List of shipwrecks in December 1941

The list of shipwrecks in December 1941 includes all ships sunk, foundered, grounded, or otherwise lost during December 1941.

1 December

 * MV Adriatico ( undefined): World War II: The passenger ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea, 65 nmi north of Benghazi, Libya by Force K, Royal Navy. HMS Lively (G40) rescued eleven survivors.
 * ITALIAN DESTROYER Alvise da Mosto : World War II: The was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Aurora (12).
 * SS Aurora (1889) ( undefined): World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Aurora (12).
 * MV Iridio Mantovani ( undefined): World War II: The tanker was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea by HMS Aurora (12).
 * GERMAN SHIP Python : World War II: The supply ship was intercepted in the South Atlantic (-27.88333°N, -3.91667°W) by HMS Dorsetshire (40) and was scuttled by her crew. A total of 414 survivors were rescued by GS U-A, GS U-68 (1940), GS U-124 (1940), GS U-129 (1941) (all ), ITALIAN SUBMARINE Calvi, ITALIAN SUBMARINE Finzi, ITALIAN SUBMARINE Tazzoli and ITALIAN SUBMARINE Torelli (all ).
 * St Leonard No.1 (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The trawler was bombed and sunk in the North Sea (60.96667°N, -1.16667°W) by Luftwaffe aircraft. All ten crew were rescued.

2 December

 * SS Astral (1916) (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (35.66667°N, -24°W) by GS U-43 (1939) with the loss of all 37 crew.
 * SS British Captain (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The tanker struck a mine and sank in the North Sea (52.21694°N, 1.90389°W with the loss of one of her 54 crew.
 * MV Cavarna (🇷🇴 Romania) The passenger ship was sunk in the Black Sea.
 * SS Cordelia (1921) (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Black Sea off Constanṭa, Turkey by a Soviet Navy submarine.
 * MV Fjord (1914) (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk off Estepona Point, Spain by GS U-557 with the loss of fourteen of her 35 crew.
 * SS Grelhead (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 2 nmi north of Point Negri, Morocco by GS U-562 with the loss of 41 of her 43 crew.
 * SS Miguel de Larrinaga (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (35.23333°N, -29.86667°W) by ITALIAN SUBMARINE Cappellini.

3 December

 * GERMAN PATROL BOAT UJ-1708 : World War II: The patrol boat (converted trawler Faroer) was torpedoed and sunk off Rolvsøy by SOVIET SUBMARINE K-3.
 * SS Maclaren (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Bristol Channel south of Cardiff, Glamorgan (51.35583°N, -3.28806°W) with the loss of three crew.
 * SS Sagadahoc (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (-21.33333°N, -7.83333°W) by GS U-124 (1940) with the loss of one of her 35 crew.
 * SOVIET TROOPSHIP VT-521 : World War II: The troopship (former ocean liner Iosef Stalin) struck three mines and was hit by a 12" shell from Finnish coast artillery while evacuating troops from the Hanko naval base and was beached. Of 5428 troops and 153 crew on board, 1740 were rescued by escort ships, 3,000 were captured and 841 were killed. Raised, towed to Tallinn in July 1945 and scrapped.

4 December

 * SS Edith Faulbaum (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank off Warnermunde.
 * SS Eridano ( undefined): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Ionian Sea off Argostoli, Greece by HMS Trusty (N45) (.
 * SS Vestri (1910) (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The coaster was bombed and damaged off the Tungenes Lighthouse, Rogaland by Royal Air Force aircraft. She was beached and burnt out.

5 December

 * HMS Chakdina : World War II: The armed boarding vessel was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea between Tobruk, Libya and Alexandria, Egypt (31.18333°N, 24.5°W) by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of sixteen lives among the 380-plus people on board. About 200 of the survivors were rescued by HMS Farndale (L70) and HMT Thorgrim (both )
 * SS Island (1918) (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Barents Sea (71.11667°N, 27.9°W) by HMS Sealion (72S).
 * SS Kai (1921) (🇩🇰 Denmark): The cargo ship sank in the Wadden Sea between Terschelling and Ameland, Friesland in a storm.

