World War II: The net layer was bombed and sunk by American aircraft at Bairoko, Solomon Islands.[3]
Brazil
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South Atlantic 6 nautical miles (11 km) off Iguape by U-513 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of seven of her 37 crew.[4]
2 July[]
List of shipwrecks: 2 July 1943
Ship
Country
Description
Japan
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off the Kuril Islands by USS S-35 (United States Navy).[3][5]
United States
World War II: The T2 tanker was on her maiden voyage. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (31°33′N78°57′W / 31.550°N 78.950°W / 31.550; -78.950) by U-66 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of her 77 crew. Survivors were rescued by (United States Navy).[6]
Japan
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk off Formosa by USS Flying Fish (United States Navy) with the loss of 59 lives.[3][7]
United Kingdom
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (6°20′N16°30′W / 6.333°N 16.500°W / 6.333; -16.500) by U-618 (Kriegsmarine). The same submarine torpedoed her again the next day and sunk her with the loss of six of her 87 crew. Survivors were rescued by (United Kingdom) and HMS Wolverine (Royal Navy) or reached land in their lifeboat.[1][8]
Hoihow
United Kingdom
World War II: The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean 103 nautical miles (191 km) north west of Mauritius (19°30′S55°30′E / 19.500°S 55.500°E / -19.500; 55.500) by U-181 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 145 of the 149 people aboard. Survivors were rescued by (United States).[9]
The Elco 80' PT boat ran aground and was abandoned off Munda Point, New Georgia, Solomon Islands.[12]
United States Navy
The Elco 80' PT boat ran aground and was abandoned off Munda Point.[13]
Imperial Japanese Army
World War II: The troop transport was torpedoed and sunk in the Celebes Sea (01°30′N119°30′E / 1.500°N 119.500°E / 1.500; 119.500) north east of Cape Talok, Borneo by USS Thresher (United States Navy). Eleven gunners and an unknown number of crewmen were killed.[14]
The Liberty ship ran aground on the east coast of Kamchatka and broke in two on her delivery voyage to the Soviet Union. Both halves were refloated and later scrapped.[18]
World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north west of Cape Ortegal, Spain (44°11′N8°45′W / 44.183°N 8.750°W / 44.183; -8.750) by a Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of 224 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of all 49 crew.[21]
4 July[]
List of shipwrecks: 4 July 1943
Ship
Country
Description
Norway
World War II: : The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean off Portuguese East Africa (21°50′S37°50′E / 21.833°S 37.833°E / -21.833; 37.833) by U-178 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of her 36 crew.[22]
Changri Lá
Brazil
World War II: The sailing ship was shelled and sunk in the South Atlantic off Arraial do Cabo by U-199 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all ten crew.[23]
World War II: : The troopship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) north of Cape Ténès, Algeria (36°44′N1°25′E / 36.733°N 1.417°E / 36.733; 1.417) by U-409 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 22 of the 482 people aboard. Survivors were rescued by HMS Honeysuckle, , HMS Rhododendron and HMS Teviot (all Royal Navy). The landing craft , which was aboard City of Venice, was lost as well.[24][25]
Japan
World War II: Convoy No. 172: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 20 nautical miles (37 km) north west of Naha, Okinawa (28°29′N124°15′E / 28.483°N 124.250°E / 28.483; 124.250) by USS Snook (United States Navy). 1 crewman killed.[26]
Imperial Japanese Army
World War II: Convoy No. 172: The Daifuku Maru No. 1-class transport was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 20 nautical miles (37 km) north west of Naha, Okinawa (28°29′N124°15′E / 28.483°N 124.250°E / 28.483; 124.250) by USS Snook (United States Navy). Three crewmen were killed.[26]
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean by USS Jack (United States Navy).[28]
Brazil
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Brazil by U-590 (Kriegsmarine). There were 5 dead and 37 survivors.[3][29]
Italy
World War II: The cargo liner was torpedoed in the Mediterranean sea south of , Italy by HNLMS Dolfijn (Royal Netherlands Navy). Sabbia was escorted by the German auxiliary submarine chaser UJ 2207 which also towed the damaged ship into Civitavecchia where she was beached, partly blocking the entrance.[3][30][31]
Sisman
Turkey
World War II: The motorboat was torpedoed and sunk in the Aegean Sea by HMS Trident (Royal Navy).[3]
World War II: The three-masted armed patrol schooner was sunk west of Civitavecchia by gunfire from HNLMS Dolfijn (Royal Netherlands Navy). The whole crew escaped in a lifeboat and reached the coast at Torre Chiaruccia the following morning.[33][31]
5 July[]
List of shipwrecks: 5 July 1943
Ship
Country
Description
United Kingdom
World War II: : The assault command ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea north east of , Algeria (37°01′N4°10′E / 37.017°N 4.167°E / 37.017; 4.167) by U-593 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 52 of the 343 people aboard. Survivors were rescued by HMS Cleveland (Royal Navy). The landing craft , which was aboard Devis, was lost as well.[34][35]
World War II: The M-class submarine was depth charged and damaged by , , , and (all Kriegsmarine). She was rammed and sunk by UJ 1217 after surfacing. All 23 crew were lost.[36][37]
World War II: The Fletcher-classdestroyer was torpedoed in Kula Gulf off New Georgia, Solomon Islands (8°05′S157°15′E / 8.083°S 157.250°E / -8.083; 157.250) by Niizuki (Imperial Japanese Navy), then shelled by shore batteries and sank with the loss of 46 of her 329 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS Chevalier (United States Navy).
