List of shipwrecks in December 1939

Last updated

The list of shipwrecks in December 1939 includes ships sunk, foundered, grounded, or otherwise lost during December 1939.

Contents

1 December

For the loss of MV Realf on this day, see the entry for 30 November 1939

List of shipwrecks: 1 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Arcturus Flag of Norway.svg  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea off Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom by U-31 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of nine of her 24 crew. Survivors were rescued by Eva (Flag of Norway.svg  Norway) and Ivar (Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark). [1] [2] [3] [4]
Dalryan Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km) south west of the Tongue Lightship ( Trinity House Ensign.svg Trinity House) ( 51°31′00″N1°19′05″E / 51.51667°N 1.31806°E / 51.51667; 1.31806 ). All 39 men aboard were rescued. [5] [6] [7] The wreck was subsequently dispersed by explosives. [8]
Floride Flag of France.svg  France World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and was damaged in the North Sea off Dunkerque, Nord. She was beached at Malo-les-Bains, Nord but broke in two and was declared a total loss. Three crewmen were killed. [2] [9] [10]
Grethe Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark The schooner ran aground on the Goodwin Sands, Kent, United Kingdom and was wrecked. Her seven crew were rescued by a Royal Navy destroyer. [2] [11]
Magda Flag of Germany (1935-1945).svg  Germany The fishing trawler was lost in the North Sea north of Heligoland. [2]
Mercator Flag of Finland.svg  Finland World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea south east of Aberdeen ( 57°39′N0°36′W / 57.650°N 0.600°W / 57.650; -0.600 ) by U-31 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 32 crew. Some survivors were rescued by the fishing vessel Bread Winner (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom) and the Peterhead lifeboat Julia Park Barry of Glasgow ( Flag of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.svg Royal National Lifeboat Institution), with the rest reaching Boddam, Aberdeenshire in a lifeboat. [1] [2] [12] [13]

2 December

List of shipwrecks: 2 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Chancellor Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HXF 11: The cargo ship collided with the tanker Athelchief (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom) in the Atlantic Ocean 70 nautical miles (130 km) off Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada ( 44°30′N61°51′W / 44.500°N 61.850°W / 44.500; -61.850 ) and sank. All 42 crew survived. [14] [15]
Doric Star Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the South Atlantic ( 19°15′S5°05′E / 19.250°S 5.083°E / -19.250; 5.083 ) by Admiral Graf Spee (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine). Her crew survived. [1]
Eskdene Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HN 3: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the North Sea ( 56°30′N1°40′W / 56.500°N 1.667°W / 56.500; -1.667 ) by U-56 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) and was abandoned by her 29 crew, who were rescued by Hild (Flag of Norway.svg  Norway). Eskdene drifted for five days before she was taken in tow by four tugs, including Bulger, Hendon and George V (all Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom) and beached on the Herd Sands on 8 December. Subsequently refloated and taken in South Shields, County Durham. Eskdene was repaired and returned to service. [2] [16]
San Calisto Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The tanker struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km) south west of the Tongue Lightship ( Trinity House Ensign.svg Trinity House) ( 51°31′09″N1°25′00″E / 51.51917°N 1.41667°E / 51.51917; 1.41667 ) with the loss of six of her 42 crew. The wreck was subsequently dispersed by explosives. [1] [6] [17] [18]
Watussi Flag of Germany (1935-1945).svg  Germany World War II: The passenger ship was scuttled in the South Atlantic 50 nautical miles (93 km) south of Cape Agulhas, Union of South Africa after being spotted by a Junkers Ju 86 aircraft of the South African Air Force and approached by HMS Sussex (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy), which rescued the 196 people on board. Watussi was shelled by HMS Renown (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy) to quicken her sinking. [1] [2] [19]

3 December

List of shipwrecks: 3 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Hamsterley Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom The cargo ship collided with Accrington (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom) in the North Sea off Happisburgh, Norfolk and sank with the loss of a crew member. [20]
Manchester Regiment Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy HXF 11: The cargo ship collided with Oropesa (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom) and sank with the loss of nine of her 74 crew. Survivors were rescued by Oropesa. [2] [21] [22]
Moortoft Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom The cargo ship foundered in the North Sea with the loss of all thirteen crew. [1] [23]
M-31 Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy Winter War: The minesweeper ran aground off Cape Yarisinielmi whilst attempting to refloat Oranienbaum (Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy). [24]
M-37 Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy Winter War: The minesweeper ran aground and sprang a leak off Cape Yarisinielmi whilst attempting to refloat Oranienbaum (Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy) and was abandoned by her crew. [24]
Oranienbaum Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy Winter War: The gunboat ran aground off Cape Yarisinielmi whilst shelling a Finnish battery. She was refloated on 15 December and taken in to "Polutorno" for repairs. [24]
Ove Toft Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea ( 55°36′N0°46′E / 55.600°N 0.767°E / 55.600; 0.767 ) by U-31 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of her 21 crew. [1] [2] [25]
Rudolf Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Firth of Tay ( 56°15′N1°25′W / 56.250°N 1.417°W / 56.250; -1.417 ) by U-56 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of nine of her 23 crew. Survivors were rescued by the fishing trawler Cardew (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom), the naval trawler HMT Firefly (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy) and the cargo ship Gunlög (Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden). [2] [26] [27]
Tairoa Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the South Atlantic ( 21°30′S3°00′E / 21.500°S 3.000°E / -21.500; 3.000 ) by Admiral Graf Spee (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine). Her crew were rescued. [1] [28]
211Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy The ship ran aground off Cape Yarisiniemei whilst attempting to assist in the refloating of Oranienbaum (Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy). [24]

