SS Arandora Star Sunk by U-47 Submarine
July 2nd, 1940
July 2nd, 1940
How Long Ago?
84 years, 8 months, 12 days ago
Location
North Atlantic Ocean
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
World War II
People
- Günther Prien
Links & References
Tags
SS Arandora Star Sunk by U-47 Submarine
The SS Arandora Star, a British passenger and cargo ship, was sunk by the German submarine U-47 in the North Atlantic. The attack occurred in the early hours, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life. Approximately 1,600 passengers, primarily civilians and Italian internees, were aboard the vessel at the time of the sinking. The tragedy claimed the lives of over 800 individuals, highlighting the dire conditions and risks of maritime transport during wartime, and underscoring the violence of submarine warfare.
Over 800 lives lost during the attack.
SS Arandora Star carried Italian internees.
U-47 was famous for targeting British ships.
Event raised concerns about maritime security.
What Happened?
The SS Arandora Star was a British ocean liner that began operation in 1927. During World War II, it was repurposed to transport German and Italian internees from Britain to Canada. On the night of July 2, 1940, while sailing in the North Atlantic, the vessel was spotted by the German U-boat U-47, commanded by Kapitänleutnant Günther Prien, who had previously made a name for himself by attacking British naval vessels. The U-47 fired torpedoes at the SS Arandora Star, striking the ship and causing it to sink rapidly. The conditions for many of the passengers were perilous, as they were not adequately prepared for evacuation, leading to loss of life in the chaos that ensued. Lifeboats were launched, but many capsized or were overcrowded, hampering rescue efforts. Among the casualties were men, women, and children, with the majority being Italian nationals who had been interned in Britain due to suspicions stemming from the ongoing war.
Why Does it Matter?
The sinking of the SS Arandora Star is significant as it exemplifies the deadly risks of maritime transport during World War II. The loss of over 800 lives, predominantly civilians, serves as a reminder of the broader impacts of conflict, extending beyond military engagements. This tragedy highlighted the vulnerability of passenger ships to submarine attacks and contributed to the ongoing discourse about the treatment of enemy nationals and the humanitarian consequences of war.
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