World War II: The Type IXC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north east of Cape Finisterre, Spain (43°38′N9°13′W / 43.633°N 9.217°W / 43.633; -9.217) by Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of 53 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of all 55 crew.
6 July[]
For the loss of USS LST-333 on this day, see List of shipwrecks in June 1943 § 22 June.
The tug was in collision with (Norway) at Halifax, Nova Scotia and sank with the loss of nineteen lives. She was later refloated, but declared a constructive total loss and was scuttled on 24 August.
Regia Marina
World War II: The guard ship struck a mine and sank in the Aegean Sea off Saloniki, Greece.[3]
USS Helena
United States Navy
World War II: Battle of Kula Gulf: The St. Louis-classcruiser was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Kolombangara, Solomon Islands (7°46′00″S157°11′00″E / 7.76667°S 157.18333°E / -7.76667; 157.18333) by Suzukaze and Tanikaze (both Imperial Japanese Navy) with the loss of 168 of her 888 crew.[3]
World War II: Battle of Kula Gulf: The Mutsuki-classdestroyer was shelled and damaged in the Pacific Ocean off Kolombangara by United States Navy ships. She was beached near Bambari Harbour (7°57′S157°12′E / 7.950°S 157.200°E / -7.950; 157.200) but was bombed and sunk the next day by American aircraft. There were 8 killed and 13 injured.[42]
Niizuki
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: Battle of Kula Gulf: The Akizuki-classdestroyer was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Kolombangara (7°57′S157°12′E / 7.950°S 157.200°E / -7.950; 157.200) by United States Navy ships. Most of her 300-man crew perished with their ship, only a few later being taken prisoner by the Americans.[43]
Soviet Union
World War II: The auxiliary schooner (possibly spelled Riza) was sunk near Arkhipo-Osipouka by , , , and (all Kriegsmarine).[44][45]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The Type 1939 E-boat was bombed and sunk at , Italy.[3][46]
World War II: The TM 22-class motor torpedo boat was sunk at Curacao by an explosion.[48]
Italy
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Saracen (Royal Navy). There were 34 missing and 19 survivors.[3][33]
7 July[]
List of shipwrecks: 7 July 1943
Ship
Country
Description
Japan
World War II: The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Sea of Japan by USS Permit (United States Navy).[49]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The Type A Marinefahrprahm was bombed in Yalta port by Soviet Douglas A-20 Havoc aircraft and was damaged beyond repair and beached, later towed to Varna and scrapped. There were no casualties.[50][51][52]
United States
World War II: : The Liberty ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Brazil (4°05′S35°38′W / 4.083°S 35.633°W / -4.083; -35.633) by U-185 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 69 crew. Survivors were rescued by (Brazilian Navy) and (United States Navy) or reached land in their lifeboat.[53][54]
United Kingdom
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean 40 nautical miles (74 km) east of , Portuguese East Africa (25°06′S35°33′E / 25.100°S 35.550°E / -25.100; 35.550) by U-198 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 66 crew. Her captain was taken aboard U-198 as a prisoner of war. The rest of the survivors reached land in their lifeboats.[55]
Regia Marina
World War II: The MAS 526-class MAS boat was sunk off Leros in a collision with (Italy).[56]
World War II: : The Liberty ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean off Fortaleza, Brazil (3°51′S36°22′W / 3.850°S 36.367°W / -3.850; -36.367) by U-185 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 70 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS Surprise (United States Navy), which scuttled the ship.[58][59]
World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north west of Cape St. Vincent, Portugal (37°40′N15°30′W / 37.667°N 15.500°W / 37.667; -15.500) by a Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of the United States Navy with the loss of all 46 crew.[60]
World War II: : The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 175 nautical miles (324 km) off Fortaleza, Brazil, by U-185 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of four of her 57 crew. Survivors were rescued by (Brazilian Navy) and USS Surprise (United States Navy).[62]
8 July[]
List of shipwrecks: 8 July 1943
Ship
Country
Description
Norway
World War II: : The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (5°50′N50°20′W / 5.833°N 50.333°W / 5.833; -50.333) by U-510 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 23 of her 47 crew. Survivors were rescued by (United States Navy).[63]
World War II: The Type IXC submarine was depth charged and sunk by a Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of 224 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of all 54 crew.
