List of shipwrecks in November 1939

The list of shipwrecks in November 1939 includes all ships sunk, foundered, grounded, or otherwise lost during November 1939. Most of the ships listed here were lost in connection with World War II.

November 1939
Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30

1 November

• Mervyn ( United Kingdom): The cargo ship collided with another vessel and sank in the Bristol Channel off St Davids, Pembrokeshire.^[1]
• Mim ( Norway): The cargo ship ran aground on Reef Dyke Skerry, North Ronaldsay, Orkney Islands (59°21′00″N 2°22′16″W / 59.35000°N 2.37111°W / 59.35000; -2.37111) whilst on her maiden voyage. She broke up the next day.^[2][3][4]

3 November

• Canada ( Denmark): World War II: The cargo liner struck a mine in the North Sea off Holmpton, Yorkshire (53°40′N 0°17′E / 53.667°N 0.283°E / 53.667; 0.283) and sank. All 64 crew were rescued by Ringhorn ( Norway).^[5][6]

4 November

• Mercia ( Sweden): The cargo ship sank in the Baltic Sea off Bornholm, Denmark.^[7]
• Nicolaos M Embiricos ( Greece): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank off the Goodwin Sands, Kent near the Sandettie Lightship ( United Kingdom with the loss of one crew member. Survivors were rescued by the North Goodwin Lightship ( United Kingdom and a Dutch ship.^[2][8]
• Sig ( Norway): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank off the mouth of the Humber (53°43′N 0°17′E / 53.717°N 0.283°E / 53.717; 0.283) with the loss of three of her 19 crew. Survivors were rescued by the fishing boat Ellen M ( United Kingdom).^[5][9]

6 November

• Hansi  Norway): The cargo ship ran aground in the Orkney Islands, United Kingdom and was wrecked. All crew survived.^[10]

8 November

• HMT Kingston Arogonite ( Royal Navy) sank.^[11]

9 November

• Carmarthen Coast ( United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) off Seaham, Co Durham with the loss of two of her 17 crew. Survivors were rescued by the Seaham lifeboat.^[2][12][13]
• Pacific Coast ( United Kingdom): The cargo ship was sunk by an onboard explosion at Brest, Finistère, France.^[14]

12 November

• Arne Kjøde ( Norway): World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean north east of the Butt of Lewis, Isle of Lewis(58°51′N 8°07′W / 58.850°N 8.117°W / 58.850; -8.117 by U-41 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of five of her 39 crew. She broke in two and was later scuttled by Royal Navy ships. The bow section was taken in tow by HMS Guardian and HMS Isis (both  Royal Navy). The crew were rescued by HMS Isis, which shelled and sunk the bow section at 59°06′N 6°55′W / 59.100°N 6.917°W / 59.100; -6.917 on 15 November. The stern section was scuttled by HMS Chitral ( Royal Navy) at 59°20′N 7°12′W / 59.333°N 7.200°W / 59.333; -7.200).^{[2][11][15][16]}
• HMT Cape Comorin ( Royal Navy): The naval trawler ran aground at Whitby, Yorkshire and was wrecked. Later salvaged, repaired and returned to service.^[17]
• Cresswell ( United Kingdom): World War II: The trawler was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the Isle of Lewis by U-41 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of six of her 13 crew. Survivors were rescued by U-41 and later transferred to the trawler Phyllisia ( United Kingdom).^{[2][11][18][19]}
• Deerpool ( United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship ran aground 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) off Spurn Head, Yorkshire and sank. All crew were rescued. The wreck was dispersed in 1948.^[20]
• Elsie ( Finland): The cargo ship ran aground on Terschelling, Friesland, Netherlands and broke her back, a total loss.^[21]
• Fireglow ( United Kingdom): The cargo ship struck the wreck of Canada ( Denmark in the North Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) east of Holmpton, Yorkshire (53°40′N 0°17′E / 53.667°N 0.283°E / 53.667; 0.283) and sank. She was later refloated, repaired and returned to service.^[5]
• Mecklenburg ( Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted in the Atlantic Ocean north west of the Faroe Islands (62°37′N 10°36′W / 62.617°N 10.600°W / 62.617; -10.600) by HMS Delhi ( Royal Navy). She was scuttled at 63°09′N 11°38′W / 63.150°N 11.633°W / 63.150; -11.633). All 63 crew were rescued by HMS Delhi.^[2]

