942) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea off Cuba (22°50′N 84°30′W / 22.833°N 84.500°W / 22.833; -84.500) by U-753 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of her 51 crew.[224][225]
Halo  United States World War II: The tanker (6,986 GRT, 1920) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico (28°42′N 90°08′W / 28.700°N 90.133°W / 28.700; -90.133) by U-506 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 39 of her 42 crew. Survivors were rescued by Oaxaca ( Mexico) and Otina ( United Kingdom).[226]
Kattegat  Norway World War II: The cargo ship (4,245 GRT, 1936) was shelled and sunk in the South Atlantic (28°11′S 11°30′W / 28.183°S 11.500°W / -28.183; -11.500) by Michel ( Kriegsmarine). All 32 crew were taken on board Michel as prisoners of war.[227]
Norland  Norway World War II: Convoy ON 93: The tanker (8,134 GRT, 1941) was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (31°22′N 55°47′W / 31.367°N 55.783°W / 31.367; -55.783) by U-108 ( Kriegsmarine). All 48 crew were rescued by Polyphemus ( Netherlands) and USS PT-453 ( United States Navy.[228][229]
Sylvan Arrow  Panama World War II: Convoy OT 1: The tanker (7,797 GRT, 1918) was torpedoed and damaged in the Caribbean Sea (11°25′N 62°18′W / 11.417°N 62.300°W / 11.417; -62.300) by the submarine U-155 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 44 crew. Survivors were rescued by the destroyer USS Barney ( United States Navy). Sylvan Arrow was taken in tow, but sank on 28 May at 12°50′N 67°32′W / 12.833°N 67.533°W / 12.833; -67.533.[230][231][232][233]
Vestra  Norway World War II: The cargo ship (1,422 GRT, 1904) struck a mine and sank in the Skagerrak off the Falsterbo Lighthouse, Sweden. She was salvaged, repaired and returned to service.[234]
USS YP-387  United States Navy The yard patrol craft (170 GRT) was sunk in a collision with the American collier Jason off Delaware (39°02′N 74°39′W / 39.033°N 74.650°W / 39.033; -74.650). Jason rescued the 15 survivors. Six men were lost.[235][236]

21 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 21 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Clare  United States World War II: The cargo ship (3,372 GRT, 1915) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 40 nautical miles (74 km) off Cuba (at 21°35′N 84°43′W / 21.583°N 84.717°W / 21.583; -84.717) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine). All 40 crew survived, some reached land in their lifeboat, others were rescued from their liferafts by a Cuban gunboat.[237]
Elizabeth  United States World War II: The cargo ship (4,727 GRT, 1918) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 30 nautical miles (56 km) south of Cape Corrientes, Cuba (at 21°35′N 84°48′W / 21.583°N 84.800°W / 21.583; -84.800), by the submarine U-103 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of her 42 crew.[238]
Faja de Oro  Mexico World War II: The tanker (6,067 GRT, 1914) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico at 23°30′N 84°24′W / 23.500°N 84.400°W / 23.500; -84.400 by U-106 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 10 of her 31 crew.[239]
RFA Montenol  Royal Fleet Auxiliary World War II: Convoy OS 28: The tanker (2,646 GRT, 1917) was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 140 nautical miles (260 km) east southeast of off Santa Maria Island, Azores, Portugal (36°41′N 22°45′W / 36.683°N 22.750°W / 36.683; -22.750) by U-159 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of her 64 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Woodruff and the ship was scuttled by HMS Wellington (both  Royal Navy).[240]
New Brunswick  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy OS 28: The cargo ship (6,529 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 140 nautical miles (260 km) east southeast of Santa Maria Island (36°53′N 22°55′W / 36.883°N 22.917°W / 36.883; -22.917) by U-159 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of her 62 crew. Survivors were rescued by Inchaga ( United Kingdom), HMS Totland, HMS Wellington, HMS Weston and HMS Woodruff (all  Royal Navy).[241]
Presidente Trujillo  Dominican Republic World War II: The cargo ship (1,738 or 1,668 GRT, 1900) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea off Fort-de-France, Martinique (14°38′N 61°11′W / 14.633°N 61.183°W / 14.633; -61.183) by U-156 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 24 of her 39 crew.[242]
Torondoc  Canada World War II: The cargo ship (1,927 GRT, 1927) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 60 nautical miles (110 km) north west of Martinique (14°45′N 62°15′W / 14.750°N 62.250°W / 14.750; -62.250) by U-69 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 22 crew.[243]
Troisdoc  Canada World War II: The cargo ship (1,925 GRT, 1928) was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Caribbean Sea (18°15′N 79°20′W / 18.250°N 79.333°W / 18.250; -79.333) by U-558 ( Kriegsmarine). All 18 crew were rescued by USCGC Mohawk ( United States Navy).[244]