Italy
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Ultor (Royal Navy) with the loss of 13 lives.[3][33]
9 July[]
List of shipwrecks: 9 July 1943
Ship
Country
Description
United Kingdom
World War II: : The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the 60 nautical miles (110 km) south west of Lagos, Nigeria (5°50′N2°22′E / 5.833°N 2.367°E / 5.833; 2.367) by U-508 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of ten of the 249 people aboard. Survivors were rescued by (Free French Naval Forces).[71]
United Kingdom
World War II: : The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Benin 60 nautical miles (110 km) south west of Lagos (5°50′N2°22′E / 5.833°N 2.367°E / 5.833; 2.367) by U-508 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 28 of her 104 crew. Survivors were rescued by (Free French Naval Forces).[72]
Soviet Union
World War II: The seiner was torpedoed and sunk in the Sea of Japan by USS Permit (United States Navy).[73]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The PiLB 39 Type personnel landing craft was bombed and sunk at Vibo Valentia, Italy.[74][75]
Samuel Heintzelman
United States
World War II: The Liberty ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean (approximately 9°S81°E / 9°S 81°E / -9; 81) by U-511 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 75 people aboard.[76]
Sejner No. 20
Soviet Union
World War II: The research vessel was sunk in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Japan by USS Permit (United States Navy), which rescued the survivors.[3]
World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean of the mouth of the Amazon River (3°22′N48°38′W / 3.367°N 48.633°W / 3.367; -48.633) by a Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft of the United States Navy with the loss of all 45 crew.[78]
World War II: The Liberty ship was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Indian Ocean (26°30′S44°20′E / 26.500°S 44.333°E / -26.500; 44.333) by U-177 (Kriegsmarine). All 68 crew were rescued by a Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft of the Royal Air Force or reached land in their lifeboats.[79]
Japan
World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Japan by USS Pompano (United States Navy.[3]
World War II: Battle of Gela: The Gleaves-classdestroyer was bombed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 16 nautical miles (30 km) off Gela Sicily, Italy by an Italian Royal Air ForceJunkers Ju 87 Stuka dive bomber.
Regia Marina
World War II: The M-1915-class minesweeper was bombed at Augusta, Sicily by British aircraft. She was subsequently scuttled.[86][87]
Sweden
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 200 nautical miles (370 km) north of Cayenne, French Guiana (8°21′N48°30′W / 8.350°N 48.500°W / 8.350; -48.500 by U-510 (Kriegsmarine). All 25 crew survived.[88]
World War II: Battle of Gela: The Auk-class minesweeper was bombed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Licata, Sicily. Survivors were rescued by , and (all United States Navy)
Talamba
India
( Red Cross): World War II: Battle of Gela: The hospital ship was bombed and sunk by a Regia Aeronautica Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive bomber with the loss of five crew.
11 July[]
List of shipwrecks: 11 July 1943
Ship
Country
Description
Netherlands
World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and set on fire off Avola, Sicily, Italy by German aircraft. She was scuttled by Allied ships.[89]
HMS California
Royal Navy
World War II: Convoy Faith: The troopship was bombed and set afire in the Atlantic Ocean west of Vigo, Spain by Focke-Wulf Fw 200 aircraft of Kampfgeschwader 40, Luftwaffe and was abandoned with the loss of 46 lives. Survivors were rescued by HMS Douglas, (both Royal Navy) and HMCS Iroquois (Royal Canadian Navy). She was scuttled the next day.
Duchess of York
United Kingdom
World War II: Convoy Faith: The troopship was bombed and set afire in the Atlantic Ocean west of Vigo by Focke-Wulf Fw 200 aircraft of Kampfgeschwader 40. Survivors were rescued by HMS Douglas, (both Royal Navy) and HMCS Iroquois (Royal Canadian Navy) with the loss of 27 lives. She was scuttled the next day.
World War II: The escort vessel was torpedoed and damaged by Allied aircraft in the Mediterranean Sea and was beached. She was refloated on 23 July and taken to La Ciotat, Bouches-du-Rhône France.[3]
World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the Indian Ocean off Haiphong, French Indochina by Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of the American Fourteenth Air Force.[3]
Regia Marina
World War II: The MS 51-class MS boat was sunk at Milazzo by Allied aircraft.[96]
Japan
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Japan by USS Plunger (United States Navy).[3]
World War II: Battle of Kula Gulf: The Ro-100-classsubmarine was sunk off Kolombangara, Solomon Islands by USS Taylor (United States Navy). Lost with all 42 hands.[3][99]
Japan
World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the Indian Ocean off Haiphon by Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of the American Fourteenth Air Force.[3]
World War II: The Type IXC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Vigo, Galicia, Spain (42°30′N16°30′W / 42.500°N 16.500°W / 42.500; -16.500) by a Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of the United States Army Air Forces with the loss of 48 of her 54 crew.
