The Sinking of U-86 in the Atlantic Ocean (1943)

Name: The Sinking of U-86 in the Atlantic Ocean (1943)
Start: 1918-11-29
Location: Unspecified

The Fateful Journey of U-86

U-86’s Role in World War II

The U-boat known as U-86 was a type VIIC submarine used by the Nazi German Navy during the Second World War. Commissioned in 1941, U-86 was involved in several military operations across the Atlantic Ocean. By 1943, as Allied forces improved their anti-submarine methods, U-86 faced increasing danger during its missions.

The Events Leading to the Sinking

On March 13, 1943, under the command of Kapitänleutnant Herbert Möller, U-86 embarked on a mission that would ultimately lead to its demise. The submarine was patrolling the waters north of the Azores in the Atlantic, where it had sunk a merchant ship and was actively seeking more targets.

The Encounter and Sinking of U-86

Discovery and Attack on U-86

On the night of March 14-15, 1943, U-86 was detected by a Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft. The RCAF was using new technology, including depth charges, which proved pivotal in the war at sea. The aircraft, part of the larger Allied strategy to combat U-boats, conducted a successful bombing run against U-86.

The Aftermath and Impact

The attack inflicted severe damage on U-86, causing it to sink in the cold waters of the Atlantic. This event symbolized a significant turning point in the battle against German U-boats, demonstrating the Allies’ improved tactics and strategies to cripple submarine operations. U-86’s sinking led to the loss of many crew members, marking it as a tragic event in naval history.

Fun Fact

U-86’s Specifications

The submarine was 67.10 meters long and could carry a crew of up to 44 personnel, but during its operational life, it successfully sank a number of Allied ships before meeting its end in 1943.