List of shipwrecks in May 1941

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The list of shipwrecks in May 1941 includes all ships sunk, foundered, grounded, or otherwise lost during May 1941.

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

1 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 1 May 1941
Ship State Description
Arcturus  Kriegsmarine World War II: The transport ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) south of the Kerkennah Islands, Tunisia (34°38′N 11°29′E / 34.633°N 11.483°E / 34.633; 11.483) by HMS Upholder ( Royal Navy).[1][2]
HNLMS Jean Frederic  Royal Netherlands Navy World War II: The naval trawler was bombed by Luftwaffe aircraft and damaged by near misses that caused her to sink in the English Channel off Start Point, Devon, United Kingdom with the loss of her captain and 24 of her crew. Fourteen survivors were rescued on 2 May by HMS ML-157 ( Royal Navy).[3][4][5]
Larissa  Kriegsmarine World War II: The transport ship struck a mine and sank in the Gulf of Volos.[6][7]
Leverkusen  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) south of the Kerkennah Islands (34°38′N 11°39′E / 34.633°N 11.650°E / 34.633; 11.650 by HMS Upholder ( Royal Navy) with some loss of life.[1][7]
Nerissa  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HX 121: The passenger ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (57°57′N 10°08′W / 57.950°N 10.133°W / 57.950; -10.133) by U-552 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 207 of the 290 people on board. Survivors were rescued by HMS Veteran ( Royal Navy).[6][8]
Polinice  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Malta by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was later salvaged.[6]
Samsø  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (8°35′N 16°17′W / 8.583°N 16.283°W / 8.583; -16.283) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her twenty crew.[6][9]
Santa Quitéra  Portugal The schooner foundered in the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. Her 40 crew were rescued.[10]
Saturnus  Royal Navy World War II: The barrage balloon vessel was damaged by enemy action and was declared a constructive total loss.[6]
Sea Fisher  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine in the North Sea (55°34′N 1°28′W / 55.567°N 1.467°W / 55.567; -1.467) and was beached. She was later refloated and taken to Middlesbrough, Yorkshire.[6]
Serdica  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Benghazi, Libya by Royal Air Force aircraft. There were no casualties.[6][11]

2 May[edit]

For the loss of the British tanker Capulet on this day see the entry for 28 April 1941.

List of shipwrecks: 2 May 1941
Ship State Description
HMT Alberic  Royal Navy The naval trawler collided with HNoMS St. Albans ( Royal Norwegian Navy) and sank in the Pentland Firth with the loss of thirteen of her crew.[6]
HMS Jersey  Royal Navy World War II: The J-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the Grand Harbour, Malta with the loss of 35 of her crew.
HMY Nyula  Royal Navy World War II: The naval yacht collided with another vessel and sank in the North Sea off the mouth of the River Tyne.[6]
Parracombe  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea, 9.5 nautical miles (17.6 km) off Cape Bon, Tunisia by Italian mines laid down by the cruisers Duca d'Aosta, Eugenio di Savoia, Muzzio Attendolo and Raimondo Montecuccoli (all  Regia Marina). The freighter was making a solo run from Gibraltar to Malta disguised as a Spanish ship. Thirty of her 48 crew were killed. Survivors were interned by the French at Bizerte, Tunisia.[12][13][14][15]
Trajan  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the North Sea (53°10′N 1°13′E / 53.167°N 1.217°E / 53.167; 1.217) by Luftwaffe aircraft. All 21 crew were rescued by a Royal Navy destroyer.[6][16]
V 808 Reichspräsident von Hindenburg  Kriegsmarine World War II: The vorpostenboot was bombed and sunk in the North Sea north west of Borkum by Royal Air Force aircraft with the loss of four lives.[6][17][18]