U-561
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was torpedoed and sunk in the Straits of Messina by (Royal Navy) with the loss of 42 of her 47 crew.[101]
World War II: Battle of Kolombangara: The Gleaves-classdestroyer was scuttled in the Pacific Ocean off the Solomon Islands (7°41′S157°27′E / 7.683°S 157.450°E / -7.683; 157.450) by USS Ralph Talbot (United States Navy) after battle damage.
World War II: Battle of Kolombangara: The Sendai-classcruiser was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off the Solomon Islands (7°38′S157°06′E / 7.633°S 157.100°E / -7.633; 157.100) by Allied cruisers and destroyers.
World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Messina, Sicily, Italy by Allied aircraft.[105]
Timothy Pickering
United States
World War II: The Liberty ship was bombed and set on fire in the Mediterranean Sea off Avola, Sicily (37°00′N15°21′E / 37.000°N 15.350°E / 37.000; 15.350) by Luftwaffe aircraft. A total of 127 of the 128 British troops, 16 of the 23 gunners, and 22 of the 43 crewmen on board were killed. She was then scuttled by a Royal Navy destroyer.[58]
World War II: The Type XIV submarine was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (27°15′N34°18′W / 27.250°N 34.300°W / 27.250; -34.300) by Grumman TBF Avenger and Grumman F4F Wildcat aircraft based on USS Core (United States Navy) with the loss of 31 of her 68 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS Barker (United States Navy).
World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north west of Cape Ortegal, Spain (45°02′N9°14′W / 45.033°N 9.233°W / 45.033; -9.233) by a Short Sunderland aircraft of 228 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of 45 of her 52 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Wren (Royal Navy).
Regia Marina
World War II: The armed patrol schooner was sunk west of Ostia by gunfire from HNLMS Dolfijn (Royal Netherlands Navy). One of the crew was killed, two were missing and three were wounded.[33][31]
World War II: The motor gun boat was sunk in the Strait of Messina by coastal battery fire and return fore from Nichelio (Regia Marina). The whole crew survived and were rescued by MGB 643 and MGB 646 (both Royal Navy).[3][107]
I-179
Imperial Japanese Navy
The Kaidai VII (I-176-class)submarine sank in the Inland Sea of Japan off the Akizaki Lighthouse in a diving drill when a hatch was left open. Seventy-nine crew were killed. Raised and scrapped between April 1956 and March 1957.[108]
World War II: The Liberty ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean off Portuguese East Africa (15°25′S41°13′E / 15.417°S 41.217°E / -15.417; 41.217) by U-178 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of five of her 71 crew. Survivors were rescued by and (both United Kingdom) or reached land in their lifeboat.[93][110]
Germany
World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk off Cape Corso, Corsica, France by British aircraft.[111]
World War II: The Type IXC submarine was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean by Grumman TBM Avenger and Grumman F4F Wildcat aircraft based on USS Santee (United States Navy) with the loss of all 57 crew.[112][113]
World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Messina, Sicily by Allied aircraft.[3]
15 July[]
List of shipwrecks: 15 July 1943
Ship
Country
Description
Italy
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk by aircraft off Barcelona, Spain,[115] or was bombed and sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea off Civitavecchia by Allied aircraft.[3]
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South Atlantic 600 nautical miles (1,100 km) east of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (23°00′S33°00′W / 23.000°S 33.000°W / -23.000; -33.000) by U-172 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 47 crew. Survivors were rescued by (Portugal).[118]
World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Caribbean Sea (15°58′N73°44′W / 15.967°N 73.733°W / 15.967; -73.733) by a Martin PBM Mariner aircraft of the United States Navy with the loss of all 47 crew.
16 July[]
List of shipwrecks: 16 July 1943
Ship
Country
Description
Norway
World War II: The cargo ship was destroyed by the explosion of her cargo of land mines at Algiers, Algeria with the loss of nine of her 30 crew. (United Kingdom) was set on fire. Around 1,000 people were killed in the port.[123]
World War II: The Dido-classcruiser was torpedoed and severely damaged in the Mediterranean Sea by Dandolo (Regia Marina). Repairs took until November 1944 to complete.