13 November

• HMS Blanche ( Royal Navy): World War II: The B-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary with the loss of two crew. Survivors were rescued by the tugs Fabia & Lady Brassey and the trawler Kesterel (all  United Kingdom).^[22]
• Loire ( France): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Malaga, Spain (36°16′N 2°13′W / 36.267°N 2.217°W / 36.267; -2.217) by U-26 ( Kriegsmarine).^[11][23]
• M-41 ( Kriegsmarine) became stranded in the North Sea.^[11]
• M-132 ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: The minesweeper was damaged by the explosion of a depth charge in the North Sea off List, Schleswig-Holstein and was beached. She was declared a total loss.^[2]
• Matra ( United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy HXF 7: The cargo ship struck a mine in the North Sea 1 nautical mile (1.9 km) east of the Tongue Lightship ( United Kingdom) with the loss of 16 crew. The ship was beached.^[2][24]
• Parana ( Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted in the Denmark Strait (65°48′N 25°19′W / 65.800°N 25.317°W / 65.800; -25.317) by HMS Newcastle ( Royal Navy) and was scuttled. The crew were rescued by HMS Newcastle.^[2][25]
• Ponzano ( United Kingdom): The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Margate, Kent (51°29′N 1°25′E / 51.483°N 1.417°E / 51.483; 1.417). The crew were rescued by two Norwegian fishing boats.^[2][26][27]
• Sirdhana ( United Kingdom): World War II: The sunk by a mine 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) outside Singapore Harbour with the loss of 20 lives.^[28]

14 November

• Alaska ( France): The cargo ship collided with Dotterel ( United Kingdom) in the English Channel 12 nautical miles (22 km) south east of the Owers Lightship ( United Kingdom). Alaska sank early the next day with the loss of two crew. Survivors were rescued by Sardinian Prince ( United Kingdom and HMS Scimitar ( Royal Navy).^[2][11][29]
• Dryburgh ( United Kingdom): The cargo ship struck the sunken wreck of Canada ( Denmark) in the North Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) off Holmpton, Yorkshire (53°40′N 0°17′E / 53.667°N 0.283°E / 53.667; 0.283) and was holed. An attempt was made by Yorkshireman ( United Kingdom) to tow and beach her, but she capsized and sank.^[5][30]
• Maurice-Marguerite ( Belgium): World War II: The fishing vessel struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Gravelines, Nord, France with the loss of three crew.^[2][31]

15 November

• Alaska ( France): The cargo ship collided with Dotterel ( United Kingdom in the English Channel off the Owers Lightship ( United Kingdom) and sank with the loss of all hands.^[32]
• Africa Shell ( United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mozambique Channel 160 nautical miles (300 km) north east of Lourenço Marques, Mozambique (24°45′S 35°00′E / 24.750°S 35.000°E / -24.750; 35.000) by Admiral Graf Spee ( Kriegsmarine).^[11]
• Baikal ( Soviet Union): The cargo ship struck a rock and sank in the Arctic Sea off Spitsbergen, Norway.^[33]
• Georgios ( Greece): The cargo ship struck the wreck of Canada ( Denmark) in the North Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) off Holmpton, Yorkshire (53°40′N 0°17′E / 53.667°N 0.283°E / 53.667; 0.283) and sank. All 23 crew were rescued by the Grimsby lifeboat.^[5][34]
• Nida ( Lithuania): The cargo ship struck a mine in the Baltic Sea off Tallinn and sank.^[35]
• Panevezys ( Lithuania): The cargo ship struck a mine in Baltic Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) south of the Revelstein Reef and sank.^[35][36]
• Woodtown ( United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea north of Margate, Kent. Eight lives were lost.^{[2][11][37][38]}

