List of shipwrecks in December 1915

The list of shipwrecks in December 1915 includes ships sunk, foundered, grounded, or otherwise lost during December 1915.

1 December

List of shipwrecks: 1 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Clan Macleod  United KingdomWorld War I: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 100 nautical miles (190 km) east south east of Malta (35°39′N 16°43′E / 35.650°N 16.717°E / 35.650; 16.717) by SM U-33 (  Imperial German Navy) with the loss of twelve crew.[1][2]
HMS Comet  Royal NavyThe gunboat was lost on this date.[3]

2 December

List of shipwrecks: 2 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Commodore  United KingdomWorld War I: The cargo ship was scuttled in the Mediterranean Sea 160 nautical miles (300 km) east south east of Malta by SM U-33 (  Imperial German Navy) with the loss of a crew member.[2][4]
Norrvik  SwedenWorld War I: The cargo ship, en route from Grimsby to Stockholm, struck a mine in the North Sea and sank immediately. Five casualties, but fourteen saved by the Norwegian steamer Ambra.[5]

3 December

List of shipwrecks: 3 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Dante  ItalyWorld War I: The coaster was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Sollum, Egypt (32°20′N 26°19′E / 32.333°N 26.317°E / 32.333; 26.317) by SM U-39 (  Imperial German Navy). Her crew survived.[6]
HMT Etoile Polaire  Royal NavyWorld War I: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the English Channel off the South Goodwin Lightship (  United Kingdom).[7] loss of 3 crew.
Yarhisar  Ottoman NavyWorld War I: The Samsun-class destroyer was torpedoed and sunk in the Gulf of İzmit by HMS E11 (  Royal Navy) with the loss of 42 of her 85 crew.[8] HMS E11 rescued 42 survivors.[9]
Zuaia  ItalyThe tanker was destroyed by fire at Popvile.[10]

4 December

List of shipwrecks: 4 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Childe Harold  United StatesThe schooner went ashore on Hen and Chickens Reef, Nantucket Sound. Pulled off by United States Coast Guard cutters and returned to service.[11]
Intrepido  Regia MarinaWorld War I: The Indomito-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the Adriatic Sea off Vlorë, Albania.[12]
Re Umberto  ItalyWorld War I: The passenger ship struck a mine laid by SM UC-14 (  Imperial German Navy) and sank in the Adriatic Sea off Cape Linguetta, Albania. 94 people died.[13][14]

5 December

List of shipwrecks: 5 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Fresnel  French NavyWorld War I: The Pluviôse-class submarine ran aground in the Adriatic Sea off Shëngjin, Albania. She subsequently was sunk by SMS Warasdiner (  Austro-Hungarian Navy) Her 28 crew were taken as prisoners of war.[15][16]
Helmsmuir  United KingdomWorld War I: The cargo ship was scuttled in the Mediterranean Sea 66 nautical miles (122 km) south by east of Gavdos, Greece by SM U-39 (  Imperial German Navy). Her crew survived.[2][17]
Pietro Lofaro  ItalyWorld War I: The sailing vessel was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Sollum, Egypt (32°52′N 26°53′E / 32.867°N 26.883°E / 32.867; 26.883) by SM U-39 (  Imperial German Navy).[18]

6 December

List of shipwrecks: 6 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
L. G. Goulandris  GreeceWorld War I: The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 150 nautical miles (280 km) north west of Alexandria, Egypt (32°15′N 27°25′E / 32.250°N 27.417°E / 32.250; 27.417) by SM U-39 (  Imperial German Navy). Her crew survived.[19]
William L. Elkins  United StatesThe schooner was wrecked near Cape Cottage, Cape Elizabeth.[20]

7 December

List of shipwrecks: 7 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Umeta  United KingdomWorld War I: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 112 nautical miles (207 km) east south east of Malta (35°28′N 16°56′E / 35.467°N 16.933°E / 35.467; 16.933) by SM U-33 (  Imperial German Navy) with the loss of two crew.[2][21][22]
Veria  United KingdomWorld War I: The cargo ship was scuttled in the Mediterranean Sea 24 nautical miles (44 km) north west by north of Alexandria, Egypt (31°30′N 29°28′E / 31.500°N 29.467°E / 31.500; 29.467) by SM U-39 (  Imperial German Navy). Her crew survived.[2][23]

8 December

List of shipwrecks: 8 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Ignis  United KingdomWorld War I: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 5.5 nautical miles (10.2 km) north east of Aldeburgh, Suffolk. Her crew survived.[24]