United Kingdom
The Fort ship caught fire at Algiers following the explosion of (Norway). She was taken under tow by the tug (Netherlands) and was beached. She was declared a total loss.[123][124]
World War II: The Liberty ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South Atlantic 150 nautical miles (280 km) off , Brazil (28°10′S46°30′W / 28.167°S 46.500°W / -28.167; -46.500) by U-513 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of nine of her 69 crew. Survivors were rescued by (United States Navy), (Argentina) or reached land in their lifeboats.[126]
The cargo ship was sunk in a collision with (Japan) off Hojo. Survivors rescued by Seizan Maru.[129]
United States
World War II: The cargo ship was shelled, torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 500 miles west of Pointe Noire, West Africa by Michel (Kriegsmarine). Two gunners and four crewmen killed. Her master, two gunners, and eight crewmen were rescued by (Norway). Michel rescued two gunners and 26 crewmen, taking them as prisoners of war. One wounded gunner died on board. Survivors were turned over to the Japanese. Three crewmen died in Japanese prison camps and one when (Japan) was sunk.[130]
17 July[]
List of shipwrecks: 17 July 1943
Ship
Country
Description
United Kingdom
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean north east of Beira, Portuguese East Africa (13°52′S41°10′E / 13.867°S 41.167°E / -13.867; 41.167) by U-178 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eight of her 103 crew. One survivor was taken aboard U-178 as a prisoner of war, the rest were rescued by (Portugal) and Suffren (Free French Naval Forces).[131]
Hatsuyuki
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: The Fubuki-classdestroyer was bombed by US aircraft at Kahili, Shortland Islands (06°50′S155°47′E / 6.833°S 155.783°E / -6.833; 155.783) detonating the aft magazine and sinking her in shallow water. A total of 82 crewmen and 38 soldiers were killed.[132]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The M-classminesweeper was torpedoed and sunk by (Soviet Navy) in Tanafjord, Norway. 32 of her 76 crew were killed.[133][134]
Royal Navy
World War II: The Elco 77' PT boat was shelled and sunk with the loss of all 11 hands by Scipione Africano (Regia Marina) off Reggio, Italy.[135][136][137]
Norway
World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank off , Norway, with the loss of four of the 12 people aboard.[138]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The submarine chaser was sunk off Sognesjøen, Norway by Bristol Beaufighter aircraft of 235 Squadron, Royal Air Force and 404 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force.[3]
18 July[]
List of shipwrecks: 18 July 1943
Ship
Country
Description
Regia Marina
World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper was shelled and sunk east of the island of Gorgona, Italy by HMS Sickle (Royal Navy). The whole crew was rescued.[139][140]
Dunarea 1
Romania
World War II: The lighter was sunk in the Kerch Strait by M-111 (Soviet Navy).[3]
United Kingdom
World War II: The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 200 nautical miles (370 km) south of Lagos, Nigeria (3°09′N4°15′E / 3.150°N 4.250°E / 3.150; 4.250) by U-508 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of the 223 people aboard. Survivors were rescued by and HMS Bridgewater (both Royal Navy).[141]
World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper was shelled and sunk east of the island of Gorgona, Italy by HMS Sickle (Royal Navy). The whole crew was rescued.[139][140]
United States Navy
World War II: The self-propelled covered lighter sank in the Caribbean Sea.[144]
World War II: The Type IXC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the South Atlantic south east of , Brazil (27°17′S47°32′W / 27.283°S 47.533°W / -27.283; -47.533) by Martin PBM Mariner aircraft of the United States Navy with the loss of 46 of her 53 crew.
Sweden
World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Terschelling, Friesland, Netherlands.[3]
20 July[]
List of shipwrecks: 20 July 1943
Ship
Country
Description
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The Type A Marinefahrprahm was sunk on this date.[50]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The Type C Marinefahrprahm was sunk on this date.[50]
United Kingdom
World War II: The tanker was bombed, caught fire, exploded and sank at Augusta, Sicily, Italy during a raid by enemy aircraft.[149]
Kiyonami
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: The Yūgumo-classdestroyer was bombed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean north north west of Kolombangara, Solomon Islands (7°13′S156°45′E / 7.217°S 156.750°E / -7.217; 156.750) by North American B-25 Mitchell aircraft of the United States Army Air Force. Lost with all hands, including survivors of Yūgure (Imperial Japanese Navy).[150]
United States Navy
World War II: The Elco 80' PT boat was sunk by North American B-25 Mitchell aircraft of the United States Army Air Force in the Ferguson Passage, off Vonavona Island, south of Kolombangara (08°15′S156°53′E / 8.250°S 156.883°E / -8.250; 156.883).[151]
Regia Marina
World War II: The armed yacht was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Safari (Royal Navy).[3]
U-558
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Bay of Biscay (45°10′N9°42′W / 45.167°N 9.700°W / 45.167; -9.700) by two Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of the 19th Bombardment Squadron, United States Army Air Forces and a Handley Page Halifax aircraft of 58 Squadron, Royal Air Force with the loss of 45 of her 50 crew. The survivors were rescued by HMCS Athabaskan (Royal Canadian Navy).