22 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 22 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Asahisan Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Asahisan Maru-class transport ship (4,550 GRT, 1935) was torpedoed and damaged by USS Silversides ( United States Navy) in the Kii Strait, losing her bow and was beached. She was refloated on 27 May, then repaired and returned to service 15 July 1943.[245]
E. P. Theriault  United Kingdom World War II: The three masted schooner (326 GRT, 1919) was stopped in the Gulf of Mexico 55 miles west of Dry Tortuga by U-753 ( Kriegsmarine). After her crew abandoned ship a scuttling attempt by a boarding party failed. She drifted ashore on 27 May in the Bay of Cardenes, Cuba. The crew sailed to Cuba in their lifeboats. After her cargo was salvaged she was refloated on 3 June 1942 repaired, sold, and put in service as Ofelia Gancedo ( Cuba).[246]
Frank B. Baird  Canada World War II: The cargo ship (1,748 GRT, 1923) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (28°03′N 58°50′W / 28.050°N 58.833°W / 28.050; -58.833) by U-158 ( Kriegsmarine). All 23 crew were rescued by Talisman ( Norway).[247]
Plow City  United States World War II: The cargo ship (3,282 GRT, 1920) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 200 nautical miles (370 km) off Cape May, New Jersey (38°53′N 69°57′W / 38.883°N 69.950°W / 38.883; -69.950) by U-588 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 31 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS Sapphire ( United States Navy).[248]
TKA-103  Soviet Navy World War II: The torpedo boat was shelled and sunk at Leningrad by German artillery.[26]
TKA-123  Soviet Navy World War II: The torpedo boat was shelled and sunk at Leningrad by German artillery.[26]

23 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 23 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Asuncion  Germany World War II: The cargo ship (4,626 GRT, 1921) struck a mine and sank off the coast of Norway (70°17′N 21°21′E / 70.283°N 21.350°E / 70.283; 21.350).[23]
Margot  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (4,545 GRT, 1926) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (approximately 39°N 68°W / 39°N 68°W / 39; -68) by U-588 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 45 crew. Survivors were rescued by Sagoland ( Sweden).[249]
Samuel Q. Brown  United States World War II: The tanker (6,625 GRT, 1921) was torpedoed and damaged in the Caribbean Sea 100 nautical miles (190 km) south of Cape Corrientes, Cuba (20°15′N 84°37′W / 20.250°N 84.617°W / 20.250; -84.617) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 55 crew. Five injured crew were rescued by a United States Navy aircraft based at Upham, Canal Zone. the rest of the survivors were rescued on 25 May by USS Goff ( United States Navy), which scuttled the ship.[250]
V 1808 Dortmund  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Einswarden-class naval trawler/Vorpostenboot (254 GRT, 560 t, 1921) struck a mine and sank in the Broad Fourteens.[26]
Watsonville  Panama World War II: Design 1049 cargo ship (2,220 GRT, 1918) built as Callabasas 1918 was torpedoed and sunk in Saint Vincent Passage (13°12′N 61°20′W / 13.200°N 61.333°W / 13.200; -61.333) by U-155 ( Kriegsmarine). All crew survived.[251]
USS YP-277  United States Navy World War II: The yard patrol craft struck a mine, burned and sank at French Frigate Shoals.[252]
Safak  Turkey World War II: The cargo ship (330 GRT) was sunk in the Black Sea off Burgas, Bulgaria by ShCh-205 ( Soviet Navy).[253][254]
Zurichmoor  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (4,455 GRT, 1925) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 400 nautical miles (740 km) east of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (39°30′N 66°00′W / 39.500°N 66.000°W / 39.500; -66.000) by U-432 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 45 crew.[255]