3 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 3 May 1941
Ship State Description
Araybank  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged at Suda Bay by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was again bombed on 16 May and was declared a total loss. Araybank was refloated and taken to Trieste, Italy for repairs in 1947. She entered Italian service in 948 as Napoli.[6][19][20]
Barnacle  United Kingdom World War II: The sailing barge was bombed and sunk at Waterloo Dock, Liverpool, Lancashire by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Birmania  Italy World War II: The cargo ship exploded and sank at Tripoli, Libya due to the detonation of cluster bombs improperly crated for shipment. The explosion in the forward hold flung the stern of the ship up onto the quay. The armed merchant cruiser Città di Bari ( Regia Marina) was destroyed by the explosion also. The two ships suffered 28 killed and 38 wounded Germans, 42 killed and 50 wounded Italians, and 150 Arabs killed and many wounded.[6][21]
Bonita  United Kingdom World War II: The tug was bombed and sunk at Waterloo Dock, Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Bra-Kar  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was bombed, exploded, and sank at Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was refloated in June and beached at Tranmere, Cheshire. She was declared a constructive total loss and subsequently scrapped.[6][22][23]
Brill  United Kingdom World War II: The Mersey flat was bombed and sunk at Canada Dock, Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Canopo  Regia Marina World War II: The Spica-class torpedo boat was bombed and sunk at Tripoli by Royal Air Force aircraft with the loss of 24 of her crew and twenty wounded.[6][24]
Città di Bari  Regia Marina World War II: The auxiliary cruiser as sunk at Tripoli by the explosion of Birmania ( Italy) detonating her cargo of gasoline. The two ships suffered 28 killed and 38 wounded Germans, 42 killed and 50 wounded Italians, and 150 Arabs killed and many wounded.[6][25]
Corbet  United Kingdom World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank 2 cables (1⁄5 nautical mile (370 m) off the entrance to Herculaneum Dock, Liverpool with the loss of eight of her nine crew.[6]
Dace  United Kingdom World War II: The Mersey flat was bombed and sunk at Canada Dock, Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Emily Burton  United Kingdom World War II: The motor barge was bombed and sunk at Huskisson Branch No. 3 Dock, Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Giuseppe Orlando  Italy World War II: The rescue ship struck a mine and sank off Tripoli with the loss of eight of the 39 people on board.[6][11]
Grosvenor  United Kingdom World War II: The Mersey flat was bombed and sunk at Canada Dock, Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Ivy P.  United Kingdom World War II: The coaster was bombed and sunk at Langton Branch Dock, Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Ling  United Kingdom World War II: The sailing barge was bombed and sunk at Huskisson Branch No. 3 Dock, Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Longendale  United Kingdom World War II: The barge was bombed and sunk at Alexandria Dock No. 3, Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Luce  United Kingdom World War II: The Mersey flat was burned out and sunk by the exploding vessels Bra-Kar ( Norway) and Oyster ( United Kingdom) at Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Mus  United Kingdom World War II: The Mersey flat was bombed and sunk at Alexandria Dock No. 3, Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Orrell  United Kingdom World War II: The barge was bombed and sunk at Alexandria Dock No. 3, Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Oyster  United Kingdom World War II: The sailing barge exploded and sank due to the explosion of Bra-Kar ( Norway) at Liverpool.[6]
Pike  United Kingdom World War II: The sailing barge was bombed and sunk at Huskisson Branch No. 3 Dock, Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Ray  United Kingdom World War II: The Mersey flat was bombed and sunk at Alexandria Dock No. 3, Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Recco  Italy World War II: The tanker was intercepted in the Atlantic Ocean 350 nautical miles (650 km) north of the Azores (44°37′N 24°27′W / 44.617°N 24.450°W / 44.617; -24.450) by HMS Hilary ( Royal Navy) and was scuttled by her crew. All 30 were rescued by HMS Hilary.[6][26][27]
Roach  United Kingdom World War II: The Mersey flat was bombed and sunk at Alexandria Dock No. 3, Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Rover  United Kingdom World War II: The Mersey flat was bombed and sunk at Canada Dock, Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Royston  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged in the North Sea by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was taken in tow but sank the next day at 53°37′N 0°39′E / 53.617°N 0.650°E / 53.617; 0.650.[6]
Silverdale  United Kingdom World War II: The sailing barge was bombed and sunk at Canada Dock, Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Sirius Trinity House World War II: The lightship struck a mine and sank at Liverpool, Lancashire.[6]
Sitona  Norway World War II: Convoy FS 479: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged in the North Sea (53°12′N 1°11′E / 53.200°N 1.183°E / 53.200; 1.183) by Luftwaffe aircraft. Her crew were rescued. She sank the next day.[17][6]
Surveyor No.3  United Kingdom World War II: The motor launch was bombed and sunk at Alexandria Dock No. 3, Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Taranger  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (61°07′N 25°20′W / 61.117°N 25.333°W / 61.117; -25.333) by U-95 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 33 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Begonia ( Royal Navy) and the fishing vessel Sigurfari ( Iceland).[6][28]
Tugnin F.  Italy World War II: The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 11 nautical miles (20 km) north west of Mersa Brega, Libya by HMS Triumph ( Royal Navy).[6]
Walton  United Kingdom World War II: The steam barge was bombed and sunk at Huskisson Branch No. 3 Dock, Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Wray Castle  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (6°48′N 13°55′W / 6.800°N 13.917°W / 6.800; -13.917) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 57 crew. Survivors were rescued by Angola ( Portugal).[6][29]

4 May[edit]

For the sinking of HMS Fermoy on this date, see List of shipwrecks in April 1941 § 30 April.
List of shipwrecks: 4 May 1941
Ship State Description
HMT Ben Gairn  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Lowestoft, Suffolk.[30]
Baron Inchcape  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Liverpool, Lancashire by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Domino  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was sunk at Liverpool by the explosion of Malakand ( United Kingdom).[6]
Elstree Grange  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was sunk at Liverpool by the explosion of Malakand ( United Kingdom).[6] She was beached in the River Mersey in July 1941 and was consequently scrapped.[31]
Europa  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was set afire and burnt out at Liverpool by the explosion of Malakand ( United Kingdom). Declared a constructive total loss, she was scrapped at New Ferry, Cheshire in 1946.[6][32]
Giuseppe La Farina  Regia Marina World War II: The La Masa-class torpedo boat struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off the Kerkennah Islands, Tunisia at 34°35′N 011°50′E / 34.583°N 11.833°E / 34.583; 11.833 (Giuseppe La Farina) with the loss of 61 of her 128 crew.[6][11][33]
Japan  Sweden World War II: Convoy OB 310: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 249 nautical miles (461 km) north west of Freetown, Sierra Leone (10°15′N 16°33′W / 10.250°N 16.550°W / 10.250; -16.550) by U-38 ( Kriegsmarine). All 54 people on board were taken as prisoners of war when the landed in French Guinea. The 27 Swedes were later released.[6][34][35]
Malakand  United Kingdom World War II: During an air raid at Liverpool, a barrage balloon crashed onto the cargo ship (7,649 GRT, 1919) and she caught fire. The fire, or a fire on the dock, spread eventually reaching her cargo of ammunition causing her to explode and sink early on 4 May.[6] One of her 76 crew was killed.[36]
Pneumatic Elevator No.11  United Kingdom World War II: The floating elevator was sunk at Liverpool by the explosion of Malakand ( United Kingdom).[6]
Tacoma Star  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was sunk by the explosion of Malakand ( United Kingdom) at Liverpool. She was later salvaged.[6]
Tregor  United Kingdom World War II: The coaster was bombed and sunk in the Bristol Channel 6 nautical miles (11 km) off Trevose Head, Cornwall by Luftwaffe aircraft. Her six crew were rescued.[17][6]

5 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 5 May 1941
Ship State Description
Cape Breton  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Belfast, County Antrim by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was later refloated, repaired and returned to service.[6]
Fair Head  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Belfast by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
HMT Fidelia  Royal Navy World War II: The boom defence vessel was bombed and sunk at Lowestoft, Suffolk by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Industria  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged at Liverpool, Lancashire by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was subsequently repaired and returned to service.[37]
Queen Maud  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (7°54′N 16°41′W / 7.900°N 16.683°W / 7.900; -16.683) by U-38 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 39 crew. Survivors were rescued by Mirandella ( Portugal).[6][38][39]
Sumba  United Kingdom World War II: The whaler was bombed and damaged in the Bristol Channel by Luftwaffe aircraft and was beached off Barry, Glamorgan. She was later repaired and returned to service.[6]
Traffic  United Kingdom World War II: The steam barge was bombed and sunk at Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.