4 December

List of shipwrecks: 4 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Gimle Flag of Norway.svg  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea ( 57°15′N1°50′E / 57.250°N 1.833°E / 57.250; 1.833 ) by U-31 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of three of her nineteen crew. Survivors were rescued by Rudolf (Flag of Norway.svg  Norway). [1] [2] [29] [30]
Horsted Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea south east of Flamborough Head, Yorkshire ( 53°48′N0°16′E / 53.800°N 0.267°E / 53.800; 0.267 ) with the loss of five crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Jackal (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy). [1] [31] [32]
Primula Flag of Norway.svg  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 125 nautical miles (232 km) east of Aberdeen, United Kingdom ( 57°15′N1°50′E / 57.250°N 1.833°E / 57.250; 1.833 ) by U-31 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eight of her fifteen crew. Survivors were rescued by Wm. Th. Malling (Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark). [1] [2] [33] [34]
U-36 War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Type VIIA submarine was torpedoed and sunk in the Norwegian Sea off Stavanger, Norway ( 57°00′N5°02′E / 57.000°N 5.033°E / 57.000; 5.033 ) by HMS Salmon (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy) with the loss of all 40 crew.
UJ-117 Gustav Körner War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine World War II: The submarine chaser struck a mine and sank in The Belts, Denmark. There were only two survivors and at least five dead. She was salvaged in June 1940, repaired and returned to service. [2] [35] [36]

5 December

List of shipwrecks: 5 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
M-71 Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy The M-class submarine was driven ashore and severely damaged on a skerry in Finnish waters. She was refloated and taken in to Cronstadt for repairs. [24]
Navasota Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy OB 46: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Celtic Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) south west of the Fastnet Rock ( 50°43′N10°16′W / 50.717°N 10.267°W / 50.717; -10.267 ) by U-47 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 37 of her 82 crew. Survivors were rescued by Clan Farquhar (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom) and HMS Escapade (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy). [1] [2] [37]

6 December

List of shipwrecks: 6 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Agu Flag of Estonia.svg  Estonia World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea by U-31 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all eighteen crew. [38] [39]
Britta Flag of Norway.svg  Norway World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 45 nautical miles (83 km) south west of the Longships Lighthouse, Cornwall, United Kingdom by U-47 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of her 31 crew. Survivors were rescued by the fishing trawler Memlinc (Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium). [1] [2] [40] [41]
Paralos Flag of Greece (1822-1978).svg  Greece World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 7 nautical miles (13 km) north east of North Foreland, Kent, United Kingdom ( 51°31′06″N1°25′05″E / 51.51833°N 1.41806°E / 51.51833; 1.41806 ) with the loss of three of her 25 crew. Survivors were rescued by Roek (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom). [6] [42] [43]
Shch-311 Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy The Shchuka-class submarine ran aground in the Baltic Sea. She was on a voyage from Cronstadt to Tallinn. She was refloated with assistance from the destroyer Karl Marx (Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy) and put back to Cronstadt. [24]
Ussukuma Flag of Germany (1935-1945).svg  Nazi Germany World War II: The passenger ship was scuttled in the South Atlantic (100 nautical miles (190 km) south of Necochea, Argentina, when intercepted by HMS Ajax (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy). All 107 crew were rescued and interned for the duration of the war.
Vinga Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea ( 56°25′N1°08′E / 56.417°N 1.133°E / 56.417; 1.133 ) by U-31 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine). Her 22 crew were rescued by Transporter (Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark). [1] [2] [44] [45]
HMT Washington Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk with the loss of seven of her eight crew. [2] [46] [47]