6 December

 * SS Greenland (1918) (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea (52.24167°N, 1.94167°W with the loss of nine crew.
 * SS Hada County (🇳🇴 Norway): The cargo ship ran aground on Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, Canada and was wrecked.
 * HMS Perseus (N36) : World War II: The struck a mine and sank in the Ionian Sea off Zante Cephalonia, Greece with the loss of 60 of her 61 crew.
 * SS Scottish Trader (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy SC 56: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south of Iceland by GS U-131 (1941) with the loss of all 43 crew.
 * SOVIET SUBMARINE ShCh-204 : World War II: The was torpedoed and sunk in the Black Sea south south east of Varna, Bulgaria (42.88333°N, 28.05°W) by Bulgarian Air Force aircraft.

7 December



 * USS Arizona (BB-39) : World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: The  was torpedoed, bombed and sunk by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft with the loss of 1,177 of her 1,400 crew after her forward ammunition magazine ignited from an armor-piercing bomb.
 * USS California (BB-44) : World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: The  was torpedoed and sunk by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft with the loss of 100 of her 1,083 crew. She was refloated on 25 March 1942, repaired and returned to service.
 * USS Cassin (DD-372) : World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: The was bombed and damaged by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft. Initially assessed as a total loss, she was later repaired and returned to service.
 * HMS Chantala : World War II: The armed boarding vessel struck a mine and sank at Tobruk, Libya with the loss of four crew.
 * SS Cynthia Olson (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (33.7°N, -145.48333°W) by JAPANESE SUBMARINE I-26 with the loss of 35 lives.
 * USS Downes (DD-375) : World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: The  was bombed and damaged by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft. Initially assessed as a total loss, she was later repaired and returned to service.
 * USS Nevada (BB-36) : World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: The was torpedoed and damaged by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft. She was beached at Hospital Point. Refloated on 12 February, repaired and returned to service.
 * USS Oglala (CM-4) : World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: The minelayer was torpedoed and sunk by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft. She was refloated on 3 July 1942, repaired and returned to service.
 * USS Oklahoma (BB-37) :World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: The  was torpedoed and sunk by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft with the loss of 429 of her 1,398 crew.
 * SS Sauternes ( Free France): The cargo ship foundered in Fugloyarfjørður, Faroe Islands with the loss of all 25 people on board.
 * MV Severn Transport (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the Bristol Channel (51.45°N, -3.06667°W). All four crew survived.
 * USS Shaw (DD-373) : World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: The was bombed and sunk by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft. She was later refloated, repaired and returned to service.
 * GS U-208 : World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Gibraltar (35.85°N, -7.75°W) by HMS Harvester (H19) and HMS Hesperus (H57) (both ) with the loss of all 45 crew.
 * USS Utah (BB-31) : World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: The target ship, a former, was torpedoed and sunk by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft with the loss of 58 of her 519 crew.
 * USS Vestal (AR-4) : World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: The repair ship was bombed and damaged at Pearl Harbor by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft and was beached. She was refloated within a week, repaired and returned to service.
 * SS Wazan Maru (🇯🇵 Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean west of Japan by USS Sargo (SS-188).
 * SS Welsh Prince (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Spurn Head, Yorkshire. All crew were rescued.
 * USS West Virginia (BB-48) :World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: The  was torpedoed and sunk by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft with the loss of at least 69 of her 1,407 crew. She was refloated on 17 May 1942, repaired and returned to service.
 * HMCS Windflower (K155) : World War II: Convoy SC 58: The collided with SS Zypenberg (🇳🇱 Netherlands) in the Grand Banks (46.31667°N, -49.5°W) and sank with the loss of 23 of her 85 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMCS Pictou (K146)  and HMS Nasturtium (K107).