16 November

• Arlington Court ( United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy SL 7A: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 230 nautical miles (430 km) south west of Start Point, Cornwall (48°14′N 11°42′W / 48.233°N 11.700°W / 48.233; -11.700) by U-43 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of five of her 34 crew. Survivors were rescued by Algenib ( Netherlands) and Spinanger ( Norway).^{[11][35][39][40]}
• HMS MTB 6 ( Royal Navy): The motor torpedo boat was rammed and sunk by HMS Dainty ( Royal Navy).^[2]
• Resercho ( United Kingdom): World War II: The trawler struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Orfordness, Suffolk.^[27]
• Sliedrecht ( Netherlands): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 200 nautical miles (370 km) south of Rockall, United Kingdom by U-28 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 26 of her 31 crew. Survivors were rescued by the trawler Merisia ( United Kingdom).^[11][35]

17 November

• Kaunas ( Lithuania): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 6.5 nautical miles (12.0 km) west north west of the Noord Hinder Lightship by U-57 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 16 crew.^[11][35][41]

18 November

• Blackhill ( United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off the Longsand Head Lightship ( United Kingdom) with the loss of one crew member. Survivors were rescued by HMS Gipsy ( Royal Navy).^[11][35][42]
• Carica Milica ( Yugoslavia): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 3.5 nautical miles (6.5 km) north of the Shipwash Lightship ( United Kingdom). All crew were rescued.^[35][43]
• Parkhill ( United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea (58°07′N 2°18′W / 58.117°N 2.300°W / 58.117; -2.300) by U-22 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of nine crew.^[35][44]
• Simon Bolivar ( Netherlands): World War II: The ocean liner struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Harwich, Essex, United Kingdom (51°49′N 1°41′E / 51.817°N 1.683°E / 51.817; 1.683) with the loss of 86 lives. Survivors were rescued by HMT Cape Warwick, HMT Daneman, HMS Greyhound, HMT Lady Elsa, HMT Man o'War, HMT Wellard (all  Royal Navy) and Fairplay II ( United Kingdom).^[11][35]
• Wigmore ( United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy IFC: The trawler was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 25 nautical miles (46 km) north by west of Rattray Head, Aberdeenshire (57°59′N 2°06′W / 57.983°N 2.100°W / 57.983; -2.100) by U-22 with the loss of all 16 crew.^[35][45][46]

19 November

• B O Borjesson ( Sweden):World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 4.5 nautical miles (8.3 km) off Spurn Head, Yorkshire (53°46′N 0°13′E / 53.767°N 0.217°E / 53.767; 0.217) with the loss of six crew. Survivors were rescued by the trawlers Frascati ( United Kingdom) and HMT Rose of England ( Royal Navy).^[11][35]
• Bowling ( United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 6 nautical miles (11 km) north north east of the Longstone Lighthouse (55°45′N 1°35′W / 55.750°N 1.583°W / 55.750; -1.583) by U-13 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 13 crew.^[11][47]
• Darino ( United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Finisterre, Spain (44°12′N 11°07′W / 44.200°N 11.117°W / 44.200; -11.117) by U-41 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 16 of her 27 crew. Survivors were rescued by U-41 and later transferred to Caterina Gerolimich ( Italy).^[11][35][48]
• Grazia ( Italy): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) north of North Foreland, Kent with the loss of six of her 30 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Gipsy and HMS Griffin (both  Royal Navy).^[2][49]
• Pensilva ( United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy OG 7: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Bay of Biscay (46°51′N 1°36′W / 46.850°N 1.600°W / 46.850; -1.600) by U-49 ( Kriegsmarine). Survivors were rescued by HMS Echo ( Royal Navy).^[11][35]
• Rhuys ( France): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km) south of the Humber Lightship ( United Kingdom) with the loss of 16 of her 33 crew.^[35][50]
• Stanbrook ( United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk 8 nautical miles (15 km) off the mouth of the Tyne by U-57 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 20 crew.^[11][35]
• Torchbearer ( United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) north north east of the Shipwash Lightship ( United Kingdom) with the loss of four of her 12 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Greyhound ( Royal Navy).^[11][35]