Kriegsmarine
The submarine chaser struck a sunken wreck and foundered off Lorient, Morbihan, France.[3]
World War II: The Hatsuharu-classdestroyer was bombed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean north north west of Kolombangara (7°25′S156°45′E / 7.417°S 156.750°E / -7.417; 156.750) by Grumman TBM Avenger aircraft of the United States Marine Corps. Survivors were rescued by Kiyonami (Imperial Japanese Navy).[156]
World War II: Allied invasion of Sicily: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Augusta, Sicily by Luftwaffe aircraft. Two of her crew, four gunners and three passengers were killed.[1]
Soviet Navy
World War II: The MO-4-classpatrol vessel was bombed and sunk by Focke-Wulf Fw 190 aircraft of 14.(Jabo)/JG 5 in Motovsky Bay while trying to rescue Soviet soldiers stranded on German held coast. There were 26 dead and 1 survivor. The other vessel involved in the rescue attempt, MO-111 (Soviet Navy), had 2 killed and 11 wounded.[157]
Monolo
Spain
World War II: The fishing vessel was sunk by HMCS Iroquois (Royal Canadian Navy) in a prohibited area of Bay of Biscay. Her 14 crew were put aboard the destroyer.[158]
United Kingdom
World War II: The Ocean ship was bombed and sunk at Augusta by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was salvaged later that year and converted with passenger accommodation in 1946.[159]
World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Amazon Estuary (3°56′N48°46′W / 3.933°N 48.767°W / 3.933; -48.767) by a Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft of the United States Navy with the loss of 44 of her 47 crew. Survivors were rescued by USS Siren (United States Navy).[162]
22 July[]
List of shipwrecks: 22 July 1943
Ship
Country
Description
Regia Marina
World War II: The minelayer was sunk east of Corsica by HMS Safari (Royal Navy). There were four killed and three wounded.[163][33]
United Kingdom
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea (36°42′N15°20′E / 36.700°N 15.333°E / 36.700; 15.333) by U-81 (Kriegsmarine). She was towed to Syracuse, Sicily and beached. All 48 crew survived. Although declared a total loss, she was refloated in June 1945, repaired and returned to service.[1][164]
Hudayi Bahri
Turkey
World War II: The vessel was shelled and sunk in the Bosphorus by L-4 (Soviet Navy).[3]
Isolina Costade
Spain
World War II: The fishing vessel was sunk by HMCS Iroquois (Royal Canadian Navy) in a prohibited area of Bay of Biscay.[158]
Royal Navy
World War II: The Vosper 72'-class motor torpedo boat was bombed and sunk by German aircraft off Augusta, Sicily.[165]
Nisshin
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: The seaplane carrier was bombed and sunk by American aircraft off the south east tip of Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands (06°33′S156°10′E / 6.550°S 156.167°E / -6.550; 156.167). Five hundred and thirty-nine troops and an undetermined number of crew were killed; 91 troops and 87 crew were rescued.[166]
Vivero
Spain
World War II: The fishing vessel was sunk by ORP Orkan (Polish Navy) in a prohibited area of Bay of Biscay.[158]
Soviet Navy
The G-5-class motor torpedo boat had been converted into a remotely controlled boat and was used in an attack against Anapa. There was no crew aboard.[167][168]
23 July[]
List of shipwrecks: 23 July 1943
Ship
Country
Description
Italy
World War II: the cargo liner was torpedoed and sunk in the Tyrrhenian Sea off Civitavecchia, Italy by HMS Torbay (Royal Navy).[169]
Norway
World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean (approximately 3°S68°E / 3°S 68°E / -3; 68) by I-10 (Imperial Japanese Navy). Twelve of her 52 crew were killed. The 40 survivors took to the lifeboats. Three officers were taken aboard I-10 as prisoners of war; the other 37 crew were massacred in the lifeboats.[170]
Ascianghi
Regia Marina
World War II: The Adua-classsubmarine was depth charged and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) off Augusta, Sicily by HMS Eclipse and HMS Laforey (both Royal Navy). There were some survivors.[171]
Kriegsmarine
The Type A Marinefahrprahm was sunk on this date.[50]
Kriegsmarine
The Type C Marinefahrprahm was sunk on this date.[50]
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The MFP-C landing craft was heavily damaged by Allied fighter-bombers off Sicily and scuttled after a failed tow attempt. All aboard survived, two being wounded.[50][172]
Kriegsmarine
The Type C Marinefahrprahm was wrecked on this date.[50]
Gurpinar
Turkey
World War II: The vessel was shelled and sunk in the Bosphorus by L-4 (Soviet Navy).[3]
World War II: The struck a mine and sank in the Gironde estuary, France, with the loss of 50 crew.[174][175]
HMS Newfoundland
Royal Navy
World War II: The Crown Colony-classcruiser was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea by Ascianghi (Regia Marina). Repairs took until 1944 to complete.