7 December

List of shipwrecks: 7 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
HeimatFlag of Germany (1935-1945).svg  Nazi Germany World War II: The fishing boat was sunk in the Gulf of Gdansk by a mine laid by the Polish submarine ORP Wilk. [48]
Louis Sheid Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium World War II: The cargo ship ran aground off Thurlestone, Devon, United Kingdom ( 50°15′48″N3°52′12″W / 50.26333°N 3.87000°W / 50.26333; -3.87000 ) while escaping from U-47 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine). She broke in two and was declared a total loss. There were 46 survivors. [49]
Scotia Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark World War II: The cargo ship (2,400 GRT, 1924) was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea ( 57°31′N2°17′E / 57.517°N 2.283°E / 57.517; 2.283 ) by U-23 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 19 of her 21 crew. Survivors were rescued by Hafnia (Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark). [2] [50]
Streonshalh Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was stopped in the Atlantic Ocean south of Trinidad ( 25°01′S27°50′W / 25.017°S 27.833°W / -25.017; -27.833 ) by Admiral Graf Spee (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) and was sunk with scuttling charges and gunfire after her 32 crew had been taken aboard the raider. [1] [2]
Tajandoen Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel 40 nautical miles (74 km) north of Ouessant, Finistère, France ( 49°09′N4°51′W / 49.150°N 4.850°W / 49.150; -4.850 ) by U-47 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of her 68 crew. Survivors were rescued by Louis Sheid (Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium). [2] [51] [52]
Thomas Walton Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Norwegian Sea south of Svolvær, Norway ( 67°53′N14°29′E / 67.883°N 14.483°E / 67.883; 14.483 ) by U-38 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine with the loss of 13 of her 44 crew. Survivors were rescued by Irma (Flag of Norway.svg  Norway) and Sebu (Flag of Germany (1935-1945).svg  Germany ). [53]
Whintown Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom The cargo ship collided with Leo (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom) and sank in the North Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) south of the Haisboro' Lightship ( Trinity House Ensign.svg Trinity House). [1]

8 December

List of shipwrecks: 8 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Adour Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium The cargo ship (1,105 GRT, 1898) ran aground on rocks at Îles de Glénan, Finistère, France and sank. [1]
Brandon Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy OB 48: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Celtic Sea 120 nautical miles (220 km) off Land's End, Cornwall ( 50°28′N8°28′W / 50.467°N 8.467°W / 50.467; -8.467 ) by U-48 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of nine crew. Survivors were rescued by the trawlers Marie Jose Rosette (Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium) and Tritten (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom). [2] [54]
Corea Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Cromer, Norfolk. with the loss of eight of her 15 crew. Survivors were rescued by H F Bailey III ( Flag of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.svg Royal National Lifeboat Institution). [1] [2]
Dinard Flag of France.svg  France The coaster collided with Swynfleet (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom) and sank in the English Channel off Deal, Kent. [55] [56]
Gambhria Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom The cargo ship was sunk as a block ship in Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands. She was raised in 1943 and taken to Liverpool Bay where she was used as an ASDIC target. [57]
Merel Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in The Downs, Kent west of the Gull Lightship ( Trinity House Ensign.svg Trinity House) with the loss of sixteen of her eighteen crew. [6] [58]
Middlesbro' Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom The cargo ship struck the wreck of Goodwood (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom) and sank in the North Sea 1 nautical mile (1.9 km) off Flamborough Head, Yorkshire. The crew were rescued by Runeborg (Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden). [2] [59]
Moskva Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy Winter War: The minesweeper ran aground in Saunaniemi Bay whilst avoiding Finnish artillery fire. [24]
M-30 Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy Winter War: The minesweeper ran aground in Saunaniemi Bay whilst avoiding Finnish artillery fire and was holed. An attempt was made to beach her, but she rammed the minesweeper M-416, which sank. M-30 was beached. [24]
M-416 Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy Winter War: The minesweeper was rammed and sunk in Saunaniemi Bay by the minesweeper M-30 (Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy). Her crew were rescued by the minesweepers M-412 and M-422 (both Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy). [24]

9 December

List of shipwrecks: 9 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Adolf Leonhardt Flag of Germany (1935-1945).svg  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled by her crew in the South Atlantic off Portuguese West Africa when intercepted by HMS Shropshire (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy), which rescued her 25 crew. [1] [2] [60]
Magnus Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea ( 57°48′N0°35′W / 57.800°N 0.583°W / 57.800; -0.583 ) by U-20 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eighteen of her nineteen crew. The survivor was rescued by the fishing trawler Philippe (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom). [1] [2] [61]
San Alberto Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy OB 48: The tanker was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean south west of Cornwall ( 49°20′N9°45′W / 49.333°N 9.750°W / 49.333; -9.750 ) by U-48 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 37 crew. The ship broke in two, with the bow section sinking. Survivors were rescued by Alexandre Andre (Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium) but later reboarded the stern section and attempted to reach port. It was later scuttled by HMS Mackay (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy). [1] [2] [62] [63]