24 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 24 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Anna Mazaraki Greece Greece The cargo ship (5,411 GRT, 1913) was stranded on the East Bar of Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Dominion of Canada. She was on a voyage from Swansea, Glamorgan, United Kingdom to Halifax, Nova Scotia.[256]
Bør  Norway World War II: The coaster (927 GRT, 1918) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off the coast of the Netherlands (53°18′N 1°09′E / 53.300°N 1.150°E / 53.300; 1.150). 17 crew were rescued by Kong Sigurd ( Norway).[257]
Chefak  Turkey World War II: The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Black Sea off Cape Vassilicos. (Look "Safak" 23 May 1942)[258]
Gonçalves Dias  Brazil World War II: The Design 1022 cargo ship (4,996 GRT, 1920) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 100 nautical miles (190 km) south of Ciudad Trujillo, Dominican Republic (16°09′N 70°00′W / 16.150°N 70.000°W / 16.150; -70.000) by U-502 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of her 45 crew.[259]
Hector  Netherlands World War II: The cargo ship (1,828 GRT, 1939) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 60 nautical miles (110 km) north west of Grand Cayman (19°50′N 81°53′W / 19.833°N 81.883°W / 19.833; -81.883) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 31 crew. Survivors were rescued by F. Q. Barstow ( United States).[260]
L-21  Soviet Union World War II: The Leninets-class submarine was sunk in a German air raid on Leningrad. She was subsequently raised, repaired and commissioned into the Soviet Navy.

25 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 25 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Asahi  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Asahi-class repair ship (11,441 t, 1900) was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea 100 miles (160 km) south west of Cape Paderan, French Indochina (10°00′N 110°00′E / 10.000°N 110.000°E / 10.000; 110.000) by USS Salmon ( United States Navy) with the loss of 16 of her 599 crew.[261]
Beatrice  United States World War II: The cargo ship (3,451 GRT, 1917) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea (17°21′N 76°07′W / 17.350°N 76.117°W / 17.350; -76.117) by U-558 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 31 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Hauken ( Royal Navy) or reached land in their lifeboat.[262]
Emmy Greece Greece The cargo ship (3,895 GRT, 1914) was driven ashore in Morien Bay, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Dominion of Canada and was wrecked.[263][264]
Kitakata Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship (2,380 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Japan by USS Drum ( United States Navy).[265]
Persephone  Panama World War II: The tanker (8,426 GRT, 1925) was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean off the Barnegat Lighthouse, New Jersey, United States (39°44′N 73°53′W / 39.733°N 73.883°W / 39.733; -73.883) by U-593 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of nine of her 37 crew. She broke in two and sank, however the bow section later was salvaged and her cargo recovered. The stern section was dispersed by the United States Coast Guard as it was a hazard to navigation.[266]
Shoka Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The Heito Maru-class auxiliary transport (4,467 GRT, 1935) was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 190 miles (310 km) south of Woleai by USS Tautog ( United States Navy). Two crewmen were killed. 63 survived the sinking but one died while they sailed in their lifeboats to Faraulep Island (07°20′N 143°50′E / 7.333°N 143.833°E / 7.333; 143.833), arriving on 9 June.[267][268]
Tokyo Maru  Japan World War II: The tanker (902 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the East China Sea by USS Pompano ( United States Navy).[269]

26 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 26 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Alcoa Carrier  United States World War II: The cargo ship (5,588 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 125 nautical miles (232 km) north west of Montego Bay, Jamaica (18°45′N 79°50′W / 18.750°N 79.833°W / 18.750; -79.833) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine). All 35 crew were rescued by a Cuban gunboat and a United States Navy aircraft.[270]
Carrabulle  United States World War II: The Design 1022 cargo ship converted to a tanker (5,030 GRT, 1920) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico (26°18′N 89°21′W / 26.300°N 89.350°W / 26.300; -89.350) by U-106 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 22 of her 40 crew. Survivors were rescued by Thomson Lykes ( United States).[271]
HMS Eddy  Royal Navy World War II: The naval drifter/minesweeper (195 GRT, 1918) sunk after hitting a mine off Grand Harbour, Malta.[272]
Enseigne Maurice Préchac  France The cargo ship (4,578 GRT) sprang a leak in the Atlantic Ocean. She foundered the next day (37°55′N 23°40′W / 37.917°N 23.667°W / 37.917; -23.667).[273]
Kagi Maru  Japan World War II: The transport ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean north of the Amami Islands (28°49′N 129°40′E / 28.817°N 129.667°E / 28.817; 129.667) by USS Saury ( United States Navy). (Look 26 May 1943)[274]
No. 916  Soviet Navy The KM-4-class river minesweeping (10/12 t, 1941) launch was sunk on this date.
Syros  United States World War II: Convoy PQ 16: The cargo ship (6,191 GRT, 1920) was torpedoed and sunk in the Norwegian Sea 200 nautical miles (370 km) south west of Bear Island (72°35′N 5°30′E / 72.583°N 5.500°E / 72.583; 5.500) by U-703 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 11 of her 39 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Hazard ( Royal Navy).[275]
Vardø  Norway World War II: The coaster (860 GRT, 1938) was shelled and sunk at Murmansk, Soviet Union by land-based artillery.[234]