8 December

 * Awazisan Maru (🇯🇵 Japan): World War II: The troopship was bombed and damaged at Kota Bharu, Malaya by a Lockheed Hudson aircraft of 1 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force. She later sank at 6.13333°N, 102.26667°W.
 * SS Fireglow (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine in the North Sea and sank with the loss of one crew member.
 * SS Gertie (1902) (🇬🇧 United Kingdom: World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the Irish Sea 2 nmi north east of the Tuskar Rock Lighthouse. All crew were rescued by the Rosslare lifeboat.
 * Lord Shrewsbury (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The trawler struck a mine and sank in the North Sea with the loss of all ten crew.
 * HMT Milford Earl : World War II: The naval trawler was bombed and sunk in Lunan Bay, Angus by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of five of her ten crew.
 * USS Penguin (AM-33) : World War II: Battle of Guam: The was scuttled in Agana Harbor.
 * HMS Peterel (1927) : World War II: The river gunboat was shelled and sunk at Shanghai, China by JAPANESE CRUISER Izumo.
 * HMT Phineas Beard : World War II: The naval trawler was bombed and sunk in the North Sea off Peterhead, Aberdeenshire by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of twelve crew.
 * HMIS Prabhavati : World War II: The patrol vessel was shelled and sunk in the Indian Ocean by HMS Glasgow (C21) with the loss of one of her 28 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Glasgow.
 * MS Ravnaas (1931) (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The cargo ship was sunk in the Philippine Sea east of Samar Island by Japanese aircraft.
 * HMS St. Dominic : World War II: The Rescue Tug was lost, probably at Hong Kong.
 * SS Setsuzan Maru (🇯🇵 Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the East China Sea by USS Sealion (SS-195).
 * SS Sumatra (1926) ( undefined): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Phuket, Thailand.
 * SS Volpi ( undefined): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Phuket.
 * SS XXVIII Ottobre ( undefined): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Phuket.

9 December

 * SS Bjønn (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Hustadvika, Møre og Romsdal by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of four crew.
 * Burgermeister Schmidt (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The trawler was bombed and sunk at Brest, Finistère, France by Royal Air Force aircraft.
 * MV Donerail (🇵🇦 Panama): World War II: The tanker was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (approximately 8°N, -152°W) by JAPANESE SUBMARINE I-10 with the loss of 32 lives.
 * SS Kantung (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled as a blockship at Anking, China.
 * SS Macau (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled as a blockship at Anking.
 * SS Madrid (1922) (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the North Sea off Den Helder, North Holland, Netherlands by Royal Air Force aircraft.
 * SS On Lee (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The passenger ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * MS Sebastiano Venier (1940) ( undefined): World War II: The prisoner of war-carrying cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea off Navarino by HMS Porpoise (N14) . She was torpedoed and sunk on 15 December off Cape Methene by HMS Torbay (N79) (. Of the 2,000 prisoners on board, over 200 were lost in the sinking.
 * SS Saint Denis (1929) (🇫🇷 Vichy France): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea south of the Balearic Islands, Spain by GS U-652 with the loss of three crew.
 * SS Steinbek (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Barents Sea off Tanafjord, Finnmark, Norway (71.15°N, 29.41667°W) by GS U-134 (1941) . Twelve crew survived.

10 December

 * HMS Banka : World War II: The minesweeper struck a mine and sank in the South China Sea off Tioman Island, Philippines with the loss of 43 of her 49 crew.
 * USS Bittern : World War II: The was scuttled in Manilla Bay, Philippines following damage received in an Imperial Japanese Navy air raid on Cavite Navy Yard.
 * SS Chungshan (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Hai Tung (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (5.13333°N, 104.53333°W) by JAPANESE SUBMARINE I-56 with the loss of all hands.
 * SS Harledawins (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the South China Sea west of Barigayos Point, Luzon, Philippines by Japanese aircraft. All crew were rescued.
 * Helena A (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): The auxiliary sailing ship ran aground on Butaritari, Gilbert Islands and was wrecked.
 * ST Hsin Fuhle (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The tug was sunk at Hong Kong by enemy action.
 * JAPANESE SUBMARINE I-70 : World War II: The was sunk in the Pacific Ocean (23.75°N, -155.58333°W) by United States Navy aircraft based on USS Enterprise (CV-6).
 * Kincorth (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The drifter struck a mine and sank in the Irish Sea 7 nmi off Point Lynas Lighthouse, Anglesey.
 * SS Kirnwood (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy SC 57: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (56.95°N, -16.58333°W) by GS U-130 (1941) with the loss of twelve of her 45 crew. Survivors were rescued by SS Dewsbury (🇬🇧 United Kingdom).
 * SS Kurdistan (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy SC 57: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (56.85°N, -16.6°W) by GS U-130 (1941) with the loss of ten of the 66 people on board. Survivors were rescued by HMS Kingcup (K33).
 * JAPANESE MINESWEEPER M 19 : World War II: The minesweeper was bombed and damaged by American aircraft and was beached at Aparri, Philippines.
 * SS Mauna Ala (🇺🇸 United States): The cargo ship ran agrount at Clatsop Beach, Oregon and was wrecked.
 * MV Oregon (1941) (🇺🇸 United States): The tanker collided with USS New Mexico (BB-40) in the Atlantic Ocean (39.91667°N, -69.75°W) and sank with the loss of seventeen crew.
 * HMS Prince of Wales (53) : World War II: Sinking of Prince of Wales and Repulse: The  battleship was bombed and sunk in the South China Sea east of Kuantan, Malaya by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft. with the loss of 327 of her 1,521 crew.
 * HMS Repulse (1916) : World War II: Sinking of Prince of Wales and Repulse: The  was bombed and sunk in the South China Sea east of Kuantan by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft with the loss of 508 of her 967 crew.
 * SS Sagoland (1913) (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and damaged at Manila by Japanese aircraft. She sank the next day.
 * USS Sealion (SS-195) : World War II: The was bombed and damaged at Cavite Naval Yard, Manila, Philippines by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft. She was scuttled on 25 December owing to damage received and damage done to the naval yard which precluded repairs being carried out.
 * SS Star of Luxor (🇪🇬 Egypt): World War II: Convoy SC 57: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (56.95°N, -16.58333°W) by GS U-130 (1941) with the loss of four of her 56 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Sunflower (K41).
 * SS Takao Maru (1927) (🇯🇵 Japan): World War II: The passenger/cargo ship was bombed by USAAF aircraft at Santa, Ilocos Sur, Luzon, Philippines (17.48333°N, 120.43333°W). The ship was beached and later stripped for usable parts.
 * JAPANESE MINESWEEPER W 10 : World War II: The minesweeper was bombed and sunk at Luzon, Philippines by American aircraft.
 * JAPANESE MINESWEEPER W 19 : World War II: The minesweeper was bombed and damaged in the Philippine Sea off Luzon by American aircraft. She was beached at 18.36667°N, 121.63333°W. Declared a total loss.