10 December

List of shipwrecks: 10 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Bolheim Flag of Germany (1935-1945).svg  Germany World War II: Winter War: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Gulf of Bothnia off Mäntyluoto, Finland, 28 miles (45 km) south west of Sappi Lighthouse ( 61°26′N21°04′E / 61.433°N 21.067°E / 61.433; 21.067 ) by S-1 (Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy). Three crewmen were killed. [1] [2] [64] [65] [66]
Fire King Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom The coaster collided with Duke of Lancaster (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom) in the Irish Sea off the Point of Ayre, Isle of Man and sank. The wreck was dispersed in 1940. [67]
Føina Flag of Norway.svg  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 160 nautical miles (300 km) west north west of Rattray Head, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom by U-20 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all eighteen crew. [1] [2] [68] [69] [70]
Immingham Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands World War II: The coaster struck a mine and was damaged in the North Sea off Callantsoog, North Holland. She sank the next day. All seven crew were rescued. [2] [52] [71] [72] [73]
Jotun Flag of Norway.svg  Norway The coaster ran aground south of Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, United Kingdom and was wrecked. [2]
Kabinda Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium The cargo ship ran aground on the Goodwin Sands, Kent, United Kingdom ( 51°15′03″N1°29′17″E / 51.25083°N 1.48806°E / 51.25083; 1.48806 ) and broke in two. All 41 crewmen were rescued. She was declared a total loss. [2] [5] [74] [49] [75]
Kassari Flag of Estonia.svg  Estonia World War II: Winter War: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Baltic Sea off Utö, Finland by S-323 (Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy) with the loss of a crew member. [1] [2]
HMT Ray of Hope Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy World War II: The auxiliary mineswseeper struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Ramsgate, Kent with the loss of nine of her twelve crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Silver Dawn (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy). [31] [76]
Reinbeck Flag of Germany (1935-1945).svg  Germany World War II: Winter War: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of Finland ( 59°42′N24°26′E / 59.700°N 24.433°E / 59.700; 24.433 ) by S-322 (Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy). [1] [2] [77]
Stanwood Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom The collier's cargo of coal caught fire. She was beached in the Carrick Roads but capsized and was declared a total loss. The wreck was dispersed by explosives in 1949. [78] [79]
Willowpool Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship either struck a mine and sank in the North Sea east of the Newarp Lightship ( Trinity House Ensign.svg Trinity House) ( 52°52′48″N1°51′12″E / 52.88000°N 1.85333°E / 52.88000; 1.85333 ), or was torpedoed and sunk by U-20 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine). All 36 crew were rescued by the Gorleston lifeboat Louise Stephens ( Flag of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.svg Royal National Lifeboat Institution). [1] [80] [81] [82]

11 December

List of shipwrecks: 11 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Garoufalia Flag of Greece (1822-1978).svg  Greece World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Norwegian Sea ( 64°36′N10°42′E / 64.600°N 10.700°E / 64.600; 10.700 ) by U-38 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of four of her 29 crew. Survivors were rescued by Tellus (Flag of Norway.svg  Norway). [1] [2] [83] [84]
Storfjeld Flag of Norway.svg  Norway The cargo ship ran aground on the Seaton Rocks, Northumberland, United Kingdom ( 55°05′15″N1°28′00″W / 55.08750°N 1.46667°W / 55.08750; -1.46667 ) and was wrecked. Her crew were rescued from the shore by the Coastguard life-saving apparatus. [85] [86] [87]

12 December

List of shipwrecks: 12 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Dionyssios Strathatos Flag of Greece (1822-1978).svg  Greece The cargo ship sank in the Atlantic Ocean ( 58°31′N21°55′W / 58.517°N 21.917°W / 58.517; -21.917 ). [88]
HMS Duchess Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy The D-class destroyer collided with HMS Barham (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy) 9 nautical miles (17 km) off the Mull of Kintyre and sank with the loss of 124 of her 145 crew.
Marwick Head Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk with the loss of five of her ten crew. [2] [89] [90]
Torö Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden World War II: The cargo ship (1,467 GRT, 1924) struck a mine and sank in the Baltic Sea ( 55°20′N13°04′E / 55.333°N 13.067°E / 55.333; 13.067 ). [2] There were no casualties. [91] [ circular reference ]
Vidovodan Flag of Yugoslavia (1918-1943).svg  Yugoslavia The cargo ship ran aground off Natuna Island and was wrecked. [92]