20 November

• Bertha Fisser ( Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted in the Atlantic Ocean south east of Iceland (64°10′N 15°14′W / 64.167°N 15.233°W / 64.167; -15.233) by HMS Chitral ( Royal Navy) and was scuttled by her crew. HMS Chitral rescued them.^[35]
• Delphine ( United Kingdom): World War II: The trawler was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 20 nautical miles (37 km) north by east of Tory Island, County Donegal, Ireland by U-33 ( Kriegsmarine). All crew were rescued.^[11][35][51]
• HMS Mastif ( Royal Navy): World War II: The Basset class trawler was sunk in the North Sea 1 nautical mile (1.9 km) off the Tongue Lightship ( United Kingdom) by the detonation of a German mine the crew was trying to bring on board, with the loss of six crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Cape Spartel and the Margate lifeboat.^[11][35][52]
• Sea Sweeper ( United Kingdom): World War II: The trawler was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 25 nautical miles (46 km) north north west of Tory Island by U-33 ( Kriegsmarine). All crew were rescued by the trawler Lois ( United Kingdom).^[11][35][53]
• Thomas Hankins ( United Kingdom): World War II: The trawler was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 14 nautical miles (26 km) north west of Tory Island by U-33 ( Kriegsmarine). All crew were rescued.^[54]
• V-209 Gauleiter Telchow ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: The vorpostenboot was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea 100 nautical miles (190 km) west of Helgoland (54°32′N 5°10′E / 54.533°N 5.167°E / 54.533; 5.167) by HMS Sturgeon ( Royal Navy).^[11][35][55]

21 November

• HMS Belfast ( Royal Navy): World War II: the Town-class cruiser struck a mine in the Firth of Forth off the Isle of May (56°06′N 2°55′W / 56.100°N 2.917°W / 56.100; -2.917). She was severely damaged with her back broken and one crew member fatally injured. She was towed to Rosyth, Fife by the tugs Bramham, Bulger, Grangebourne, Krooman and Oxcar (all  United Kingdom). Repairs took until November 1942 to complete.^[35][56]
• HMS Gipsy ( Royal Navy): World War II: The G-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Harwich, Essex with the loss of 30 of her 146 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Keith and HMS Griffin (both  Royal Navy).^[35]
• Les Barges II ( France): World War II: The trawler was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (45°35′N 3°22′W / 45.583°N 3.367°W / 45.583; -3.367) by U-41 ( Kriegsmarine). All 15 crew were rescued by the fishing vessel Paz y Trabajo ( Spain).^[11][35][57]
• Ste. Claire ( French Navy): World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper struck a mine and sank in the Strait of Dover 10 nautical miles (19 km) south east of Folkestone, Kent with the loss of all 11 crew.^[58][59]
• Sulby ( United Kingdom): World War II: The trawler was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 73 nautical miles (135 km) north west of Rathlin Island, County Donegal, Ireland by U-33 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of five of her 12 crew.^[11][35][60]
• Teneriffe ( Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted in the Atlantic Ocean west of Iceland (62°25′N 20°00′W / 62.417°N 20.000°W / 62.417; -20.000 by HMS Transylvania ( Royal Navy) and was scuttled by her 73 crew, who were rescued by HMS Transylvania.^[27][35]
• Terukuni Maru ( Japan): World War II: The Terukuni Maru-class ocean liner struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) off the Sunk Lightship ( United Kingdom). All 206 passengers and crew were rescued.
• William Humphries ( United Kingdom): World War II: The trawler was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 73 nautical miles (135 km) north west of Rathlin Island by U-33 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 13 crew.^[35][61]
• Willowpool ( United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off the Newarp Lightship ( United Kingdom).^[27]