6 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 6 May 1941
Ship State Description
Bengasi  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) off Cavoli by HMS Truant ( Royal Navy).
Cagliari  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) off Fuscaldo (39°11′N 15°58′E / 39.183°N 15.967°E / 39.183; 15.967) by HMS Taku ( Royal Navy).
HMS Camito  Royal Navy World War II: The ocean boarding vessel was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south west of Ireland (50°42′N 21°20′W / 50.700°N 21.333°W / 50.700; -21.333) by U-97 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 28 of her crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Orchis ( Royal Navy).[6][40][41]
Dunkwa  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (8°43′N 17°13′W / 8.717°N 17.217°W / 8.717; -17.217) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eight of her 47 crew. Survivors were rescued by Polydorus ( Netherlands).[6][42]
Emanuel  Faroe Islands World War II: The fishing trawler was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (62°06′N 8°10′W / 62.100°N 8.167°W / 62.100; -8.167) by U-556 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of her crew.[6]
Oakdene  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (6°19′N 27°55′W / 6.317°N 27.917°W / 6.317; -27.917) by U-105 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 35 crew were rescued by HMS Dorsetshire ( Royal Navy).[6][43]
Sangro  Italy World War II: The captured Italian tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south west of Ireland (50°42′N 21°20′W / 50.700°N 21.333°W / 50.700; -21.333) by U-97 ( Kriegsmarine). Survivors were rescued by HMS Orchis ( Royal Navy).[6][40]
Surat  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (8°23′N 15°13′W / 8.383°N 15.217°W / 8.383; -15.217) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of four of her 65 crew. Survivors were rescued by the hopper barge Foremost 102 ( United Kingdom).[6][44]

7 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 7 May 1941
Ship State Description
Bluestone  United Kingdom World War II: The coaster was bombed and sunk at Greenock, Renfrewshire by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
British Emperor  United Kingdom World War II: The tanker was shelled and sunk in the Indian Ocean (8°30′N 56°25′E / 8.500°N 56.417°E / 8.500; 56.417) by Pinguin ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 45 crew between the sinking of their ship, and survivors rescued by Pinguin who were lost when the German ship was sunk the next day.[6]
Eastern Star  Norway World War II: Convoy OB 318: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (61°29′N 22°40′W / 61.483°N 22.667°W / 61.483; -22.667) by U-94 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 46 crew were rescued by HMT Daneman ( Royal Navy).[45]
Ellesbank  United Kingdom World War II: The Mersey flat was bombed and sunk at Liverpool, Lancashire by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Fernlane  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (10°02′N 20°17′W / 10.033°N 20.283°W / 10.033; -20.283) by Enrico Tazzoli ( Regia Marina). Her 35 crew were rescued.[6][46]
HMT Gowan Hill  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler was bombed and sunk at Greenock by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Hornby  United Kingdom World War II: The tug was bombed and sunk at Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was raised, repaired, returned to service.[6]
HMS Hurricane  Royal Navy World War II: The H-class destroyer was bombed and sunk at Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was later refloated, repaired and returned to service.[6]
Ida Burton  United Kingdom World War II: The sailing barge was bombed and sunk at Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Ixion  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy OB 318: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (61°29′N 22°40′W / 61.483°N 22.667°W / 61.483; -22.667) by U-94 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 105 crew were rescued by HMS Marigold ( Royal Navy) and Nailsea Moor ( United Kingdom).[6][47]
Katina P. Greece Greece World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Astakos by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Kineenan  United Kingdom World War II: The steam barge struck a mine and sank at Liverpool with the loss of all five crew.[6]
München  Kriegsmarine World War II: The weather ship was captured south east of Iceland by HMS Somali ( Royal Navy).[48] She was reported to have been scuttled by her crew,[49] to prevent the Germans from learning that Enigma machine codes had been captured. The former fishing trawler was sold to the Faroe Islands in 1943 and renamed Froyen.[48]
Pascoli  Italy World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Adriatic Sea off Sazan Island, Albania.[6]
Ril Ida  United Kingdom World War II: The coaster was bombed and sunk at Hull, Yorkshire by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Safiyeh  United Kingdom World War II: The tanker barge was bombed and sunk at "Qurnan" by Regia Aeronautica aircraft. She was later refloated, repaired and returned to service.[6]
HMS Stoke  Royal Navy World War II: The Hunt-class minesweeper was bombed and sunk at Tobruk, Libya by Junkers Ju 87 aircraft of II Staffeln, Sturzkampfgeschwader 2, Luftwaffe with the loss of 21 of her crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Ladybird ( Royal Navy).[17][6]
HMT Susarion  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler was bombed and sunk off the mouth of the Humber by Luftwaffe aircraft.[50]
Tanais Greece Greece World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Suda Bay by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was later salvaged, repaired and entered German service.[6]
Waterlily  United Kingdom World War II: The fishing vessel was bombed and sunk at West Mersea, Essex by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]