9 December

List of shipwrecks: 9 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Busiris  United KingdomWorld War I: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 190 nautical miles (350 km) west north west of Alexandria, Egypt (32°50′N 26°20′E / 32.833°N 26.333°E / 32.833; 26.333) by SM U-39 (  Imperial German Navy). Her crew survived.[2][25]
Klara  SwedenThe schooner suffered a damaged rudder in the North Sea and was abandoned at 56°23′N 3°34′E / 56.383°N 3.567°E / 56.383; 3.567). Her crew were rescued by Vesta (  Denmark).[26]
Orteric  United KingdomWorld War I: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 140 nautical miles (260 km) south by east of Gavdos, Greece (32°02′N 25°03′E / 32.033°N 25.050°E / 32.033; 25.050) by SM U-39 (  Imperial German Navy) with the loss of two crew.[2][27]
Papagello AlbaniaWorld War I: The sailing vessel was sunk in the Adriatic Sea (41°40′N 19°25′E / 41.667°N 19.417°E / 41.667; 19.417) by SM U-4 (  Austro-Hungarian Navy)[28]

10 December

List of shipwrecks: 10 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Ingstad  NorwayWorld War I: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the North Sea four nautical miles (7.4 km) east of Aldeburgh, Suffolk. Her crew survived.[29]
Nereus  NorwayWorld War I: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the North Sea with the loss of a crew member.[30]
Porto Said  ItalyWorld War I: The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) north east of Derna, Libya (32°38′N 23°35′E / 32.633°N 23.583°E / 32.633; 23.583) by SM U-39 (  Imperial German Navy). Her crew survived.[31]
Tasköprü  Ottoman NavyWorld War I: The gunboat was sunk off the coast of Kirpen Island by Russian destroyers.
Unknown barge  United StatesThe barge, under tow of Cheektowaga (  United States), sank after loosing her tow line off Seaconnet, Rhode Island. Lost with all three hands.[32]
Yozgat  Ottoman NavyWorld War I: The Kastamonu-class gunboat was sunk off the Kirpen Islands by Russian destroyers.

11 December

List of shipwrecks: 11 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Pinegrove  United KingdomWorld War I: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the English Channel 8 nautical miles (15 km) west of Cap Gris Nez, Pas-de-Calais, France with the loss of two of her crew.[33]
Rosmed  SwedenThe cargo ship struck a rock and sank in the Norwegian Sea off Hindoen, Norway.[26]
St. Kilda  United KingdomThe cargo ship came ashore on Little Miquelon, Saint Pierre and Miquelon and was wrecked.[26]

12 December

List of shipwrecks: 12 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Cross Sand Lightship  United KingdomThe lightship was struck by Marga (  United Kingdom) and sank in the North Sea off the coast of Norfolk.[34]
Reşit Paşa  Ottoman NavyWorld War I: The transport ship was sunk in the Sea of Marmara off Sylivra by a French Navy submarine.[35]
SMS V107  Imperial German NavyWorld War I: The V105-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the Baltic Sea off Liepāja, Latvia with the loss of a crew member.[36]

13 December

List of shipwrecks: 13 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Lanao  United StatesThe coaster was driven ashore on Marinduque Island, Philippines and was wrecked.[34]
Lavengro  DenmarkThe schooner was wrecked at St. John's, Newfoundland.[37]

14 December

List of shipwrecks: 14 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
HMT Susanna  Royal NavyThe naval trawler was lost on this date.[38]

15 December

List of shipwrecks: 15 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Lucy Neff  United StatesThe steamer foundered 20 miles (32 km) east of Fenwick Island, Delaware after springing leaks in several days of rough weather. The vessel's crew was rescued by Chasehill (  United Kingdom).[39][40]

16 December

List of shipwrecks: 16 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Lemnos  United KingdomThe collier was lost on this date.[3]
Majestic  United KingdomThe cargo ship was destroyed by fire at Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.[41]
Nyroca  United KingdomWorld War I: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off the Kentish Knock Lightship (  United Kingdom). Her crew were rescued by Pandion (  United Kingdom )and a Royal Navy torpedo boat.[41]

17 December

List of shipwrecks: 17 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
SMS Bremen  Imperial German NavyWorld War I: The Bremen-class cruiser struck a mine and sank in the Baltic Sea off Ventspils, Lithuania.
Carolina  United StatesThe barque sprang a leak in the Atlantic Ocean off Galveston, Texas and was abandoned by her crew.[41]
Marien  United KingdomThe coaster came ashore at Hartlepool, County Durham and was abandoned by her crew.[41] She broke in two on 24 December and was a total loss.[42]
SMS V191  Imperial German NavyWorld War I: The S138-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the Baltic Sea.[36]