13 December

List of shipwrecks: 13 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Algol Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden World War II: The cargo ship hit a mine between Trelleborg and Falsterbo ( 55°19′N12°28′E / 55.317°N 12.467°E / 55.317; 12.467 ) and sank. Six crew were rescued. She was salvaged in 1940, repaired and returned to service. [93]
Ashkabad Flag of the USSR (1936-1955).svg  Soviet Union World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea off Dunkerque, Nord, France by U-57 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of seventeen crew. [1] [2]
Deptford Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Norwegian Sea off Honningsvåg, Norway ( 62°15′N05°08′E / 62.250°N 5.133°E / 62.250; 5.133 (Deptford (ship)) ) by U-38 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 32 of her 37 crew. Survivors were rescued by HNoMS Firda (Flag of Norway, state.svg  Royal Norwegian Navy) and Nordnorge (Flag of Norway.svg  Norway). [1] [2] [94]
Indigirka Flag of the USSR (1936-1955).svg  Soviet Union The Dalstroi passenger ship ran aground when trying to enter the La Perouse Strait with a loss of 741 lives, most of them from the Gulag prison.
King Egbert Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy FS 53: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 4.5 nautical miles (8.3 km) off Happisburgh, Norfolk and 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) south west of the Haisborough Lightship ( Trinity House Ensign.svg Trinity House) with the loss of one of her 33 crew. The wreck was subsequently dispersed by explosives. [2] [95] [96]
HSwMS Manligheten Naval Ensign of Sweden.svg  Swedish Navy The ship suffered an onboard explosion which killed six crew. [1]
Mina Flag of Estonia.svg  Estonia World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea by U-57 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all seventeen crew. [97] [98]
Rosa Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 6.5 nautical miles (12.0 km) off the mouth of the River Tyne ( 55°01′42″N01°13′00″W / 55.02833°N 1.21667°W / 55.02833; -1.21667 ) with the loss of a crew member. [2] [99]
HMT William Hallett Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy World War II: The Strath-class trawler was sunk by a mine 3.5 nautical miles (6.5 km) off the mouth of the River Tyne with the loss of eight of her nine crew. The survivor was rescued by the fishing trawler Ben Arthur (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom). [1] [2]

14 December

List of shipwrecks: 14 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
F-9 War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine World War II: The F-class escort ship was torpedoed and sunk off Heligoland by HMS Ursula (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy) with the loss of 120 of her 135 crew. Survivors were rescued by Richard Beitzen (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine). [1] [2] [100] [101]
Inverlane Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy FN 54: The Inver-class tanker was mined and abandoned in the North Sea off Sunderland, County Durham ( 55°05′00″N01°07′00″W / 55.08333°N 1.11667°W / 55.08333; -1.11667 ) with the loss of four of her crew. She subsequently washed ashore at Seaburn, County Durham. The bow section was salvaged and used as a blockship at Scapa Flow. [1]
HMT James Ludford Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy World War II: The Mersey-class trawler struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland ( 55°02′30″N01°16′15″W / 55.04167°N 1.27083°W / 55.04167; -1.27083 ) with the loss of seventeen of her eighteen crew. [1] [2] [102]
HMS Kelly Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy World War II: The K-class destroyer struck a mine in the North Sea and was severely damaged. Repairs took until 28 February 1940 to complete.

15 December

List of shipwrecks: 15 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Germaine Flag of Greece (1822-1978).svg  Greece World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean ( 51°00′N12°18′W / 51.000°N 12.300°W / 51.000; -12.300 ) by U-48 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine). Her crew were rescued by HMS Wanderer (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy). [1] [103] [104]
Harfry Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom The cargo ship collided with Luso or Luso) (Flag of Portugal.svg  Portugal) in the North Sea off Dunkerque, Nord, France and was beached. [103] [105]
H. C. Flood Flag of Norway.svg  Norway World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea ( 55°02′00″N01°12′00″W / 55.03333°N 1.20000°W / 55.03333; -1.20000 ) with the loss of four of her 21 crew. [1] [106]
Ragni Flag of Norway.svg  Norway World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank off the mouth of the River Tyne ( 55°02′N1°12′W / 55.033°N 1.200°W / 55.033; -1.200 ) with the loss of six of her nineteen crew. [1] [2] [107]
Strindheim Flag of Norway.svg  Norway World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank off the mouth of the River Tyne ( 55°02′37″N01°17′35″W / 55.04361°N 1.29306°W / 55.04361; -1.29306 ) with the loss of nine of her eleven crew. [1] [2]
Ursus Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden World War II: The cargo ship (1,499 GRT, 1902) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea north of the North Foreland, Kent ( 51°35′N1°36′E / 51.583°N 1.600°E / 51.583; 1.600 ) with the loss of nine of her twenty crew. Survivors were rescued by the fishing trawler Brindus (Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands). [6] [108]
Vindovan Flag of Yugoslavia (1918-1943).svg  Yugoslavia The cargo ship was wrecked on Great Netuna, Netherlands East Indies. [109]

16 December

List of shipwrecks: 16 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Amble Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The tanker struck a mine and was damaged in the North Sea off Sunderland, County Durham. Her crew were rescued by HMS Wallace (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy). Amble came ashore between Sunderland and Whitburn. She was refloated on 25 December but declared a constructive total loss and scrapped. [1] [2] [110]
HMT Evelina Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler was sunk by a mine off the mouth of the River Tyne with the loss of all nine crew. [1] [2] [111]
Glitrefjell Flag of Norway.svg  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea ( 56°14′N1°04′E / 56.233°N 1.067°E / 56.233; 1.067 ) by U-59 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) at with the loss of five of her eighteen crew. Survivors were rescued by Icarion (Flag of Greece (1822-1978).svg  Greece ) and HMS Icarus (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy). [1] [103] [112]
Lister Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea ( 55°13′N1°33′E / 55.217°N 1.550°E / 55.217; 1.550 ) off Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom by U-59 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) 130 nautical miles (240 km). Six crew were rescued by HMS Eclipse (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy), with all the rest reaching the Danish coast in a lifeboat. There were no casualties. [1] [103] [113]
HMT Sedgefly Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank off the mouth of the River Tyne with the loss of all sixteen crew. [1] [2] [114]

17 December

List of shipwrecks: 17 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Admiral Graf Spee War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine
Admiral Graf Spee Graf Spee scuttled.png
Admiral Graf Spee

World War II: Battle of the River Plate: The Deutschland-class cruiser (12,340/16,020 t, 1936) was scuttled off Montevideo, Uruguay rather than engage with the Allies or be interned.