8 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 8 May 1941
Ship State Description
Burmah  United Kingdom World War II: The steam barge was bombed and sunk at Liverpool, Lancashire by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Capitano A. Cecchi  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk off Benghazi, Libya (31°51′15″N 19°53′20″E / 31.85417°N 19.88889°E / 31.85417; 19.88889) by HMS Ajax, HMS Havock, HMS Hotspur and HMS Imperial (all  Royal Navy).[6][51][52]
Delite  United Kingdom World War II: The sailing barge was bombed and sunk at Hull, Yorkshire by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
F. W. No.20  United Kingdom World War II: The dredger was sunk by an explosion in Langstone Harbour, Hampshire with the loss of three crew.[6]
Hercules  United Kingdom World War II: The floating crane was bombed and sunk at Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was later salvaged, repaired and returned to service.[6]
Irishman  United Kingdom World War II: The tug was sunk by an explosion in Langstone Harbour with the loss of five crew.[6]
Ladore  United Kingdom World War II: The sailing barge was bombed and sunk at Hull by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Marton  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6] She was declared a constructive total loss. She was beached at Tranmere, Cheshire on 27 July. Subsequently scrapped.[53]
Pinguin  Kriegsmarine World War II: The auxiliary cruiser was shelled and sunk in the Indian Ocean north of the Seychelles by HMS Cornwall ( Royal Navy) with the loss of 341 crew and 200 prisoners of war. Sixty crew were rescued, as were 22 prisoners of war, survivors from British Emperor, Clan Buchanan and Empire Light (all  United Kingdom).[6]
Ramillies  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (48°05′N 32°26′W / 48.083°N 32.433°W / 48.083; -32.433) by U-97 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 29 of her 41 crew. Survivors were rescued by Geddington Court ( United Kingdom).[6][54]
Rose  United Kingdom World War II: The steam barge was bombed and sunk at Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
HMT Silicia  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank at Hull with the loss of seven of her crew. Survivors were rescued by HMML 211 ( Royal Navy).[6]
Stromboli  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was refloated on 14 April 1942 and beached at Tranmere, but was declared a total loss and subsequently scrapped.[55]
Tenace  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk at Benghazi by HMS Ajax, HMS Havock, HMS Hotspur and HMS Imperial (all  Royal Navy).[6]
Thistle  United Kingdom World War II: The fishing smack struck a mine and sank in the North Sea (51°45′N 1°09′E / 51.750°N 1.150°E / 51.750; 1.150). Her crew were rescued.[6]
HMT Thistle V  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Lowestoft, Suffolk (52°28′N 1°47′E / 52.467°N 1.783°E / 52.467; 1.783) with the loss of ten of her eleven crew.[6][56]
Trentino  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6] She was refloated on 30 May but was consequently scrapped.[57]
HMT Uberty  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler was bombed and sunk at Lowestoft by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of thirteen of her crew.[6][58][59]
UJ 173 Mob-Fd 32  Kriegsmarine World War II: The submarine chaser was bombed and sunk off Feiestein, Norway (58°49′N 5°27′E / 58.817°N 5.450°E / 58.817; 5.450) by British aircraft with the loss of six lives.[17][60]
UJ 179 Carl Kämpf  Kriegsmarine World War II: The submarine chaser was bombed and severely damaged off Feiestein by British aircraft. She was later repaired and returned to service.[17]
HMY Viva II  Royal Navy World War II: The naval yacht was bombed and sunk in the Bristol Channel 13 nautical miles (24 km) west of Trevose Head, Cornwall by Heinkel He 111 aircraft of 406 Küstenfliegergruppe, Luftwaffe with the loss of 22 of her 32 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Cleveland ( Royal Navy).[17][6][61][62]
Welcome Home  United Kingdom World War II: The ketch was bombed and sunk at Hull by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Whitakers No. 1  United Kingdom World War II: The barge was bombed and sunk at Hull by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]

9 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 9 May 1941
Ship State Description
Alfred Olsen  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (2°59′N 20°26′W / 2.983°N 20.433°W / 2.983; -20.433) by Enrico Tazzoli ( Regia Marina). She sank the next day (3°00′N 20°10′W / 3.000°N 20.167°W / 3.000; -20.167). Her 34 crew were rescued.[6][63]
Bengore Head  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy OB 318: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (60°45′N 33°02′W / 60.750°N 33.033°W / 60.750; -33.033) by U-110 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 41 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Apollo ( Royal Navy and Borgfred  Norway).[6][64]
City of Winchester  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 400 nautical miles (740 km) south south west of the Cape Verde Islands, Portugal (8°20′N 26°14′W / 8.333°N 26.233°W / 8.333; -26.233) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of her 98 crew. Survivors were rescued by Herma ( Norway).[6][65]
Criton  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship straggled behind a convoy. She was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean by a Vichy French Navy cruiser with the loss of ten of her 34 crew.[66]
Dan-Y-Bryn  United Kingdom The cargo ship was bombed and damaged at Hull, Yorkshire. She was subsequently repaired and returned to service.[67]
Empire Cloud  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy OB 318: The cargo ship , on her maiden voyage, was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean east north east of Cape Farewell, Greenland (61°00′N 32°30′W / 61.000°N 32.500°W / 61.000; -32.500) by U-201 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of five of her 54 crew. The ship was abandoned, with HMS Nigella ( Royal Navy) rescuing the survivors. Empire Cloud was taken in tow by the tug Thames ( Netherlands) reaching the Clyde on 20 May, she was subsequently repaired and returned to service.[68]
Empire Song  United Kingdom World War II: Operation Tiger / Convoy WS 58: The cargo liner struck a mine laid down by the cruisers Duca d'Aosta, Eugenio di Savoia, Muzzio Attendolo and Raimondo Montecuccoli (all  Regia Marina) and sank in the Strait of Sicily (37°09′12″N 11°01′24″E / 37.15333°N 11.02333°E / 37.15333; 11.02333) with the loss of eighteen of the 146 people on board. Survivors were rescued by HMS Foresight ( Royal Navy).[6][69][13][31]
Esmond  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy OB 318: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (60°24′N 32°27′W / 60.400°N 32.450°W / 60.400; -32.450) by U-110 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 50 crew were rescued by Aelybryn ( United Kingdom), HMS Aubrietia ( Royal Navy) and Borgfred ( Norway).[6][70]
Gregalia  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy OB 318: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (60°24′N 32°37′W / 60.400°N 32.617°W / 60.400; -32.617) by U-201 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 66 crew were rescued by HMT Daneman ( Royal Navy.[71]
Luis Puebla  Spain World War II: The fishing trawler struck a mine and sank in the Bay of Biscay 160 nautical miles (300 km) north of Gijón with the loss of nine of her twelve crew.[6]
New Zealand Star  United Kingdom World War II: Operation Tiger / Convoy WS 8: The cargo ship struck a mine and was damaged in the Mediterranean Sea.[72]
HMS Queenworth  Royal Navy World War II: The minesweeper was bombed and sunk off the mouth of the Humber by Luftwaffe aircraft.[73]
Tankerton Towers  United Kingdom World War II: The fishing trawler was bombed and sunk off St Govan's Lightship ( Trinity House) by Luftwaffe aircraft. Her eight crew were rescued.[6]
U-110  Kriegsmarine World War II: Operation Primrose: The Type IXB submarine was captured in the Atlantic Ocean by HMS Aubrietia, HMS Broadway and HMS Bulldog (all  Royal Navy) with the loss of fifteen of her 47 crew. An Enigma machine was captured intact. U-110 was taken in tow by HMS Bulldog but sank the next day in a storm.[6]

