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Sailing aboard submarines is a hazardous business.
They operate in a hostile environment and do constant battle with the sea. On occasion, the sea wins. Sometimes all
the crew dies, sometimes there are survivors. Sixty-five submarines built for the United
States Navy have been lost during their service -- more than ten percent of the total
number of submarines we built. Many were lost during declared wartime when the sea is not
the only enemy and sailing in harm's way is a way of life. Others were lost when the sea
was the only declared enemy but the hazards of maintaining peace required the submarines
be put to sea. This list is for information, so we don't forget -- sailing aboard
submarines is a hazardous business.
J. Christley
Old Subs Place
Sources:
R: Roberts, Stephen, et al, Registry of US Warships
D: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
Ros: Roscoe, Theodore, Submarine Operations of WWII
SFLM: Submarine Force Library and Museum Boat Books
WDR: War Damage Report |
For a list of Submarines in the order of their loss click here.
For a complete list of the men lost in Submarines in the order of their loss click here.
Return to:
Ships and Tonnage
Sunk or Damaged in WW II by U.S. Submarines
JANUARY --
USS S-36 (SS-141) was lost on 20-Jan-1942 when it was destroyed after
grounding on Taka Bakang Reef in Makassar Strait, Indonesia, Near Makassar City, the crew were all rescued.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM
Remarks: No known reports of wreckage being salvaged or sighted.
USS S-26 (SS-131) was lost on 24-Jan-1942 with
the loss of 46 crew when it was sunk after ramming by USS PC-460 in
the Gulf of Panama, 14 miles west of San Jose Light.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Ship reported dived shortly after sinking. In diveable water off Panamanian
coast.
USS Argonaut (SS166) was lost on 10-Jan-1943 with
the loss of 105 crew when it was sunk off Rabaul near 05° 155N; 153° 50E;
(Another location given as 5° 40S; 152° 02E)
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Water over 1000'
USS Swordfish (SS-193) was lost on or after
12-Jan-1945 with the loss of 90 crew when it was sunk near Yaku Island off
Kyushu, water <600' deep near island; ( 27° 00 N; 128° 40 E).
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Loss declared 15 Feb 45, some use this date.
FEBRUARY --
USS Shark (SS-174) was lost on 11-Feb-1942 with
the loss of 59 crew when it was sunk East of Menado, Celebes
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Loss most likely was the result of one of 3 attacks.11Feb42 E of Menado, 17
Feb 42 N of Kendari 21 Feb 42 E of Kendari (Ros).
USS Amberjack (SS-219) was lost on 16-Feb-1943 with
the loss of 72 crew when it was sunk off Rabaul; Last Contact at 5° 05S;
152° 37E
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM
USS Scorpion (SS-278) was lost on 1-Feb-1944 with
the loss of 77 crew when it was sunk East China Sea.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: WDR date spread is 1-5-44 to 2-24-44
USS Grayback (SS-208) was lost on 26-Feb-1944 with
the loss of 80 crew when it was sunk near 25° 47N 128° 45E.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Japanese records indicate 26 Feb, US records state 27 Feb. Dateline
difference.
USS Trout (SS-202) was lost on or after 29-Feb-1944
with the loss of 79 crew when it was sunk near 22° 40N; 131° 45 E, middle of
Phillipines Basin.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
USS Barbel (SS-316) was lost on or after 4-Feb-1945
with the loss of 81 crew when it was sunk in southern entrance to Palawan
Passage 7° 49.5N; 116° 47.5E Palawan.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Loss date could be as late as 6 February, however Japanese records indicate
the 4th as the sinking attack date.
MARCH --
USS F-4 [ex-SKATE] (SS23) was lost on 21-Mar-1915
with the loss of 19 crew when it foundered off Honolulu Harbor.
Sources: R, D, SFLM
Remarks: Hulk raised and reburied off Serria 13 north of Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor.
USS H-1 (SS-28) was lost on 12-Mar-1920 with the
loss of 4 crew when it Grounded, Magdalena Bay, Mexico, was sunk in 9 Fathoms
while being towed off.
Sources: R, D, SFLM
Remarks: Hull reported located in 1995. Return expeditions have not relocated hull.
Likely to be buried in sand and uncovered only periodically.
USS Perch (SS-176) was scuttled on 3-Mar-1942 30
Miles NW Soerabia, Java 60 crew were taken prisoner, 52 survived the war.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: All crew survived sinking and were rescued by Japanese forces. Reportely the
wreck has been located and dived. No written report seen.