Bogø Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 75 nautical miles (139 km) east of the Isle of May, Fife, United Kingdom ( 56°12′N0°17′W / 56.200°N 0.283°W / 56.200; -0.283 ) by U-59 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of seventeen of her twenty crew. Survivors were rescued by the fishing trawler River Earn (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom). [1] [103] [115] [116]
CompagnusCivil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The fishing vessel was bombed and sunk in the North Sea 150 nautical miles (280 km) east by north of the Isle of May by aircraft of X Fliegerkorps , Luftwaffe with the loss of a crew member. Survivors were rescued by Colleague (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom). [103] [117]
Eileen WrayCivil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The fishing trawler was bombed and damaged in the North Sea off Hartlepool, Co Durham by aircraft of X Fliegerkorps, Luftwaffe. She was towed into port but sank. [103]
Isabella GreigCivil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The fishing trawler was bombed and sunk in the North Sea 145 nautical miles (269 km) east by north of the Isle of May by aircraft of X Fliegerkorps, Luftwaffe. Her crew were rescued. [103]
Jaegersborg Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea by U-59 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all eighteen crew. [1] [118] [119]
PearlCivil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The fishing trawler was bombed and sunk in the North Sea 65 nautical miles (120 km) east by south of the Inner Dowsing Lightship ( Trinity House Ensign.svg Trinity House) by aircraft of X Fliegerkorps, Luftwaffe with the loss of a crew member. [103] [120]
SerenityCivil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The fishing trawler was bombed and sunk 8 nautical miles (15 km) east north east of Whitby, Yorkshire by Luftwaffe aircraft. All eight crew were rescued by a lifeboat. [1] [121]
ZelosCivil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The fishing trawler was bombed and sunk in the North Sea 110 nautical miles (200 km) east by north of the Isle of May by aircraft of X Fliegerkorps, Luftwaffe. [103]

18 December

List of shipwrecks: 18 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
ActiveCivil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The fishing trawler was bombed and sunk in the Moray Firth 30 nautical miles (56 km) north by west of Rattray Head, Aberdeenshire, by aircraft of X Fliegerkorps , Luftwaffe with the loss of a crew member. Survivors were rescued by Caribineer II (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom). [122]
Trinity N. B.Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The fishing trawler was bombed and sunk in the North Sea off Kinnaird Head, Aberdeenshire ( 57°50′N1°30′W / 57.833°N 1.500°W / 57.833; -1.500 ) by aircraft of X Fliegerkorps, Luftwaffe, with the loss of two of her crew. Survivors were rescued by Smart (Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark). [103] [123]

19 December

List of shipwrecks: 19 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Columbus Flag of Germany (1935-1945).svg  Germany World War II: The passenger ship was intercepted in the Atlantic Ocean 450 nautical miles (830 km) east of Cape May, New Jersey, United States ( 38°01′N65°41′W / 38.017°N 65.683°W / 38.017; -65.683 ) by HMS Hyperion (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy) and was scuttled by her crew with the loss of two lives. [124]
City of Kobe Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: Convoy FS 56: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea near the Cross Sands Lightship ( Trinity House Ensign.svg Trinity House) ( 52°34′54″N1°59′30″E / 52.58167°N 1.99167°E / 52.58167; 1.99167 ) with the loss of one of her 31 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Tumby (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy). [1] [103] [125] [126]
DanedenCivil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The fishing trawler was bombed and sunk in the North Sea east south east of the Shetland Islands by aircraft of X Fliegerkorps , Luftwaffe. [127]
Jytte Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 18 nautical miles (33 km) off Souter Point, Northumberland, United Kingdom with the loss of ten of her eighteen crew. Survivors were rescued by Avance (Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark). [1] [2]
River EarnCivil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The fishing trawler was bombed and sunk in the North Sea east north east of Kinnaird Head ( 58°30′N2°01′E / 58.500°N 2.017°E / 58.500; 2.017 ) by aircraft of X Fliegerkorps, Luftwaffe. All on board were rescued by Rogaland (Flag of Norway.svg  Norway). [103]
Uko Flag of Finland.svg  Finland World War II: The coaster was bombed and sunk in the North Sea 80 nautical miles (150 km) south of Utsira, Norway by Luftwaffe aircraft. All on board were rescued by Sir Ernest Cassel (Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden). [103]
Voima Naval Jack of Finland.svg  Merivoimat The minelayer/naval tug was lost by grounding. [128]