10 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 10 May 1941
Ship State Description
Aelybryn  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy OB 318: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Cape Farewell, Greenland (59°23′N 35°25′W / 59.383°N 35.417°W / 59.383; -35.417) by U-556 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 45 crew. Survivors abandoned ship and were rescued by HMT Daneman ( Royal Navy). Aelybryn was towed to Reykjavík, Iceland by HMS Hollyhock ( Royal Navy). She was later repaired and returned to service.[74]
HMS Altais  Royal Navy World War II: The auxiliary ship was bombed and sunk at London by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
HMS Comet I  Royal Navy World War II: The auxiliary ship was bombed and sunk at London by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Empire Caribou  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy OB 318: The Design 1016 ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Greenland (59°28′N 35°44′W / 59.467°N 35.733°W / 59.467; -35.733) by U-556 ( Kriegsmarine),[75] with the loss of 29 of her 40 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Malcolm ( Royal Navy).
HMS Faislane  Royal Navy World War II: The auxiliary ship was bombed and sunk at London by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Gand  Belgium World War II: Convoy OB 318: The cargo ship was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (57°45′N 37°34′W / 57.750°N 37.567°W / 57.750; -37.567) by U-552 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 43 crew.[6][76][77]
HMS Igloo  Royal Navy World War II: The auxiliary ship was bombed and sunk at London by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
HMS Jake II  Royal Navy World War II: The auxiliary ship was bombed and sunk at London by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Martin Pecheur  United Kingdom World War II: The captured French schooner caught fire and sank in the Atlantic Ocean (37°07′N 8°34′W / 37.117°N 8.567°W / 37.117; -8.567). The prize crew took to the lifeboats and reached Gibraltar.[6]
HMS HDML 1011  Royal Navy World War II: The harbour defence motor launch was bombed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea south of Crete, Greece by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6][78]
HMS Miss England  Royal Navy World War II: The auxiliary ship was bombed and sunk at London by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
HMS Nomad III  Royal Navy World War II: The auxiliary ship was bombed and sunk at London by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Ramb III  Regia Marina World War II: The auxiliary cruiser was sunk at Benghazi Harbor, Libya by HMS Triumph ( Royal Navy). She was raised, repaired, and returned to service.
HMS Safari  Royal Navy World War II: The auxiliary ship was bombed and sunk at London by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Tower Field  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged in the Thames Estuary by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was on a voyage from London to Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland. She was repaired and returned to service.[79]

11 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 11 May 1941
Ship State Description
City of Shanghai  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (6°40′N 27°50′W / 6.667°N 27.833°W / 6.667; -27.833) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of her 73 crew. Survivors were rescued by Josefina S ( Argentina), Richmond Castle ( United Kingdom and Stad Arnhem ( Netherlands).[6][80]
Gypsy  Royal Navy World War II: The auxiliary base ship was bombed and sunk at London by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
Somerset  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed in the Atlantic Ocean (54°54′N 16°20′W / 54.900°N 16.333°W / 54.900; -16.333) by Focke-Wulf Fw 200 aircraft of I Staffeln, Kampfgeschwader 40, Luftwaffe. She broke in two, the stern section sank. Her crew were rescued. The bow section was scuttled by HMS Alisma ( Royal Navy).[17][6][81]

12 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 12 May 1941
Ship State Description
Aghios Paraskavi Greece Greece World War II: The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Lemnos by HMS Rorqual ( Royal Navy). One German officer and three other ranks were killed.[6][82][83]
Fowberry Tower  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the North Sea 1 nautical mile (1.9 km) south west by west of the Humber Lightship ( Trinity House) by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of six of her 45 crew.[6][84]
HMS Ladybird  Royal Navy World War II: The Insect-class gunboat was bombed and sunk at Tobruk, Libya by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of four of her crew.
Rawnsley  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Ierapetra Bay (34°59′00″N 25°46′26″E / 34.98333°N 25.77389°E / 34.98333; 25.77389) by Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 aircraft of 281 Squadriglia, Regia Aeronautica.[17][6][39]
Richard de Larrinaga  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged in the North Sea off the mouth of the River Tyne by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was beached on the Herd Sand with a broken back and was declared a total loss. Her 43 crew survived.[6][39]

13 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 13 May 1941
Ship State Description
Benvrackie  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (0°49′N 20°15′W / 0.817°N 20.250°W / 0.817; -20.250) by U-105 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of thirteen of er crew; fifteen crew of Lassell ( United Kingdom) were also killed. Fifty-eight survivors were rescued by HMHS Oxfordshire ( Royal Navy).[6][85]
Cornflower  United Kingdom World War II: The tug was bombed and sunk at Malta by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
F  United Kingdom World War II: The hopper barge struck a mine and sank off Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland with the loss of five of her eleven crew.[6]
Fort Rona  United Kingdom World War II: The fishing trawler was bombed and sunk in the Bristol Channel 15 nautical miles (28 km) west south west of Bardsey Island, Pembrokeshire by Luftwaffe aircraft. Her crew were rescued.[6]
Nueva Elisa  Spain World War II: The fishing trawler struck a mine and sank in the Bay of Biscay.[6]
HMS Salopian  Royal Navy World War II: Convoy SC 30: The armed merchant cruiser was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (59°04′N 38°15′W / 59.067°N 38.250°W / 59.067; -38.250) by U-98 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of her 281 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Intrepid ( Royal Navy).[6][86][87]
Somersby  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy SC 30: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (60°39′N 26°13′W / 60.650°N 26.217°W / 60.650; -26.217) by U-111 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 43 crew were rescued by Marika Protopapa (Greece Greece).