USS Grampus (SS-207) was lost on or after 5-Mar-1943
with the loss of 72 crew when it was sunk in the Blackett Strait; Possibly in
Vella Gulf, last contacts at 4° 55S; 152° 30 E
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
USS Triton (SS-201) was lost on 15-Mar-1943 with the
loss of 74 crew when it was sunk at
0° 09N; 144° 55E
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
USS Tullibee (SS-284) was lost on 26-Mar-1944 with
the loss of 79 crew when it was sunk in operating area just north of Palau.
(One man was taken prisoner and he survived the war)
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
USS Kete (SS-369) was lost sometime on or after
20-Mar-1945 with the loss of 87 crew when it was sunk somewhere between 29°
38N; 130° 02E and Midway.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: R states probably sunk off Nansei Shoto on or about 20 Mar 1945, WDrR
gives date spread of 3-20-45 to 3-31-45
USS Trigger (SS-237) was lost on 28-Mar-1945 with
the loss of 91 crew when it was sunk in area 32° 16N 30° 40N by 132°
05E-127° 50E, (Maybe near 32° 16N; 132° 05E).
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
APRIL --
USS Pickerel (SS-177) was lost on 3-Apr-1943 with
the loss of 74 crew when it was sunk within lume of Shiramuka Light off
Honshu. (AKA Shiranuka Light)
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Ros discusses date discrepancy.
USS Grenadier (SS-210) was scuttled 22-Apr-1943
after serious damage by aircraft near Penang, ~ 10 Miles West of Lem Voalan Strait 61
crew were taken prisoner, 57 survived the war.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: No losses in the scuttling operation, all crew rescued by Japanese forces.
USS Gudgeon (SS-211) was lost on 18 April-1944 with
the loss of 80 crew when it was sunk off Saipan near Maug Island.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Loss declared after 14 May 44. Ostlund says his research shows loss northeast
of Iwo Jima. On 18 April. WDR date spread 4-7-44 to 5-12-44
USS Snook (SS-279) was lost sometime after
8-Apr-1945 with the loss of 84 crew when it was sunk within 100 miles East of
18° 40N; 111° 39E, near Hainan Island
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: R states missing after 8 April. Ros states could have been later up to late
May. WDR gives date spread of 4-8-45 to 4-20-45
USS Thresher (SSN-593) was lost on 10-Apr-1963 with
the loss of 129 crew and yard workers when it was sunk while on sea trials near Isle of Shoals.
Sources: Personal
Remarks: On line handling party when boat left Portsmouth. Dived regularly for survey.
MAY --
USS Squalus (SS-192) was lost on 23-May-1939 with a
loss of 26 crew, 33 rescued when it flooded and sank off Portsmouth, NH.
Sources: R, D,SFLM
USS Lagarto (SS-371) was lost on or shortly after
4-May-1945 with the loss of 88 crew when it was sunk in off Malay Coast in or
near the Gulf of Siam 7° 55N; 102° 00E.
The Lagarto has been located and the US Navy
is aware of her location and the condition of the hull.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Diveable water of less than 200 feet
USS Stickleback (SS-415) was lost on 30-May-1958 when it sank off Hawaii
while being towed, after collision with USS Silverstein (DE-534). All the crew were taken off prior to sinking.
Sources: R, D, SFLM
USS Scorpion (SSN-589) was lost on 27-May-1968 with
the loss of 99 crew when it was sunk while in transit from Med, West of
Azores.
Sources: R, SFLM
Remarks: Regularly dived for survey HMC Saville from Seadragon was Doc on Scorpion.
JUNE --
USS O-9 (SS-70) was lost on 20-Jun-1941 with the
loss of 34 crew when it foundered off Isle of Shoals, 15 miles from Portsmouth
NH, 42° 59' 48N - 20° 20' 27W
Sources: R, D, SFLM
Remarks: Depth 400 feet. Reported dived 2001. Visibility nil, side scan sonar images
only.
USS S-27 (SS-132) was lost on 19-Jun-1942 when it grounded off Amchitka
Island, 400 yds off island Near St Makarius Point (near Constantine Harbor), all the crew were rescued.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM
Remarks: Diveable water
USS R-12 (SS-89) was lost on 12-Jun-1943 with the
loss of 42 crew when it foundered off Key West, 24° 24' 30N - 81° 28'
30"W
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Reportedly dived, no published report seen yet.
