U-69 Sinks SS Caribou Off Newfoundland
October 14th, 1942
October 14th, 1942
How Long Ago?
82 years, 5 months, 1 day ago
Location
Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, Canada
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
World War II
Links & References
Tags
U-69 Sinks SS Caribou Off Newfoundland
The German submarine U-69 torpedoed the Canadian passenger ferry SS Caribou near Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, in 1942. The attack resulted in the sinking of the ferry, leading to the loss of 137 lives that included both crew and passengers. The incident highlighted the vulnerabilities of North Atlantic shipping routes during World War II and the significant threat posed by German U-boats.
SS Caribou was a Canadian passenger ferry.
137 lives lost in the torpedo attack.
U-69 was a German submarine in World War II.
Incident highlighted risks for North Atlantic shipping.
What Happened?
In the early hours of October 14, 1942, the German submarine U-69 executed a successful attack against the Canadian passenger ferry SS Caribou approximately 20 nautical miles southwest of Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. The Caribou, which was a vital transportation link for both military and civilian personnel between Newfoundland and mainland Canada, was en route to its destination when it was struck by a torpedo fired from U-69, commanded by Kapitänleutnant Heinrich Liebe. The result was catastrophic, sinking the ferry in mere minutes and leading to a tragic loss of life.
Why Does it Matter?
The sinking of the SS Caribou underscored the peril posed by German submarine warfare in the North Atlantic during World War II. As Allied forces increasingly depended on secure maritime routes for supplies and troop movements, incidents like the Caribou sinking amplified the urgency for effective anti-submarine tactics. The event served as a sobering reminder of the reach and effectiveness of U-boats, contributing to a reevaluation of naval strategies by the Allies.
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