14 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 14 May 1941
Ship State Description
Dalesman  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged in Suda Bay by Luftwaffe aircraft and was beached. She was later salvaged, repaired and entered German service as Pluto.[6][88]
Karlander  Norway World War II: Convoy OB 321: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (55°38′N 13°38′W / 55.633°N 13.633°W / 55.633; -13.633) by Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor aircraft of I Staffeln, Kampgeschwader 40, Luftwaffe. She was later scuttled at 55°36′N 13°24′W / 55.600°N 13.400°W / 55.600; -13.400 by HMS Campanula ( Royal Navy). Her 26 crew were rescued by Zaafaran ( United Kingdom).[17][6][89][90]
HMT M. A. West  Royal Navy World War II: The examination vessel was bombed and sunk in the North Sea off Great Yarmouth, Norfolk by Luftwaffe aircraft.[6]
HMT Minicoy  Royal Navy World War II: The patrol vessel struck a mine and sank in the Bristol Channel east of St Ann's Head, Pembrokeshire with the loss of at least three of her crew.[6]
HMNZS Puriri  Royal New Zealand Navy World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper struck a German mine and sank in the Hauraki Gulf 8 miles north east of Bream Head, off Auckland 35°46′S 174°43′E / 35.767°S 174.717°E / -35.767; 174.717. Her commanding officer and four crewmen were killed. Survivors were rescued by HMS Achilles ( Royal Navy) and/or HMNZS Gale ( Royal New Zealand Navy).[6][91]
Rabaul  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (19°30′S 4°30′E / 19.500°S 4.500°E / -19.500; 4.500) by Atlantis ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of nine of her 55 crew. One of the survivors was taken as a prisoner of war.[6][39]
Turkia Greece Greece The cargo ship caught fire, exploded, and sank in the Red Sea 2+1⁄2 nautical miles (4.6 km) off the Zafarana Lighthouse, Suez, Egypt.[92][93]

15 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 15 May 1941
Ship State Description
Benvenue  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (4°27′N 18°25′W / 4.450°N 18.417°W / 4.450; -18.417) by U-105 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 58 crew. Survivors were rescued by English Trader ( United Kingdom) and a Royal Navy destroyer.[Note 1][88][94]
Leon  Hellenic Navy World War II: The Aetos-class destroyer was bombed and sunk in Souda Bay, Crete by Luftwaffe aircraft.
Notre Dame du Châtelet  France World War II: The schooner was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (approximately 48°N 14°W / 48°N 14°W / 48; -14) by U-43 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 28 of her 38 crew. Survivors were rescued by Otaria ( Regia Marina) eight days later.[88][95]
Ossian  Sweden World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the North Sea (54°00′N 7°16′E / 54.000°N 7.267°E / 54.000; 7.267) by Royal Air Force aircraft with the loss of three lives.[88][96][97]
San Giusto  Italy World War II: The rescue ship struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea 25 nautical miles (46 km) north north east of Tripoli, Libya. Sixteen of her crew were killed and seven were wounded.[88][98]

16 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 16 May 1941
Ship State Description
Araybank  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in Suda Bay, Crete, Greece. She was salvaged in 1947, repaired, and entered Italian service as Napoli.[99]
Archangel  United Kingdom World War II: The troopship was bombed and damaged in the North Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) north east of Aberdeen (57°55′N 2°03′W / 57.917°N 2.050°W / 57.917; -2.050) by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of 52 of the 475 people on board. Survivors were rescued by HMS Blankney ( Royal Navy). Archangel was beached 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) south of Newburgh, Aberdeenshire and broke into four sections.[88]
Joffre Rose  United Kingdom World War II: The coaster was bombed and damaged in the Bristol Channel by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was beached at Dale, Pembrokeshire. She was later refloated, repaired and returned to service.[88]
Kythera Greece Greece World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in Suda Bay by Luftwaffe aircraft.[88]
Logician  United Kingdom World War II: The ship was bombed and damaged in Suda Bay by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was bombed again on 25 May and sank with the loss of 31 lives.[88]
Nikolaou Ourania Greece Greece World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged at Suda Bay by Luftwaffe aircraft and was beached. She was later refloated, repaired and entered German service as Nikolaus.[88]
Rodney Star  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (5°03′N 19°02′W / 5.050°N 19.033°W / 5.050; -19.033) by U-105 ( Kriegsmarine): Her 83 crew were rescued by Batna ( United Kingdom) and HMS Boreas ( Royal Navy).[88][100]

17 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 17 May 1941
Ship State Description
Ala  Norway World War II: The coaster was bombed and damaged in the English Channel 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) south of Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex. She was beached at Shoreham-by-Sea, but was later refloated and taken under tow by Security ( United Kingdom). She was bombed and sunk on 13 June in the English Channel (50°42′N 0°52′W / 50.700°N 0.867°W / 50.700; -0.867) by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of a crew member.[88][101]
Eleonora Maersk  United Kingdom World War II: The tanker was bombed and sunk at Suda Bay, Crete, Greece by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of twenty of her 44 crew. Seven survivors were taken as prisoners of war. She was salvaged post-war. Under repair from 1948–1951 then sold to West Germany.[88][32]
Marisa  Netherlands World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (6°10′N 18°09′W / 6.167°N 18.150°W / 6.167; -18.150) by U-107 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 49 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Columbin and HMS Surprise (both ( Royal Navy).[88][102]
Statesman  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (56°44′N 13°45′W / 56.733°N 13.750°W / 56.733; -13.750) by Focke-Wulf Fw 200 aircraft of I Staffeln, Kampfgeschwader 40, Luftwaffe with the loss of one of her 51 crew.[17][88][103]
Themoni Greece Greece World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Suda Bay by Luftwaffe aircraft.[88]