World War II: The Type IXC/40 submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (35°25′N27°56′W / 35.417°N 27.933°W / 35.417; -27.933) by Grumman TBF Avenger aircraft based on USS Bogue (United States Navy) with the loss of 40 of her 49 crew.[176][177]
World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Natal, Brazil (4°05′S33°23′W / 4.083°S 33.383°W / -4.083; -33.383) by two Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of the United States Navy with the loss of 43 of her 45 crew.[178]
World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south of the Azores, Portugal (35°35′N28°36′W / 35.583°N 28.600°W / 35.583; -28.600) by USS George E. Badger (United States Navy) with the loss of all 48 crew.[179]
24 July[]
List of shipwrecks: 24 July 1943
Ship
Country
Description
Regia Marina
World War II: The Gabbiano-classcorvette was wrecked off Messina after being damaged by American aircraft.[180]
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South Atlantic 100 nautical miles (190 km) south west of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (25°30′S44°00′W / 25.500°S 44.000°W / -25.500; -44.000) by U-199 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 64 crew. Survivors were rescued by (Panama).[182]
Germany
World War II: The tugboat was sunk by mines near Temryuk with the loss of 11 lives.[183][184]
World War II: The Type XIVsubmarine was attacked in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Ortegal, Spain (45°53′N10°38′W / 45.883°N 10.633°W / 45.883; -10.633) by Vickers Wellington aircraft of 172 and 547 Squadrons, Royal Air Force with the loss of 18 of her 59 crew. She was scuttled due to damage received.
World War II: The hospital ship was bombed and sunk during an American air raid on Hamburg.[3]
Regia Marina
World War II: The minelayer was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Safari (Royal Navy).[3]
G 1
Germany
World War II: The submarine chaser was destroyed on the stocks during an American air raid on Hamburg, Germany.[3]
Germany
World War II: The accommodation ship was bombed and sunk off Hamburg, Germany.[3][188]
Norway
World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Hamburg, Germany, in an Allied air raid. She was on her maiden voyage at the time. Refloated in November 1943, repairs completed in February 1947 and re-entered service as Svein Jarl.[189]
World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Caribbean Sea south off the south west tip of Haiti (18°06′N75°00′W�� / 18.100°N 75.000°W / 18.100; -75.000) by a Martin PBM Mariner aircraft of the United States Navy with the loss of all 47 crew.[199]
27 July[]
List of shipwrecks: 27 July 1943
Ship
Country
Description
Soviet Union
World War II: The survey ship was shelled and sunk off in the Kara Sea by U-255 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eleven of her 25 crew. Survivors were rescued by Poljarnik (Soviet Union).[200]
France
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Usurper (Royal Navy).[3]
Hamburg
Kriegsmarine
The decommissioned barracks ship, a former Bremen-classcruiser, was sunk in an American air raid on Hamburg. Wreck raised in 1949 and scrapped in 1956.
World War II: The Hatsuharu-classdestroyer was bombed and sunk off Cape Gloucester, New Guinea by North American B-25 Mitchell aircraft of the United States Army Air Forces.
Mikazuki
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: The Hatsuharu-classdestroyer was bombed and sunk off Cape Gloucester by North American B-25 Mitchell aircraft of the United States Army Air Forces.