27 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 27 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Alamar  United States World War II: Convoy PQ 16: The cargo ship (5,689 GRT, 1915) was attacked and sunk by German aircraft 100 nautical miles (190 km) east of Bear Island. No casualties.[276]
Arctic Pioneer  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler (501 GRT, 1937) was bombed and sunk in Cowes Roads, outside Portsmouth Harbor, by Junkers Ju 87 dive bomber aircraft. 17 crewmen killed, 16 survivors.[277]
Athelknight  United Kingdom World War II: The tanker (8,940 GRT, 1930) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (27°50′N 46°00′W / 27.833°N 46.000°W / 27.833; -46.000) by U-172 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of nine of her 54 crew. Survivors were rescued by Empire Austen ( United Kingdom) or reached land in their lifeboats.[278]
Empire Lawrence  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy PQ 16: The CAM ship (7,457 GRT, 1941) was bombed and sunk in the Barents Sea east of Bear Island, Norway by Luftwaffe aircraft.[279]
Empire Purcell  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy PQ 16: The cargo ship (7,049 GRT, 1942) was bombed and sunk in the Barents Sea (74°00′N 26°08′E / 74.000°N 26.133°E / 74.000; 26.133) by Luftwaffe aircraft. Eight crew were killed.[280][281]
HMS Fitzroy  Royal Navy World War II: The Hunt-class minesweeper (710/930 t, 1919) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Great Yarmouth, Norfolk with the loss of 13 crew.[23][282]
Hamlet  Norway World War II: The tanker (6,578 GRT, 1934) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (28°25′N 91°00′W / 28.417°N 91.000°W / 28.417; -91.000) by U-753 ( Kriegsmarine). All 36 crew survived.[283]
USAT Jack  United States Army World War II: The Design 1093 cargo ship (2,622 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 100 nautical miles (190 km) south west of Port Salut, Haiti (17°36′N 74°42′W / 17.600°N 74.700°W / 17.600; -74.700) by U-558 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 37 of her 60 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS Grunion ( United States Navy).[284]
K #12  United States The 37-gross register ton, 53.6-foot (16.3 m) scow sank 8 nautical miles (15 km; 9.2 mi) west of Cape Saint Elias, Territory of Alaska.[285]
Lowther Castle  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy PQ 16: The cargo ship (5,171 GRT, 1937) was torpedoed and sunk 60 nautical miles (110 km) east south east of Bear Island, Norway by Heinkel He 111 or Junkers Ju 88 aircraft of the Luftwaffe with the loss of one of her 54 crew.[286][287]
Mormacsul  United States World War II: Convoy PQ 16: The cargo ship (5,481 GRT, 1920) was sunk by German aircraft on a voyage from Philadelphia to northern Russia. She sank off North Cape.[288]
Polyphemus  Netherlands World War II: The cargo ship (6,269 GRT, 1930) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 340 nautical miles (630 km) north east of Bermuda (38°12′N 63°22′W / 38.200°N 63.367°W / 38.200; -63.367) by U-578 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 15 of the 75 people on board, but none of the survivors from Norland ( Norway) that were on board. Survivors were rescued by Maria Amelia ( Portugal) or reached land in their lifeboats.[228][289]