20 December

List of shipwrecks: 20 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Adolf Bratt Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Terschelling, Friesland, Netherlands ( 53°28′N5°08′E / 53.467°N 5.133°E / 53.467; 5.133 ) with the loss of five of the 22 people on board. Survivors were rescued by Auseklis (Flag of Latvia.svg  Latvia). [1] [103] [129] [130]
Mars Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 1 nautical mile (1.9 km) east of St Mary's Lighthouse, off Blyth, Northumberland, United Kingdom ( 55°03′48″N1°23′59″W / 55.06333°N 1.39972°W / 55.06333; -1.39972 ) with the loss of seven of her 22 crew. [1] [103]
HMS Napia Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy World War II: The tug struck a mine and sank in The Downs, off Deal, Kent ( 51°15′45″N1°25′00″E / 51.26250°N 1.41667°E / 51.26250; 1.41667 ) with the loss of all eight crew. [103] [131]
Vega Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden World War II: The cargo ship was damaged by a mine off Terschelling. She was beached on 21 December near IJmuiden, North Holland but was declared a total loss. Her seventeen crew were rescued by Venern (Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden). [1] [103]

21 December

List of shipwrecks: 21 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
HMS Bayonet Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy World War II: The Net-class boom defence vessel struck a mine and sank in the Firth of Forth off Leith, Midlothian with the loss of three of her 31 crew. [103]
Carl Henckel Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 90 nautical miles (170 km) off Aberdeen, United Kingdome ( 57°00′N0°17′E / 57.000°N 0.283°E / 57.000; 0.283 ) with the loss of ten crew and 2 of the 3 survivors of Mars (Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden). Survivors were rescued by Hop (Flag of Norway.svg  Norway). [1] [103] [132]
Comitas Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg  Italy World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and was damaged in the North Sea off the coast of Belgium. She was beached off Vlissingen, Zeeland, Netherlands. There were no casualties and 28 survivors. She later broke in two, a total loss. [133] [134]
Danube IV Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom The tug collided with Southern Prince (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom) in the Clyde and sank. [103]
Mars Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea off the Isle of May, Fife, United kingdom ( 57°00′N0°20′E / 57.000°N 0.333°E / 57.000; 0.333 ) by U-21 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine). Three of her nineteen crew were rescued by Carl Henckel (Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden), but two of them were killed when she was sunk just after, leaving only one survivor. [103] [132] [135] [136]
Rudolf Flag of Norway.svg  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea ( 58°07′N1°32′E / 58.117°N 1.533°E / 58.117; 1.533 ) by U-46 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of her thirteen crew. Survivors were rescued by Biarritz and Bjerka (both Flag of Norway.svg  Norway). [1] [103] [137] [138]
Southern Prince Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom The cargo ship collided with Danube IV (Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom) in the Clyde and was beached. She was refloated on 23 December, repaired and returned to service. [103]

22 December

List of shipwrecks: 22 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
HMT Dromio Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy The naval trawler collided with Valentino (Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg  Italy ) and sank in the North Sea off Whitby, Yorkshire. [139]
Gryfevale Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and was damaged in the North Sea off Whitby. She was beached in the River Tyne. [103]
Longships Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship ran aground on the Seven Stones Reef, between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Her crew were rescued by the St Mary's lifeboat Cunard ( Flag of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.svg Royal National Lifeboat Institution). She broke in two a week later. [1] [140]

23 December

List of shipwrecks: 23 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
HMS Glen Albyn Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in Loch Ewe. [141] [142]
Dolphin Government Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The decommissioned former repair ship (3,099 GRT, 1902) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea ( 55°06′05″N01°27′09″W / 55.10139°N 1.45250°W / 55.10139; -1.45250 ) whilst under tow to be sunk as a blockship. All seven crew were rescued. [1] [103] [143]
Kizilrmak Flag of Turkey.svg  Turkey The cargo ship sank in the Black Sea 6 nautical miles (11 km) off the Sinop Lighthouse. [144]
HMT Promotive Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper struck a mine and sank in Loch Ewe. [145] [146]