USS Herring (SS-233) was lost on 1-Jun-1944 with the
loss of 80 crew when it was sunk within shore battery range of Point Tagan,
Matsuwa Island, in Kurlies.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
USS Golet (SS-361) was lost on 14-Jun-1944 with the
loss of 82 crew when it was sunk near 41° 04N - 14° 13E
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: R states NW of Honshu
USS Bonefish (SS-223) was lost on 18-Jun-1945 with
the loss of 86 crew when it was sunk in Toyama Wan; Near Suzu Misaki; 37°
18N - 137° 25E;
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
JULY --
USS Runner (SS-275) was declared lost 1-Jul-1943
with the loss of 78 crew when it was sunk somewhere between Midway and
Hokkaido.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Location not known, cause not known, date of loss not known. Declared lost
date used. WDR gives date spread as 5-28 to 7-4-43
USS S-28 (SS-133) was lost on 4-Jul-1944 with the
loss of 50 crew when it foundered off Hawaii , while operating with USCGC
Reliance
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
USS Robalo (SS-273) was lost on 26-Jul-1944 with the
loss of 84 crew when it was sunk 2 miles off west coast of Palawan.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Possibly diveable water.
AUGUST --
USS Grunion (SS-216) was lost on 1-Aug-1942 with
the loss of 70 crew when it was sunk near entrance to Kiska (Alaska) Harbor
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM
Remarks: Possibly diveable water. WDR states 7-30-42 to 8-6-42
USS S-39 (SS-144) was lost on 14-Aug-1942 when it was destroyed after
grounding on reef south of Rossel Island Louisande Archipelago. All the crew were rescued.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Hulk reported sighted in 1978
USS Harder (SS-257) was lost on 24-Aug-1944 with the
loss of 80 crew when it was sunk off Caiman Point, Luzon, RPI
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Possibly diveable water.
USS Flier (SS-250) was lost on 13-Aug-1944 with the
loss of 80 crew when it was sunk in Balabac Strait near Mantangule Island.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: One secondary source stated 8 men survived and were taken prisoner. Ros and
SFLM state correctly that eight men survived and were rescued by USS Redfin on 30 August
1944.
USS Bullhead (SS-332) was lost on 6-Aug-1945 with
the loss of 84 crew when it was sunk in West end of Lombok Strait.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
USS Cochino (SS-345) was lost on 26-Aug-1949 when it
was sunk in Norwegian Sea after fire, one man from Cochino and 6 men from USS Tusk were
lost in the rescue operation.
Sources: R, D, SFLM
SEPTEMBER --
USS S-5 (SS-110) was lost on 1-Sep-1920 when it foundered off Deleware Capes
1Sept20 40 miles offshore. All the crew escaped through a hole cut in hull in the tiller
room.
Sources: R, D, SFLM
Remarks: Hull towed by US Battleship Ohio until it foundered about 5 miles from
sinking point. Dived. Metal from hole in Navy Memorial Museum.
USS S-51 (SS-162) was lost on 25-Sep-1925 with the
loss of 32 crew when it was sunk after collision with SS City of Rome
off Block Island.
Sources: R, D, SFLM
Remarks: Hull raised, studied and scrapped.
USS Pompano (SS-181) was lost on 1-Sep-1943 with
the loss of 76 crew when it was sunk off the northeast coast of Honshu
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: WDR gives date spread as 8-20 to 9-27-43
USS Grayling (SS-209) was lost on 9-Sep-1943 with
the loss of 76 crew when it was sunk in or near Tablas Strait, PI.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: WDR gives date spread as 9-9 to 9-12-43
USS Cisco (SS-290) was lost on 28-Sep-1943 with the
loss of 76 crew when it was sunk in Sulu Sea west of Mindinao, 9° 47N;
12° 144E
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
OCTOBER --
USS O-5 (SS-66) was lost on 11-Oct-1923 with the
loss of 2 crew when it was sunk after collision with SS ABABGAREZ
(United Fruit) off Panama Canal.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM
Remarks: Hull raised and scrapped.
USS S-44 (SS-155) was lost on 7-Oct-1943 with the
loss of 56 crew when it was sunk on 5th patrol off Paramushiru, Kuriles
(Northern); One day out of Attu (2 men were taken prisoner, both survived the war).
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
USS Wahoo (SS-238) was lost on 11-Oct-1943 with
the loss of 79 crew when it was sunk in or near La Perouse Strait.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: The Wahoo has been found and verified by the US Navy. Photos HERE
USS Dorado (SS-248) was lost on 12-Oct-1943 with the
loss of 78 crew when it was sunk in Western Atlantic, possibly near Cuba
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Ship not found and demise is speculated as either being caused by an unknown
U-boat, a patrolling B-24 or by accident.