28 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 28 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Alcoa Pilgrim  United States World War II: The Type C1 cargo ship (6,759 GRT, 1941) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 150 nautical miles (280 km) south of the Mona Passage (16°28′N 67°37′W / 16.467°N 67.617°W / 16.467; -67.617) by U-502 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 31 of her 40 crew. Survivors were rescued by Thomas Nelson ( United Kingdom).[290]
Charlbury  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (4,836 GRT, 1940) was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the South Atlantic north east of Recife, Brazil (6°22′S 29°44′W / 6.367°S 29.733°W / -6.367; -29.733) by Barbarigo ( Regia Marina).[26][291]
City of Joliet  United States World War II: Convoy PQ 16: The freighter (6,167 GRT, 1920) was sunk by German torpedo bomber aircraft. All hands aboard (36 crew and 9 Armed Guards) were rescued.[292]
Ganges Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo liner (4,382 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea by USS Salmon ( United States Navy).[293]
Mentor  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (7,383 GRT, 1914) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico (at 24°11′N 87°02′W / 24.183°N 87.033°W / 24.183; -87.033) by U-106 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of four of her 86 crew. Survivors were rescued by Antilochus ( United Kingdom).[294]
New Jersey  United States World War II: The cargo ship (6,414 GRT, 1921) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 90 nautical miles (170 km) south west of Grand Cayman (18°32′N 82°28′W / 18.533°N 82.467°W / 18.533; -82.467) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine). All 42 crew were rescued by USS Biddle and USS Tattnall (both  United States Navy).[295]
Poseidon  Netherlands World War II: The cargo ship (1,928 GRT, 1921) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (14°35′N 58°19′W / 14.583°N 58.317°W / 14.583; -58.317) by U-155 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 32 crew.[296]
Sperrbrecher 174 Tindefjell  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Sperrbrecher (1,337 GRT, 1936) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea west of Dunquerque, Nord, France.[297]
Sylvan Arrow  Panama World War II: Convoy OT 1: The tanker (7,797 GRT, 1918) sank while under tow in the Caribbean Sea at 12°50′N 67°32′W / 12.833°N 67.533°W / 12.833; -67.533 due to torpedo damage inflicted by the submarine U-155 ( Kriegsmarine) on 20 May 1942.[230][231][232][233]
Yorkmoor  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (4,457 GRT, 1925) was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (29°54′30″N 72°25′30″W / 29.90833°N 72.42500°W / 29.90833; -72.42500) by U-506 ( Kriegsmarine). All 45 crew were rescued by Laguna ( United Kingdom and a United States Coast Guard cutter.[298][299]

29 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 29 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Allister  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (1,597 GRT, 1903) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 54 nautical miles (100 km) south of Grand Cayman (18°23′N 81°13′W / 18.383°N 81.217°W / 18.383; -81.217) by U-504 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 15 of her 23 crew.[300]
Capo Arma  Italy World War II: The cargo ship (3,172 GRT, 1905) was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 33°07′N 19°28′E / 33.117°N 19.467°E / 33.117; 19.467) by HMS Turbulent ( Royal Navy).[26][301]
Emanuele Pessagno  Regia Marina World War II: The Navigatori-class destroyer (2,125/2,888 t, 1930) was torpedoed and sunk by in the Mediterranean Sea north north west of Benghazi, Libya by HMS Turbulent ( Royal Navy).[26][302]
Hudavendigar  Turkey World War II: The sailing ship (90 GRT) was sunk by ramming in the Black Sea east south east of Cape Igneada, Turkey (41°50′N 28°14′E / 41.833°N 28.233°E / 41.833; 28.233) by ShCh-214 ( Soviet Navy).[303]
Niels R. Finsen  Denmark World War II: The cargo ship (1,850 GRT, 1904) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Ameland, Friesland, Netherlands.[26]
Norman Prince  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (1,913 GRT, 1940) was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 60 nautical miles (110 km) west of Saint Lucia (14°40′N 62°15′W / 14.667°N 62.250°W / 14.667; -62.250) by U-156 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 16 of her 49 crew. Survivors were rescued by Angoulême ( France) and USCGC Unalga ( United States Coast Guard).[304] Norman Prince was on a voyage from Liverpool, Lancashire to Saint Lucia.[305]
Penelope  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Thrasher ( Royal Navy). (Look 19 May 1942)[26]
Sperrbrecher 150 Viriato  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Sperrbrecher (750 GRT, 1940) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Dunkerque, Nord, France.[26]
Stanvac Calcutta  Panama World War II: The tanker was shelled, torpedoed and sunk by Stier ( Kriegsmarine), in the South Atlantic Ocean 500 miles (800 km) off Brazil. 3 gunners and 14 crewmen killed. One crewman later died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. (Look 06/06/1942)[306]
Sulina  Romania World War II: The cargo ship (3,495 GRT, 1939) was torpedoed and sunk by A-3 ( Soviet Navy) off Odessa (46°31′N 30°52′E / 46.517°N 30.867°E / 46.517; 30.867).[307]
Tatsufuku Maru  Japan World War II: The cargo ship (1,946 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk at the south west entrance to the Balabac Strait (7°33′N 116°18′E / 7.550°N 116.300°E / 7.550; 116.300) by USS Seal and USS Swordfish (both  United States Navy).[26][308]
U-568  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIC submarine (757/857 t, 1941) was depth charged and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea north east of Tobruk, Libya by HMS Eridge, HMS Hero and HMS Hurworth (all  Royal Navy). All 47 crew survived.[309]
V1103 Nordkap  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Vorpostenboot (286 GRT, 1927) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Ameland.[26]
Western Head  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship (2,599 GRT, 1919) was torpedoed and sunk in the Windward Passage 50 nautical miles (93 km) east of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (19°57′N 74°18′W / 19.950°N 74.300°W / 19.950; -74.300) by U-107 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 24 of her 30 crew. Survivors were rescued by a United States Navy vessel.[310]