18 December

List of shipwrecks: 18 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Erzen AlbaniaWorld War I: The sailing vessel was sunk in the Adriatic Sea (41°47′N 19°31′E / 41.783°N 19.517°E / 41.783; 19.517) by SM U-15 (  Austro-Hungarian Navy). Her crew survived.[43]
Figlio Preligiona AlbaniaWorld War I: The sailing vessel was sunk in the Adriatic Sea (41°47′N 19°31′E / 41.783°N 19.517°E / 41.783; 19.517) by SM U-15 (  Austro-Hungarian Navy). Her crew survived.[44]
HMT Lottie Leask  Royal NavyWorld War I: The naval trawler was shelled and sunk in the Adriatic Sea off Sazan Island, Albania (40°35′N 18°45′E / 40.583°N 18.750°E / 40.583; 18.750) by SM U-39 (  Imperial German Navy). Her crew survived.[45]
Nico  NorwayWorld War I: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 3.5 nautical miles (6.5 km) west of the Longsand Lightship (  United Kingdom) with the loss of two of her crew.[46]
Northmount  United KingdomThe cargo ship sprang a leak in the Atlantic Ocean and was abandoned by her crew.[42]

20 December

List of shipwrecks: 20 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Belford  United KingdomWorld War I: The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel off Boulogne, Pas-de-Calais, France by SM UB-10 (  Imperial German Navy). Her crew survived.[2][47]
Huntly  United Kingdom( Red Cross): World War I: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel off the Boulogne Lightship (  France) by SM UB-10 (  Imperial German Navy) with the loss of two of her crew.[2][48]

21 December

List of shipwrecks: 21 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Henriette  SwedenThe wooden barque departed West Hartlepool destined for Uddevalla, and the only trace of her is an empty lifeboat that was found near Aberdeen. Fifteen casualties.[49]
Huntley  United KingdomWorld War I: The merchant ship was torpedoed and sunk by the submarine SM UB-10 (  Imperial German Navy) in the English Channel .75 miles (1.21 km) off the Boulogne light vessel.[50]
Knarsdale  United KingdomWorld War I: The collier struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 2.75 nautical miles (5.09 km) east by south of Orfordness, Suffolk with the loss of a crew member.[3][51]
HMS Lady Ismay  Royal NavyWorld War I: The auxiliary minesweeper struck a mine and sank in the North Sea one nautical mile (1.9 km) north west of the Longsand Lightship (  United Kingdom) (51°48′N 1°39′E / 51.800°N 1.650°E / 51.800; 1.650) with the loss of eighteen of her crew.[52]
Yasaka Maru  JapanWorld War I: The passenger ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 60 nautical miles (110 km) off Port Said, Egypt by SM U-38 (  Imperial German Navy).[53] Her crew and all 120 passengers were rescued by a French Navy gunboat.[54]

22 December

List of shipwrecks: 22 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Uddeholm  SwedenThe iron steamer departed Gothenburg destined for Kristiansund, and has not been heard from since. Twelve casualties. Whether the disappearance was war-related (mine) or as a result of the big storm during Christmas, has not been possible to ascertain.[55]

23 December

List of shipwrecks: 23 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Freya  Imperial German NavyThe Vorpostenboot was lost on this date.
SMS S177  Imperial German NavyWorld War I: The S138-class torpedo boat struck a mine and sank in the Baltic Sea with the loss of seven of her crew.[36]
Skiblander  NorwayThe schooner was driven ashore and wrecked at Johnshaven, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom with the loss of one of her seven crew.[42]

24 December

List of shipwrecks: 24 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
HMT Carilon  Royal NavyWorld War I: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Margate, Kent. Her crew survived.[56]
Embla  United KingdomWorld War I: The cargo ship struck a mine and was damaged in the Thames Estuary 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) east south east of the Tongue Lightship (  United Kingdom). She was beached but was declared a total loss. Her crew survived.[57]
Envermeu  United KingdomThe cargo ship ran aground on the Goodwin Sands, Kent and was wrecked. Her crew were rescued.[42]
Lady Iveagh  United KingdomThe collier was wrecked at St. Quentin Point, Somme, France.[3][58]
Moor  United KingdomThe cargo ship sank at Dundee, Perthshire.[42]
Ville de la Ciotat  FranceWorld War I: The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 105 nautical miles (194 km) south west of Cape Matapan, Greece (35°10′N 21°26′E / 35.167°N 21.433°E / 35.167; 21.433) by SM U-34 (  Imperial German Navy) with the loss of 81 lives.[59] Survivors were rescued by Moroe (  United Kingdom).[60]
Yeddo  United KingdomWorld War I: The cargo ship was scuttled in the Mediterranean Sea 122 nautical miles (226 km) south west by south of Cape Matapan by SM U-34 (  Imperial German Navy).[2][61] Her crew were rescued by Natal (  Denmark).[62]