18 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 18 May 1941
Ship State Description
Begerin  United Kingdom World War II: The coaster was bombed and sunk in the Bristol Channel 17 nautical miles (31 km) west north west of the South Bishop Lighthouse by Luftwaffe aircraft. Her crew were rescued.[88]
Giovinezza  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Benghazi, Libya (31°55′N 19°54′E / 31.917°N 19.900°E / 31.917; 19.900) by HMS Tetrarch ( Royal Navy) with the loss of three of her 45 crew.[88][11]
HMT Jewel  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the Belfast Lough with the loss of fourteen of her crew.[88][104]
RFA Olna  Royal Fleet Auxiliary World War II: The tanker was bombed and damaged at Suda Bay by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was beached and burnt out. Although the wreck was seized by the Germans, it was scrapped in May 1945.[88][14]
Piako  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 130 nautical miles (240 km) south west of Freetown, Sierral Leone (7°52′N 14°57′W / 7.867°N 14.950°W / 7.867; -14.950) by U-107 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of ten of her 75 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Bridgewater ( Royal Navy).[88][105]
Tabarka  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled as a blockship in Scapa Flow (58°53′20″N 2°53′50″W / 58.88889°N 2.89722°W / 58.88889; -2.89722). She had been refloated by 27 July 1944.[106]

19 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 19 May 1941
Ship State Description
City of Rochester  United Kingdom World War II: The decommissioned former paddle minesweeper was sunk at Acorn Yard, Rochester, Kent by a parachute mine whilst awaiting scrapping.[88]
Empire Ridge  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HG 61: The ore carrier was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 90 nautical miles (170 km) west of Bloody Foreland, County Donegal, Ireland (55°08′N 10°40′W / 55.133°N 10.667°W / 55.133; -10.667) by U-96 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three gunners and 28 of her crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Vanquisher ( Royal Navy).[88][107][108]
HMY Sea Angler  Royal Navy The armed yacht was destroyed by fire.[88]
Winkfield  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary one mile (1.6 km) south west of Buoy B4 (51°34′42″N 1°09′56″E / 51.57833°N 1.16556°E / 51.57833; 1.16556) with the loss of ten of her crew. The wreck was subsequently dispersed by explosives.[88][109]

20 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 20 May 1941
Ship State Description
British Security  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HX 126: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south of Cape Farewell, Greenland (57°28′N 41°07′W / 57.467°N 41.117°W / 57.467; -41.117) by U-556 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 53 crew.[88][110]
Cockaponset  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south south east of Cape Farewell (57°28′N 41°07′W / 57.467°N 41.117°W / 57.467; -41.117) by U-556 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 41 crew were rescued by Hontestroom ( Netherlands).[111]
Curtatone  Regia Marina World War II: The Curtatone-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the Gulf of Athens. Ninety-four of her crew were killed, and two more died of wounds later. There were 29 or 34 survivors depending on sources.[88][112]
Darlington Court  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HX 126: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south of Cape Farewell (57°28′N 41°07′W / 57.467°N 41.117°W / 57.467; -41.117) by U-556 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 25 of her 37 crew. Survivors were rescued by Hontestroom ( Netherlands).[113]
Harpagus  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HX 126: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (56°47′N 40°55′W / 56.783°N 40.917°W / 56.783; -40.917) by U-109 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 58 of the 90 people on board, including 26 of the 48 survivors from Norman Monarch ( United Kingdom). Survivors were rescued by HMS Burnham ( Royal Navy).[114][115]
Javanese Prince  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 155 nautical miles (287 km) north west of the Butt of Lewis, Outer Hebrides (59°46′N 10°45′W / 59.767°N 10.750°W / 59.767; -10.750) by U-138 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 59 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Assurance, HMS Faulknor and HMS Lincoln (all  Royal Navy).[88][116]
RFA John P. Pedersen  Royal Fleet Auxiliary World War II: Convoy HX 126: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 150 nautical miles (280 km) south of Greenland (approximately 57°N 41°W / 57°N 41°W / 57; -41) by U-94 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 22 of her 38 crew. Survivors were rescued by Hontestroom ( Netherlands).[88][117][90]
Norman Monarch  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HX 126: The cargo ship was torpoedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (56°47′N 40°55′W / 56.783°N 40.917°W / 56.783; -40.917) by U-94 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 48 crew were rescued by Harpagus ( United Kingdom).[88]
Radamos  Egypt World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Monrovia, Liberia (approximately 6°N 12°W / 6°N 12°W / 6; -12) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of a crew member.[88][118]
Rothermere  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HX 126: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (57°48′N 41°36′W / 57.800°N 41.600°W / 57.800; -41.600) by U-98 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 22 of her 56 crew. Survivors were rescued by Bruarfoss ( Iceland).[88][119]
Starcross  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy SL 73: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (51°45′N 20°45′W / 51.750°N 20.750°W / 51.750; -20.750) by Otaria ( Regia Marina). All 40 crew were rescued by HMCS St. Francis ( Royal Canadian Navy).[88][103]
HMS Widnes  Royal Navy World War II: The Hunt-class minesweeper was bombed and damaged at Suda Bay by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was beached, but declared a total loss. Subsequently raised, repaired and put into Kriegsmarine service as UJ-2109.[88]
Zeffiro  Italy World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank 5.8 nautical miles (10.7 km) south east of Cape Bon, Tunisia. There were no casualties.[88][11]