30 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 30 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Alcoa Shipper  United States World War II: The cargo ship (5,491 GRT, 1920) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 500 nautical miles (930 km) east of Cape Charles, Virginia (37°49′N 65°15′W / 37.817°N 65.250°W / 37.817; -65.250) by U-404 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of seven of her 32 crew. Survivors were rescued by Margarethe Bakke ( Norway).[311]
Atuta Maru  Imperial Japanese Army World War II: Convoy No. 129: The Kamo Maru-class auxiliary transport (7,983 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (26°08′N 128°48′E / 26.133°N 128.800°E / 26.133; 128.800) by USS Pompano ( United States Navy) and burned for three days before sinking on 3 June 50 miles (80 km) east of Chenenzaki, Okinawa. Thirty-seven passengers and 39 crewmen were killed.[269][312][313]
Baghdad  Norway World War II: The cargo ship (2,161 GRT, 1936) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (14°15′N 54°30′W / 14.250°N 54.500°W / 14.250; -54.500) by U-155 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of nine of her 30 crew.[314]
British Loyalty  United Kingdom World War II: The tanker (6,993 GRT, 1928) was torpedoed and sunk at Diego Suarez, Madagascar by the midget submarine M-20b ( Imperial Japanese Navy) with the loss of six crew. She was salvaged in December 1942, repaired and used as a hulk at Addu Atoll, Maldives from March 1943 until the end of the war.[315]
Edmond René  France The trawler (288 GRT, 1907) was lost off Boulogne-sur-Mer, Pas-de-Calais.[26]
Empire Guidon  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk south of the Mozambique Channel (30°10′S 33°50′E / 30.167°S 33.833°E / -30.167; 33.833) by U-504 ( Kriegsmarine).[316]
George Clymer  United States World War II: The Liberty ship (7,176 GRT, 1942) disabled with engine trouble 600 miles (970 km) southwest of Ascension Island. On 6 June the vessel was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean by a motor torpedo boat launched from Michel ( Kriegsmarine). She was later scuttled at 14°32′S 20°31′W / 14.533°S 20.517°W / -14.533; -20.517 by HMS Alcantara ( Royal Navy) on 7 June.[224]
Orkan  Germany World War II: The cargo ship (1,354 GRT, 1894) struck a mine and sank in the Baltic Sea off Greifswald.[26]
St. Angelo  Royal Navy World War II: The Admiralty tugboat (71 GRT, 1935) was sunk after hitting a mine off Grand Harbour, Malta.[317]
Sperrbrecher 166 Schirmeck  Kriegsmarine The Sperrbrecher (1,592 GRT, 1905) was sunk in a collision with Obra ( Kriegsmarine).
Unknown junk  Republic of China World War II: The unknown junk was sunk by machine gun and rifle fire by the auxiliary gunboat Unkai Maru No. 10 ( Imperial Japanese Navy) off Puqi, Yuet Ching Bay.[318]
Värmdö  Sweden World War II: The ore carrier (2,956 GRT, 1901) was bombed and sunk in the North Sea off Den Helder, North Holland, Netherlands by aircraft of Coastal Command, Royal Air Force with the loss of seven lives.[26][319]
SS Värmdö in 1941 in her neutrality markings in Malmö harbor