USS Escolar (SS-294) was lost on or after
17-Oct-1944 with the loss of 82 crew when it was sunk somewhere east of 33°
44N; 127° 33E; heading for 33° 44N; 124° 06E.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Declared lost sometime after 13 November 1944, later revised. WDR gives date
spread as 10-17-44 to 11-3-44
USS Shark (SS-314) was lost on 24-Oct-1944 with the
loss of 90 crew when it was sunk in channel midway between Hainan and Bashi
Channel; 20° 41N; 118° 27E.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: R states sinking off Southern Formosa.
USS Seawolf (SS-197) was lost on 3-Oct-1944 with the
loss of 102 crew when it was sunk just north of Morotai, between PI and
Indonesia, by USS Rowell; 02° 32 N; 129° 18E.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Sunk by own forces in submarine safety zone.
USS Tang (SS-306) was lost on 25-Oct-1944 with the
loss of 83 crew when it was sunk in north end of Formosa Strait in vicinity of
Turnabout Island. (Nine of the crew were taken prisoner and survived the war).
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: In diveable water in PRC territory
USS Darter (SS-227) was lost on 24-Oct-1944 when it became grounded on
Bombay Shoal off Palawan then was destroyed. All the crew were rescued by USS Dace.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Portions of hull remained as of 1998
NOVEMBER --
USS Corvina (SS-226) was lost on 16-Nov-1943 with
the loss of 82 crew when it was sunk just south of Truk; (Attack at 151° 10E;
5° 50N)
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Sunk by IJN submarine. Deep water
USS Sculpin (SS-191) was lost on 19-Nov-1943 with
the loss of 40 crew when it was sunk north of Groluk Island near Truk. (42
crew were taken prisoner, only 21 survived the war)
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Scuttled by crew, after severe damage by enemy forces.
USS Growler (SS-215) was lost on 8-Nov-1944 with the
loss of 84 crew when it was sunk in South China Sea.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
USS Albacore (SS-218) was lost on 7-Nov-1944 with
the loss of 86 crew when it was sunk near 41° 49N; 141° 11E in channel
between Hokkaido and Honshu.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: No reports of finding wreckage. Diveable water.
USS Scamp (SS-277) was lost on 16-Nov-1944 with the
loss of 83 crew when it was sunk off Inubo Saki near Tokyo Bay.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: R states South of Tokyo Bay. WDR gives date spread as 11-9-44 to 11-16-44
DECEMBER --
USS F-1 [ex-CARP] (SS-20) was lost on 17-Dec-1917
with the loss of 19 crew when it was sunk after collision with USS F-3
off San Clemente.
Sources: R, D, SFLM
Remarks: Dived and photographed by DSRV in 1997
USS S-4 (SS-109) was lost on 17-Dec-1927 with the
loss of 34 crew when it was sunk after ramming by USCG Paulding.
Sources: R, D, SFLM
Remarks: All but 4 men died within hours in engineroom and motor room due to
asphyxiation. Four men trapped in torpedo room survived for possibly 60 hours. . Hull raised and used for study in submarine escape. Scuttled off Hawaii
USS Sealion (SS-195) was lost on 25-Dec-1941 when it
was scuttled in Manila Bay after damage at Cavite
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: Bombed on 10 December 1941 with the loss of 4 crew. Damage was
sufficient to preclude removal to home waters when Phillipines were surrendered. Scuttling
took place on 25 December. Portions of wreckage remained in place until late 1950's when
it was sold for scrapping.
USS Capelin (SS-289) was lost on or after 1-Dec-1943
with the loss of 76 crew when it was sunk off Celebes possibly off Kaoe Bay;
Halmahera 1° 34N; 123° 07E or in Molukka Passage.
Sources: R, D, Ros, SFLM, WDR
Remarks: R states after 2 December 43. Ros states an attack was made by IJN on 23 Nov
and also a reported sighting by Bonefish of a US sub on 2 December. No reports from boat
made after leaving Darwin around 17 Novemeber 1943. No declared lost date found. WDR date
spread is 11-23 to 12-9-43
Sources:
R: Roberts, Stephen, et al, Registry of US Warships
D: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
Ros: Roscoe, Theodore, Submarine Operations of WWII
SFLM: Submarine Force Library and Museum Boat Books
WDR: War Damage Report |
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