11 December

 * ITALIAN TORPEDO BOAT Alcione : World War II: The was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea (36.33333°N, 20.55°W)off Suda Bay, Crete by HMS Truant (N68)  and was towed close to shore where she capsized and sank with a loss of 20 crewmen.
 * ITALIAN SUBMARINE Ammiraglio Caracciolo : World War II: The was depth charged and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea (32.15°N, 25.31667°W by HMS Farndale (L70)  and was subsequently scuttled by her crew. Fifty-three survivors were rescued by HMS Farndale.
 * MV Apsheron ( Soviet Union): World War II: The tanker struck a mine and sank in the Black Sea off Sevastopol.
 * MV Calitea ( undefined): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 90 nmi off Cape Matapan (36.38333°N, 20.55°W by HMS Talisman (N78).
 * SS Hai Tung 🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Indian Ocean (5.13333°N, 104.53333°W) by JAPANESE SUBMARINE I-156 with the loss of all 49 crew.
 * JAPANESE DESTROYER Hayate : World War II: Battle of Wake Island: The destroyer was sunk off Wake Island, United States by shore based artillery with the loss of all 168 crew.
 * SS Kanchow (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * JAPANESE DESTROYER Kisaragi : World War II: Battle of Wake Island: The was bombed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 30 nmi south west of Wake Island (18.91667°N, 166.28333°W) by a Grumman F4F Wildcat aircraft of the of VMF-211, United States Marine Corps with the loss of all 154 crew.
 * HMT Lady Shirley : World War II: The naval trawler was torpedoed and sunk in the Strait of Gibraltar (35.98333°N, -5.28333°W) by GS U-374 with the loss of all 33 crew.
 * SS Lahaina (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (27.7°N, -147.63333°W) by JAPANESE SUBMARINE I-9 with the loss of four of her 34 crew. Survivors were rescued by USCGC Tiger (WSC-152).
 * HMY Rosabelle : World War II: The patrol boat was torpedoed and sunk in the Strait of Gibraltar (35.98333°N, -5.28333°W) by GS U-374 with the loss off 30 of her 48 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMY Sayonara.
 * Sofia 🇬🇷 Greece): World War II: The coaster was torpedoed and sunk north west of Suda Bay, Crete by HMS Torbay (N79).
 * SS Tinley (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster was scuttled at Hong Kong.