31 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 31 May 1942
Ship Country Description
Bravo  Italy World War II: The cargo ship (1,571 GRT, 1921) was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Proteus ( Royal Navy).[26]
RFA Dinsdale  Royal Fleet Auxiliary World War II: The landing ship, gantry/tanker (8,214 GRT, 1942) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north east of Pernambuco, Brazil (0°45′S 29°50′W / 0.750°S 29.833°W / -0.750; -29.833) by Comandante Cappellini ( Regia Marina) whilst on her maiden voyage. Five crew were killed. There were 52 survivors.[214][320]
Fred W. Green  United Kingdom World War II: The Design 1042 ship (2,292 GRT, 1918) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 200 nautical miles (370 km) north east of Bermuda (30°20′N 62°00′W / 30.333°N 62.000°W / 30.333; -62.000) by U-506 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of five of her 46 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS Ludlow ( United States Navy).[321][322]
Gino Allegri  Italy World War II: The cargo ship (6,836 GRT, 1941) was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea (33°34′N 18°30′E / 33.567°N 18.500°E / 33.567; 18.500) by HMS Taku ( Royal Navy). She was then torpoedoed and sunk (32°27′N 18°54′E / 32.450°N 18.900°E / 32.450; 18.900) by HMS Proteus ( Royal Navy.[26][323]
USAT Jack  United States Army World War II: The transport ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean Sea 100 nautical miles (190 km) south west of Port Salut, Haiti (17°36′N 74°42′W / 17.600°N 74.700°W / 17.600; -74.700) by U-558 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 37 of the 60 people on board. 14 of the survivors were rescued by USS Grunion ( United States Navy). (Look 27 May 1942)[284][324]
Kuttabul  Australia World War II: The barge was torpedoed and sunk in the Bay of Sydney by a Japanese midget submarine. (Look 01/06/1942)[26]
Liverpool Packet  Canada World War II: The cargo ship (1,188 GRT, 1926) was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 15 nautical miles (28 km) west of Seal Island, Nova Scotia (43°20′N 66°20′W / 43.333°N 66.333°W / 43.333; -66.333) by U-432 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 21 crew.[325]
M-16b  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: Attack on Diego Suarez: The Type A Ko-hyoteki-class submarine disappeared after leaving her mother submarine.[326]
M-20b  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: Attack on Diego Suarez: The Type A Ko-hyoteki-class submarine was beached at Nosy Antalikely (Antali Keli) islet. The crew attempted to scuttle their craft, but the charge failed to explode. On 2 June both crewmen are killed by Royal Marines' Commando No. 5 48 miles from the grounding location, 1 Marine was killed.[327]
M-27b  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: Attack on Sydney Harbour: The Type A Ko-hyoteki-class submarine was scuttled by her two-man crew, killing them both, after fouling a steel anti-submarine net trying to enter the harbour.[328]
Mahbubdihan  Turkey World War II: The sailing ship (85 GRT) was shelled and sunk in the Black Sea east south east of Cape Igneada, Turkey (41°55′N 28°15′E / 41.917°N 28.250°E / 41.917; 28.250) by ShCh-214 ( Soviet Navy).[303]
Shunsei Maru No. 5  Imperial Japanese Navy World War II: The guard ship (92 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean by USS Pollack ( United States Navy).[26]

Unknown date[edit]

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1942
Ship Country Description
MTSM 204, MTSM 206, MTSM 208, MTSM 210,
MTSM 216
 Regia Marina The MTSM-class midget motor torpedo boats (3/4 t, 1942) were lost some time in May.
Tai Shan  Norway The cargo ship (6,962 GRT, 1929) sank at Liverpool, England some time after 15 May, when she had arrived with Convoy HX 188. Subsequently repaired and returned to service.[329]

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