21 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 21 May 1941
Ship State Description
Aghios Georgios Greece Greece World War II: The coaster was shelled and sunk in the Aegean Sea off Crete by Royal Navy warships of Force D.[88]
Carlo Mirabello  Regia Marina World War II: The Mirabello-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the Ionian Sea off Cephalonia, Greece.[88]
Elusa  Netherlands World War II: Convoy HX 126: The tanker was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (59°00′N 38°05′W / 59.000°N 38.083°W / 59.000; -38.083) by U-93 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of five of her 54 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Burnham ( Royal Navy). Elusa later sank at 58°30′N 38°10′W / 58.500°N 38.167°W / 58.500; -38.167.[88][120]
Gladiator  Italy World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank at Šibenik, Yugoslavia.[88]
HMY Hanyards  Royal Navy The armed yacht sank.[88]
HMS Juno  Royal Navy World War II: Battle of Crete: The J-class destroyer was bombed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea south east of Crete, Greece by CANT Z.1007 aircraft of 50 Squadriglia, Regia Aeronautica with the loss of 128 of her 210 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Kandahar, HMS Kingston and HMS Nubian (all  Royal Navy).[17][88]
Kybfels  Germany World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Ionian Sea off Cephalonia.[88]
Marburg  Germany World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Ionian Sea off Cephalonia.[88]
Marconi  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HX 126: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 270 nautical miles (500 km) south south east of Cape Farewell, Greenland (approximately 58°N 41°W / 58°N 41°W / 58; -41) by U-98 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 22 of her 74 crew. Survivors were rescued by USCGC General Greene ( United States Coast Guard) and HMS Kenya ( Royal Navy).[88][121]
Padre Eterno  Italy World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Aegean Sea off Chania, Crete by Royal Navy warships of Force D.[88]
Pelegrino Matteucci  Regia Marina World War II: The Giovanni Berta-class naval trawler was sunk north west of Lefkos, Greece by mines.[122]
SS Robin Moor  United States World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted in the South Atlantic off the coast of Brazil (6°10′N 25°40′W / 6.167°N 25.667°W / 6.167; -25.667) by U-69 ( Kriegsmarine). Her crew were told that the ship would be sunk under prize rules and were given 30 minutes to abandon ship. She was then torpedoed, shelled and sunk. Twenty-six of the 37 people on board were rescued by Examelia ( United States) and landed at Cape Town, Union of South Africa. The remaining eleven people were rescued by Ozório (Brazil Brazil) and landed at Recifem Brazil. Robin Moor was the first American merchant ship lost during the war by belligerent action.[123][124][125]
Tewkesbury  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South Atlantic (5°49′N 24°09′W / 5.817°N 24.150°W / 5.817; -24.150) by U-69 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 42 crew were rescued by Exhibitor and Knoxville City (both  United States)[88][126]

22 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 22 May 1941
Ship State Description
Barnby  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HX 126: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (60°30′N 34°12′W / 60.500°N 34.200°W / 60.500; -34.200) by U-111 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 45 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Aurora ( Royal Navy).[127]
Ben Veg  United Kingdom The coaster collided with Brittany ( United Kingdom) and sank in the Irish Sea 8 nautical miles (15 km) north of Point of Ayre, Isle of Man. Her crew were rescued.[128]
British Grenadier  United Kingdom World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (6°15′N 12°59′W / 6.250°N 12.983°W / 6.250; -12.983) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 49 crew were rescued by Ganda ( Portugal) and Jose Calvo Sotelo ( Spain).[88][129]
Carmen Sylva  Romania The cargo ship was shelled and sunk by Royal Navy warships of Force D.[Note 2][88]
Empire Progress  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged in the English Channel 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) south west of The Needles, Isle of Wight with the loss of four crew. She was beached in Totland Bay the next day. Empire Progress was later refloated, repaired and returned to service.[88][130]
HMS Fiji  Royal Navy World War II: Battle of Crete: The Crown Colony-class cruiser was bombed and sunk off Crete, Greece, by Messerschmitt Bf 109 aircraft of Jagdgeschwader 77 and Junkers Ju 88 aircraft of Lehrgeschwader 1, Luftwaffe with the loss of 241 of her 764 crew.
HMS Gloucester  Royal Navy
HMS Gloucester

World War II: Battle of Crete: The Town-class cruiser was bombed and sunk 12 nautical miles (22 km) north of Crete by Junkers Ju 87 aircraft of the Luftwaffe with the loss of 722 of her 807 crew.

HMS Greyhound  Royal Navy World War II: Battle of Crete: The G-class destroyer was bombed and sunk west of Crete by Junkers Ju 87 aircraft of Sturzkampfgeschwader 2, Luftwaffe with the loss of 80 of her 146 crew.
Käte Grammerstorf  Germany World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Wadden Sea off Juist and 12 nautical miles (22 km) south of Heligoland.[88][131][132][133]
HNLMS Nautilus  Royal Netherlands Navy The minelayer collided with Murrayfield ( United Kingdom) and sank in the North Sea off Saltfleet, Yorkshire (56°36′N 0°25′E / 56.600°N 0.417°E / 56.600; 0.417) without loss of life.[134]
HMS York  Royal Navy
HMS York

World War II: The York-class cruiser, aground at Suda Bay, Crete, since 26 March 1941, was scuttled by Allied forces to prevent her capture by Axis forces. She was salvaged in February 1952 and scrapped at Bari, Italy.

23 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 23 May 1941
Ship State Description
Berhala  Netherlands World War II: Convoy OB 318: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Freetown, Sierra Leone (9°50′N 17°50′W / 9.833°N 17.833°W / 9.833; -17.833) by U-38 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of her 62 crew. Survivors were rescued by a Royal Navy warship.[88][135][136]
HMS Kashmir  Royal Navy World War II: Battle of Crete: The K-class destroyer was bombed and sunk off Crete, Greece (34°40′N 24°10′E / 34.667°N 24.167°E / 34.667; 24.167) by Junkers Ju 87 aircraft of the Luftwaffe.
HMS Kelly  Royal Navy World War II: Battle of Crete: The K-class destroyer was bombed and sunk off Crete by Junkers Ju 87 aircraft of the Luftwaffe.
HMT Kos XXIII  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler was bombed and damaged in Suda Bay, Crete by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was later declared a total loss. Two of her crew were taken as prisoners of war.[88] She was later salvaged by the Germans and entered Kriegsmarine service as UJ-2104.[137]
MTB 67,
MTB 213,
MTB 214,
MTB 216, and
MTB 217 		 Royal Navy World War II: Battle of Crete: The Thornycroft 55-foot-class motor torpedo boats were bombed and sunk at Suda Bay by Luftwaffe aircraft.[88]
Meuliere  French Navy The Albatre-class gunboat was wrecked off Ajaccio, Corsica.[138]

24 May[edit]

List of shipwrecks: 24 May 1941
Ship State Description
HMT Aurora II  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler was bombed and sunk at Tobruk, Libya by Junkers Ju 87 aircraft of the Luftwaffe.[17][88]
HMS Hood  Royal Navy
HMS Hood

World War II: Battle of the Denmark Strait: The Admiral-class battlecruiser was shelled and sunk in the Denmark Strait by Bismarck ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 1,415 of her 1,418 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Electra (

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