22 November

• Adolph Woermann ( Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled in the Atlantic Ocean off Ascension Island (10°39′S 5°44′W / 10.650°S 5.733°W / -10.650; -5.733) by her crew when HMS Neptune ( Royal Navy) attempted to apprehend her. The crew were rescued by HMS Neptune.^[11][35][62]
• Antiochia ( Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted in the Atlantic Ocean south of Iceland by HMS Laurentic ( Royal Navy and was scuttled by her crew at 62°15′N 15°08′W / 62.250°N 15.133°W / 62.250; -15.133.^[35]
• HMS Aragonite ( Royal Navy): World War II: The Trawler struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Deal, Kent.^[11]
• Arijon ( France): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Bay of Biscay (45°40′N 4°50′W / 45.667°N 4.833°W / 45.667; -4.833) by U-43 ( Kriegsmarine).^[11][35]
• HMS Bruce ( Royal Navy): The Scott-class destroyer was sunk as a target in the English Channel off the Isle of Wight.^[63]
• Elena R ( Greece): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the English Channel 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) south of The Shambles Lightship ( United Kingdom) (50°30′N 2°21′W / 50.500°N 2.350°W / 50.500; -2.350) with the loss of all 35 crew.^[11][35][64]
• Geraldus ( United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) off the Sunk Lightship ( United Kingdom). Survivors were rescued by HMS Wivern ( Royal Navy).^[11][35]
• Lowland ( United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Clacton-on-Sea, Essex with the loss of nine of her 12 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Myrtle ( Royal Navy).^[35][65]
• Nicolaos Piangos ( Greece): The cargo ship collided with Brarena ( Norway) in the North Sea and sank.^[35]

23 November

• Borkum ( United Kingdom): World War II: The captured German cargo ship was shelled and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean west north west of the Orkney Islands (59°33′N 3°57′W / 59.550°N 3.950°W / 59.550; -3.950) by U-33 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of four German crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Kingston Beryl and HMT Kingston Onyx (both  Royal Navy). Borkum was abandoned and came ashore in Papa Sound, but was declared a total loss. She was refloated on 18 August 1940 and scrapped at Rosyth, Fife in October 1940.^[11][35][66]
• Hookwood ( United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy FS 40: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 3.5 nautical miles (6.5 km) east north east of the Tongue Lightship ( United Kingdom) with the loss of two of her 17 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Bittern ( Royal Navy).^[2][67]
• HMS Rawalpindi ( Royal Navy): World War II: The armed merchant cruiser was shelled and sunk north of the Faroe Islands by Battleships Gneisenau and Scharnhorst (both  Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 238 of the 286 people on board. Survivors were rescued by Gneisenau, Scharnhorst, and HMS Chitral ( Royal Navy).^[35]

24 November

• Iris ( Sweden): The cargo ship grounded at Tallinn, Estonia. She was later refloated and temporary repairs were effected for a return to Sweden. The ship was then laid up.^[11]
• Mangalore ( United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Spurn Head Yorkshire.^[11]
• Pegu ( United Kingdom): The cargo liner became stranded at Liverpool, Lancashire. She broke in two and was declared a total loss.^[68]

25 November

• Charles Livingston  United Kingdom: the cargo ship came ashore at Ainsdale, Lancashire in a gale. Ten crew rescued, 23 killed.^[69]
• Gerrit Fritzen ( Germany): The cargo ship was wrecked on Schiermonnikoog, Friesland, Netherlands.^[70]
• Royston Grange ( United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy SL 8B: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south west of Cornwall (49°15′N 9°16′W / 49.250°N 9.267°W / 49.250; -9.267) by U-28 ( Kriegsmarine). All crew were rescued by the trawler Romilly ( United Kingdom).^[11][71][72]
• Uskmouth ( United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north west of Cape Finisterre, Spain (43°23′N 11°27′W / 43.383°N 11.450°W / 43.383; -11.450) by U-43 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 25 crew. Survivors were rescued by L'Indomptable ( French Navy) and Juventus ( Italy).^{[11][35][73][74]}
• V-301 Weser ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: The vorpostenboot struck a mine and sank in the Baltic Sea off Langeland, Denmark.^[35]