Buena Esperanca
Spain
World War II: The fishing vessel was captured by HMS Kite, HMS Woodpecker, HMS Woodcock and HMS Wild Goose (all Royal Navy) north west of and was scuttled. Her crew were put aboard the fishing vessel H. De Valterra (Spain) and allowed to return to Spain.[3]
Comparrel
Spain
World War II: The fishing vessel was captured by HMS Kite, HMS Woodpecker, HMS Woodcock and HMS Wild Goose (all Royal Navy) north west of Cape Ortgal and was scuttled. Her crew were put aboard the fishing vessel H. De Valterra (Spain) and allowed to return to Spain.[3]
Don Antonio
Spain
World War II: The fishing vessel was captured by HMS Kite, HMS Woodpecker, HMS Woodcock and HMS Wild Goose (all Royal Navy) north west of Cape Ortgal and was scuttled. Her crew were put aboard the fishing vessel H. De Valterra (Spain) and allowed to return to Spain.[3]
El Viro X
Spain
World War II: The fishing vessel was captured by HMS Kite, HMS Woodpecker, HMS Woodcock and HMS Wild Goose (all Royal Navy) north west of Cape Ortgal and was scuttled. Her crew were put aboard the fishing vessel H. De Valterra (Spain) and allowed to return to Spain.[3]
Europe 5
Spain
World War II: The fishing vessel was captured by HMS Kite, HMS Woodpecker, HMS Woodcock and HMS Wild Goose (all Royal Navy) north west of Cape Ortgal and was scuttled. Her crew were put aboard the fishing vessel H. De Valterra (Spain) and allowed to return to Spain.[3]
Sweden
World War II: The steamer was sunk during an air attack on Hamburg, Germany. One crew was killed. She was later raised and repaired.[3][205][206]
Montenegro Costas
Spain
World War II: The fishing vessel was captured by HMS Kite, HMS Woodpecker, HMS Woodcock and HMS Wild Goose (all Royal Navy) north west of Cape Ortgal and was scuttled. Her crew were put aboard the fishing vessel H. De Valterra (Spain) and allowed to return to Spain.[3]
World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the Andaman Sea south of Rangoon, Burma by Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of the American Fourteenth Air Force.[3]
World War II: The Type IXC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Caribbean Sea south of the Dominican Republic (15°47′N68°30′W / 15.783°N 68.500°W / 15.783; -68.500) by a Martin PBM Mariner aircraft of the United States Navy with the loss of all 53 crew.[209]
U-404
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Bay of Biscay north west of Cape Ortegal, Spain (45°53′N9°25′W / 45.883°N 9.417°W / 45.883; -9.417) by Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft of 224 Squadron, Royal Air Force and 4th Anti-Submarine Squadron, United States Army Air Forces.
World War II: The Tambor-classsubmarine was depth charged and severely damaged by a Consolidated PBY Catalina of the Royal Australian Air Force.[3] Repairs took until 21 August to complete.
World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the eastern Black Sea at Sokhumi by U-24.[213]
Japan
World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Java Sea by USS Finback (United States Navy).[3]
Soviet Navy
World War II: : The auxiliary minesweeper was torpedoed and sunk in the Barents Sea off Novaya Zemlya (71°07′N51°50′E / 71.117°N 51.833°E / 71.117; 51.833) by U-703 (Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 28 of her 42 crew. Survivors were rescued by (Soviet Navy).[214]
World War II: The Type XIV submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Bay of Biscay west of Cape Ortegal, Spain (45°33′N10°48′W / 45.550°N 10.800°W / 45.550; -10.800) by a Short Sunderland aircraft of 461 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force with the loss of 53 of her 68 crew.
World War II: The Type IXC submarine was sunk in the Bay of Biscay by HMS Kite, HMS Wild Goose, HMS Wren and HMS Woodpecker (all Royal Navy) with the loss of all 53 crew.
World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the South Atlantic (8°36′S34°34′W / 8.600°S 34.567°W / -8.600; -34.567) by a Lockheed Ventura aircraft of the United States Navy with the loss of nineteen of her 47 crew.[216]
31 July[]
List of shipwrecks: 31 July 1943
Ship
Country
Description
Imperial Japanese Navy
World War II: The aircraft transport was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea (11°04′N153°18′E / 11.067°N 153.300°E / 11.067; 153.300) north of Truk by USS Pogy (United States Navy). A total of 130 crew and passengers were killed; 600 survivors were rescued by (Imperial Japanese Navy).[217]
U-199
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The Type IXD2 submarine was depth charged and sunk in the South Atlantic (23°54′S42°54′W / 23.900°S 42.900°W / -23.900; -42.900) by a Consolidated PBY Catalina and an A-28 aircraft of the Marinha do Brasil and a Martin PBM Mariner aircraft of the United States Navy with the loss of 49 of her 61 crew. Her Captain and eleven crewmen were rescued by USS Barnegat (United States Navy) and made prisoners of war.
Kriegsmarine
The naval drifter/Vorpostenboot was lost on this date.[218]
World War II: The Parthian-classsubmarine was lost in the Adriatic Sea sometime after 28 July with the loss of all 65 crew.[219]
Soviet Navy
World War II: The Shchuka-classsubmarine struck a mine and sank off northern Norway between 5 and 28 July.[3][220]
Turkey
World War II: The cargo ship was sunk off , probably by a Regia Marina ship.[221]
U-647
Kriegsmarine
World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was lost on patrol in the Atlantic Ocean north of the Shetland Islands, United Kingdom on or after 28 July with the loss of all 48 crew. Cause unknown.[222]
References[]
^ abcdeMitchell, W H; Sawyer, L A (1995). The Empire Ships. London, New York, Hamburg, Hong Kong: Lloyd's of London Press Ltd. p. not cited. ISBN1-85044-275-4.