25 December

List of shipwrecks: 25 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Lovspring  NorwayThe barque was driven ashore and wrecked on the coast of Northumberland, United Kingdom.[42]
Nereus  SwedenThe steamer, en route from Boston, Lincolnshire to Copenhagen, struck a mine in the North Sea at (53°39′N 1°17′E / 53.650°N 1.283°E / 53.650; 1.283)[63] and sank. Her crew were rescued.[62]
Van Stirum  United KingdomWorld War I: The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 8 nautical miles (15 km) south south west of the Smalls Lighthouse (51°55′N 6°16′W / 51.917°N 6.267°W / 51.917; -6.267) by SM U-24 (  Imperial German Navy) with the loss of two crew.[2][64]
Yrsa  DenmarkThe cargo ship ran aground in Aalebeks Bay. Her crew were rescued.[42]

26 December

List of shipwrecks: 26 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Cottingham  United KingdomWorld War I: The coaster was shelled and sunk in the Bristol Channel 16 nautical miles (30 km) south west of Lundy Island, Devon by SM U-24 (  Imperial German Navy) with the loss of seven crew.[2][65]
HMS E6  Royal NavyWorld War I: The E-class submarine struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Harwich, Essex with the loss of 31 of her crew.[66]
Ministre Beernaert  BelgiumWorld War I: The cargo ship was sunk in the Bristol Channel 40 nautical miles (74 km) west by south of Lundy Island (50°50′N 5°33′W / 50.833°N 5.550°W / 50.833; -5.550) by SM U-24 (  Imperial German Navy).[67]
Minnie Slauson  United StatesThe schooner sank off Auburn Light, New York.[68]
HMT Resono  Royal NavyWorld War I: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) south east by east of the Sunk Lightship (  United Kingdom) with the loss of thirteen of her crew.[69]

27 December

List of shipwrecks: 27 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Clan Davidson  United KingdomThe cargo ship was driven ashore at Ballyquinton, County Down. She was refloated and beached in Belfast Lough.[70]
Elizabeth Jane  United KingdomThe schooner foundered in the Bristol Channel off The Mumbles, Glamorgan with the loss of all hands.[71]
Export  SwedenThe cargo ship sprang a leak in the North Sea of the coast of the Netherlands and was abandoned. Her crew were rescued.[70]
HMT Ferndale  Royal NavyThe naval trawler foundered in the Irish Sea off St. Ann's Head, Pembrokeshire with the loss of all hands.[72][73]
Hadley  United KingdomWorld War I: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) south east of the Shipwash Lightship (  United Kingdom). Her crew survived.[74]
HMT Ladysmith  Royal NavyThe naval trawler foundered in the Irish Sea off the coast of Wales.[73]
Lyra  DenmarkThe schooner was driven ashore at Lyngør, Aust-Agder, Norway and was wrecked. Her crew were rescued.[70]
Mary Jane  United KingdomThe schooner foundered in Swansea Bay with the loss of all hands.[75]
Thor  DenmarkThe galeass capsized in the Baltic Sea off Oxö, Sweden.[60][76]
HM Torpedo Boat 46  Royal NavyThe TB26-class torpedo boat ran out of coal during a voyage from Port Said, Egypt, to Mudros and was wrecked while under tow in the Aegean Sea off Lemnos, Greece. She was salvaged and returned to service.[36][77][78]

28 December

List of shipwrecks: 28 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
El Zorro  United KingdomWorld War I: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 10 nautical miles (19 km) south of the Old Head of Kinsale, County Cork by SM U-24 (  Imperial German Navy) with the loss of two of her crew.[2][79]