25 December

List of shipwrecks: 25 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Edenwood Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom The collier collided with HMS Derbyshire (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy) and sank in the English Channel east of Bembridge, Isle of Wight. [103] [147]
Lappen Flag of Norway.svg  Norway The cargo ship was sunk by an explosion in the Norwegian Sea 10 nautical miles (19 km) off Bergen. Her crew were rescued by HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen (Flag of Norway, state.svg  Royal Norwegian Navy). The explosion was later attributed to barratry. [103] [148]
HMT Loch Doon Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 8 nautical miles (15 km) off Blyth, Northumberland with the loss of all fifteen crew. [1] [103] [149]
Stanholme Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Bristol Channel ( 51°20′N3°39′W / 51.333°N 3.650°W / 51.333; -3.650 ) with the loss of thirteen of her 24 crew. Survivors were rescued by Liv (Flag of Norway.svg  Norway). [1] [103] [150] [151]
Tanger Flag of Germany (1935-1945).svg  Germany The cargo ship (1,742 GRT, 1923) collided with Vulkan (Flag of Germany (1935-1945).svg  Germany ) and sank in the North Sea off Brunsbüttel. [103] [152]
Torwood Flag of Norway.svg  Norway World War II: The coaster struck a mine in the North Sea west of Karmøy and was damaged. She sank the next day with the loss of four of her eleven crew. Survivors were rescued by Hild (Flag of Norway.svg  Norway). [153]

26 December

List of shipwrecks: 26 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Glücksburg Flag of Germany (1935-1945).svg  Germany World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted by HMS Wishart (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy) and deliberately ran aground by her crew near the Chipiona Lightship (Flag of Spain (1938-1945).svg  Spain) off Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain. All crew were rescued by the fishing boat Ciudad de Melilla (Flag of Spain (1938-1945).svg  Spain). Glücksberg broke up on 4 January 1940, a total loss. [1]
HMS Triumph Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy World War II: The T-class submarine struck a mine in the North Sea. She was severely damaged, losing 18 feet (5.5 m) of her bow. Repairs took until 27 September 1940 to complete.

27 December

List of shipwrecks: 27 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Stanholme Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off the coast of Norway with the loss of fourteen of her 25 crew. The survivors were rescued by a Norwegian ship. (Look 25/12/1939) [148]

28 December

List of shipwrecks: 28 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
HMT Barbara Robertson Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy World War II: The Mersey-class trawler was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 35 nautical miles (65 km) north west of the Butt of Lewis by U-30 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her seventeen crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Isis (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy). [1] [154] [155]
Hanne Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 1 nautical mile (1.9 km) east of Blyth, Northumberland, United Kingdom ( 55°06′25″N01°29′14″W / 55.10694°N 1.48722°W / 55.10694; -1.48722 } with the loss of fifteen of her 40 crew. [1] [103]
Resercho Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The trawler (258 GRT, 1917) struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 6 nautical miles (11 km) off Flamborough Head, Yorkshire. Her ten crew were rescued. [156] [157]

29 December

List of shipwrecks: 29 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Cabo San Antonio Flag of Spain (1938-1945).svg  Spain The cargo liner (12,275 GRT, 1930) caught fire in the Atlantic Ocean 400 nautical miles (740 km) west of Conakry, French Guinea ( 10°01′N21°00′W / 10.017°N 21.000°W / 10.017; -21.000 ) and was abandoned with the loss of five passengers. Survivors were rescued by Cassard (Civil and Naval Ensign of France.svg  French Navy). Cabo San Antonio was scuttled by the French destroyer on 31 December as she became a danger to navigation. [158] [159]
Neptun Flag of Germany (1935-1945).svg  Germany The coaster ran aground in the Kattegat off Varberg, Sweden and was wrecked. [103]
Wilpas Flag of Finland.svg  Finland World War II: Winter War: The coaster was sunk by gunfire in the Gulf of Bothnia off Vaasa by ShhC-311 (Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy). [1] [103]

30 December

List of shipwrecks: 30 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
Telma Flag of Finland.svg  Finland The cargo ship was sunk by ice in the Gulf of Bothnia off Oulu. Her fifteen crew were rescued. [160] [161]
V 704 Claus Wish War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine World War II: The Einswarden-class naval trawler/ vorpostenboot ran aground east of Trelleborg, Sweden, possibly after hitting a mine. Her crew were rescued, except for two men. She was a total loss. [36] [162]

31 December

List of shipwrecks: 31 December 1939
ShipStateDescription
AdelineFlag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium World War II: The fishing vessel was bombed and sunk in the North Sea off the Noordhinder Lightship (Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands). [163]
Box Hill Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off the Humber Lightship ( Trinity House Ensign.svg Trinity House) ( 53°32′N0°24′E / 53.533°N 0.400°E / 53.533; 0.400 ) with the loss of twenty of her 32 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Ivanhoe (Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy) and another ship. [1] [164] The wreck was dispersed by explosives in 1952. [165]
Luna Flag of Norway.svg  Norway World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea ( 58°48′N3°20′E / 58.800°N 3.333°E / 58.800; 3.333 ) by U-32 (War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  Kriegsmarine). Her crew were rescued by Colombia (Flag of Norway.svg  Norway). [1] [166] [167]

Unknown date

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1939
ShipStateDescription
Kiviniemi Naval Jack of Finland.svg  Merivoimat Winter War: The minelayer was sunk in early December by an explosion of one of her mines while being placed. Four of her crew were killed. [168]
Maud Mary Flag of Poland (with coat of arms).svg  Poland The schooner sank in Poole Bay. [169]

References

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