26 November

• Pilsudski ( Poland): World War II: The troopship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off the mouth of the Humber, United Kingdom (53°15′N 0°30′E / 53.250°N 0.500°E / 53.250; 0.500) with the loss of 10 of her 89 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Valorous ( Royal Navy).^[11][35]
• Quenast ( Belgium): The cargo ship foundered in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) north of the Noord Hinder Lightship with the loss of 3 of her five crew. Survivors were rescued by Paris ( Norway).^[11][75]

27 November

• Gustaf E. Reuter ( Sweden): World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 14 nautical miles (26 km) west north west of Fair Isle, United Kingdom, by U-48 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 34 crew. She was taken in tow by HMT Kingston Beryl ( Royal Navy) but broke in two the next day, with the bow section sinking. The stern section was later scuttled by Royal Navy ships. Survivors were rescued by HMT Kingston Beryl and the Lerwick lifeboat Lady Jane and Martha Ryland ( Royal National Lifeboat Institution.^[35][76]
• Spaarndam ( Netherlands): World War II: The cargo liner struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) north east of the Tongue Lightship ( United Kingdom) with the loss of seven crew.^[2][11][77]

28 November

• RFA Birchol ( Royal Fleet Auxiliary The tanker ran aground off South Uist and was wrecked.^[35][78]
• Rubislaw ( United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) east north east of the Tongue Lightship ( United Kingdom) with the loss of 13 crew. Survivors were rescued by a Royal Navy trawler.^[2][79]

• Waikouaiti ( United Kingdom): The cargo ship ran aground on Dog Island in New Zealand's Foveaux Strait and was wrecked. Her crew survived.^[80]

29 November

• Ionian ( United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy FN 43: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) off the Newarp Lightship ( United Kingdom) (52°45′15″N 1°56′15″E / 52.75417°N 1.93750°E / 52.75417; 1.93750). All 37 crew were rescued by HMS Hastings ( Royal Navy).^[35][81]
• U-35 ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: The Type VIIB submarine was sunk in the North Sea (60°53′N 2°47′E / 60.883°N 2.783°E / 60.883; 2.783) by depth charges from HMS Icarus, HMS Kashmir and HMS Kingston (all  Royal Navy). All 43 crew were rescued and taken as prisoners of war.

30 November

• AV-45 ( Finland): World War II: The Coast Guard motorboat was shelled and sunk in the Baltic off Lavansaari Island by Gordi ( Soviet Navy). 4 crewmen killed.^[82]
• Jaameri ( Finland): The coaster sank at Liinahamari.^[35]
• Realf ( Norway): World War II: The tanker struck a mine and was damaged in the North Sea south east of Flamborough Head, Yorkshire (53°55′N 0°22′E / 53.917°N 0.367°E / 53.917; 0.367) with the loss of one of the 43 people on board. Survivors were rescued by Santa Gata ( Italy). Realf sank the next day.^[35][83]
• Sheaf Crest ( United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Margate, Kent (51°32′N 1°26′E / 51.533°N 1.433°E / 51.533; 1.433) with the loss of one of her 30 crew. 12 survivors were rescued by ORP Błyskawica ( Polish Navy).^[2][37][84]
• Syvri ( Finland): The coaster sank at Liinahamari.^[35]
• V-704 ( Kriegsmarine): World War II: The vorpostenboot struck a mine in the Baltic Sea off Trelleborg, Skåne, Sweden and was severely damaged. She was beached but declared a total loss.^[35]

References

Ship events in 1939
Ship launches:	1934	1935	1936	1937	1938	1939	1940	1941	1942	1943	1944
Ship commissionings:	1934	1935	1936	1937	1938	1939	1940	1941	1942	1943	1944
Ship decommissionings:	1934	1935	1936	1937	1938	1939	1940	1941	1942	1943	1944
Shipwrecks:	1934	1935	1936	1937	1938	1939	1940	1941	1942	1943	1944

Shipwrecks 1939–45, by month 1939 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Unknown date 1940 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Unknown date 1941 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Unknown date 1942 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Unknown date 1943 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Unknown date 1944 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Unknown date 1945 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Unknown date