29 December

List of shipwrecks: 29 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Abbie  United StatesThe barge sank on Red Hook Flats, New York.[11]
Erin  NetherlandsWorld War I: The trawler caught a mine in her nets and sank in the North Sea off IJmuiden, North Holland when it exploded. Three of her eleven crew were killed.[76]
Kenkoku Maru  JapanWorld War I: The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 75 nautical miles (139 km) south west of Crete, Greece (34°07′N 22°12′E / 34.117°N 22.200°E / 34.117; 22.200) by SM U-34 (  Imperial German Navy). Her crew survived.[80]
SMS Lika  Austro-Hungarian NavyWorld War I: The Tatra-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the Adriatic Sea off Durazzo, Albania.[81]
Monge  French NavyWorld War I: Battle of Durazzo: The Pluviose-class submarine was rammed and sunk in the Adriatic Sea off Kotor, Austria-Hungary, by one of six warships including SMS Helgoland and five Tatra-class destroyers (all  Austro-Hungarian Navy).[82][15][81]
Morning  United KingdomThe cargo ship was sunk on this date with the loss of all but two of her crew.[83]
SMS Triglav  Austro-Hungarian NavyWorld War I: The Tatra-class destroyer struck a mine and was damaged in the Adriatic Sea off Durazzo. SMS Csepel and SMS Tatra (both  Austro-Hungarian Navy) attempted to take her in tow but were unsuccessful. She was shelled and sunk by Casque (  French Navy) and five other French Navy ships.[81]

30 December

List of shipwrecks: 30 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Abelia  United KingdomWorld War I: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 152 nautical miles (282 km) west of Gavdos, Greece (34°24′N 20°51′E / 34.400°N 20.850°E / 34.400; 20.850) by SM U-34 (  Imperial German Navy). Her crew survived.[2][84]
Clan Macfarlane  United KingdomWorld War I: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 66 nautical miles (122 km) south east of Cape Martello, Crete, Greece by SM U-38 (  Imperial German Navy) with the loss of 52 crew.[2][85]
Ellewoutsdijk  NetherlandsWorld War I: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) off the Galloper Lightship (  United Kingdom) (51°42′N 1°57′E / 51.700°N 1.950°E / 51.700; 1.950).[86]
Glenariff  United KingdomThe cargo ship departed Newport, Monmouthshire for Belfast, County Antrim. No further trace, presumed foundered in the Irish Sea with the loss of all ten crew.[87]
HMS Natal  Royal Navy
HMS Natal

The Duke of Edinburgh-class cruiser was sunk in the Cromarty Firth by an internal explosion with the loss of at least 390 lives.

Nyack  United StatesThe steamer burned to the waterline at dock at the Crosby Transportation Company, Muskegon, Michigan. Taken to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin in 1917 and converted into a barge.[88][89]
Persia  United KingdomWorld War I: The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Crete (34°08′N 26°19′E / 34.133°N 26.317°E / 34.133; 26.317) by SM U-38 (  Imperial German Navy) with the loss of 343 of the 519 people on board.

31 December

List of shipwrecks: 31 December 1915
ShipStateDescription
Dana  DenmarkThe three-masted schooner was driven ashore at Craster, Northumberland, United Kingdom and was wrecked.[90]
HMT Responso  Royal NavyThe naval trawler was lost on this date.[38]
Satrap  United KingdomThe collier foundered in the Irish Sea off Manorbier, Pembrokeshire with the loss of all eleven crew.[91]
HMT Speeton  Royal NavyWorld War I: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Lowestoft, Suffolk (52°33′N 1°50′E / 52.550°N 1.833°E / 52.550; 1.833) with the loss of eleven of her crew.[92]
Tynemouth  United KingdomThe collier was lost in the Irish Sea on this date.[93]

Unknown date

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1915
ShipStateDescription
Active  United KingdomThe whaler foundered off the Orkney Islands over the Christmas period with the loss of all twenty crew.[94]
Dora  United StatesThe schooner barge either sunk south west of the Fenwick Island Lightship on 11 December, or went lost by stranding at Hyannis, Massachusetts on 13 December.[95][96]
Ella M. Doughty  United StatesThe fishing schooner sailed from Gloucester, Massachusetts on 3 November to Little Bay Islands, Newfoundland on a fishing trip and vanished. Believed lost in a gale in November or on 5 December. Lost with all six hands.[97][98][99]
Orleanian  United StatesThe steamer left New York City for Malta on 23 December 1915 or 1916, and probably sank in a storm on 26 December. Lost with all 36 hands.[100][101]
Thomas Winsmore  United StatesThe schooner was abandoned during a storm off the coast of Florida.
Wood  United KingdomThe vessel was sunk as a blockship.[38]

References