12 December

 * SS Admiral Y. S. Williams (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Bencleuch (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): The cargo ship caught fire and was abandoned in the Atlantic Ocean. She later sank.
 * SS Dromore Castle (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 20 nmi south south east of the mouth of the Humber (53.48556°N, 0.86667°W). All crew were rescued.
 * SS Governor Wright (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (12.91667°N, 123.91667°W) by Japanese aircraft.
 * SS Haraldsvang (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong. Raised by the Japanese in June 1942 and renamed Toryu Maru, the ship ran aground and sank off Chōshi, Japan, on 17 May 1944.
 * SS Hydra II (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea off Mindoro, Philippines by USS S-38 (SS-143) with the loss of 41 of her 50 crew.
 * HMS Kampar : World War II: The anti-submarine ship was bombed and damaged at Penang, Malaya by Japanese aircraft. She was bombed again the next day and sunk. All crew were rescued.
 * HMS Moth (1915) : World War II: The was scuttled at Hong Kong. She was later salvaged by the Japanese and entered Imperial Japanese Navy service as Suma.
 * SS Southern Sea (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): The ocean liner ran aground off Libreville, French Equatorial Africa and was wrecked.
 * HMS Tamar (1863) : World War II: The receiving ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Tanjong (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The ferry was bombed and sunk at Penang by Japanese aircraft.
 * SS Toro Maru (🇯🇵 Japan): World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (6°N, 102.33333°W) by HNLMS K-XII.
 * SS Tung Wo (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The examination vessel was bombed and damaged at Penang. She was abandoned the next day.
 * GERMAN PATROL BOAT V-5101 : World War II: The vorpostenboot was torpedoed and sunk.
 * SS Vincent (1919) (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The tanker was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Pitcairn Island by JAPANESE AUXILIARY CRUISER Aikoku Maru and JAPANESE AUXILIARY CRUISER Hokoku Maru (both ).
 * SS Warrian (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): The cargo ship sank in the Gulf of Guinea.

13 December

 * MV Badalona (🇪🇸 Spain): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (36.71667°N, -3.5°W) by GS U-453 with the loss of three crew.
 * ITALIAN CRUISER Alberico da Barbiano (: World War II: Battle of Cape Bon: The was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Bon Tunisia by the 4th Destroyer Flotilla, Royal Navy.
 * ITALIAN CRUISER Alberto da Giussano (: World War II: Battle of Cape Bon: The was torpedoed, shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Bon by the 4th Destroyer Flotilla, Royal Navy.
 * MV Carlo del Greco ( undefined): World War II: The cargo ship was torpoedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 15 nmi off Capo Vito, Sicily by HMS Upright (N89).
 * SS Chung On (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Fabio Filzi ( undefined): World War II: The cargo ship was torpoedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 15 nmi off Capo Vito by HMS Upright (N89).
 * SS Manatawny (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The tanker was bombed and sunk at Manila, Philippines by Japanese aircraft.
 * SS Taizan Maru (🇯🇵 Japan): World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea off Cape Ca Mau, French Indo-China by HNLMS K-XII.

14 December

 * SS Annavore (1921) (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: Convoy HG 76: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (43.91667°N, -19.83333°W) by GS U-567 with the loss of 34 of her 38 crew.
 * SS Cassequel (🇵🇹 Portugal): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (35.13333°N, -11.23333°W) by GS U-108 (1940) . All 57 crew were rescued, thirteen of them by HMS Campion (K108).
 * HMS Galatea (71) : World War II: The cruiser may have been torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea off Alexandria, Egypt (34.01667°N, 26.03333°W) by ITALIAN SUBMARINE Dagabur . She was torpedoed and sunk at 31.28333°N, 29.51667°W by GS U-557  with the loss of 469 crew. A total of 144 survivors were rescued by HMS Griffin (H31) and HMS Hotspur (H01) (both ).
 * MS Høegh Merchant (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 29 nmi off Cape Makapuu, Oahu, Hawaii, United States by JAPANESE SUBMARINE I-4 . All crew were rescued.
 * MV Lofjord : The accommodation ship caught fire at Danzig-Neufahrwasser with the loss of 28 lives and was declared a total loss. She was subsequently used as a target ship. Scrapped in 1951.
 * HMS MA/SB 30 : World War II: The Motor Anti-Submarine Boat sank after hitting the Humber boom.
 * SS Miharu Maru (🇯🇵 Japan): The cargo ship foundered south of Hokkaido.
 * HMS MTB 68 : World War II: The Motor Torpedo Boat collided with MTB 215 off Tobruk, Libya and sank.
 * Topaz (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The coaster was bombed and sunk in the North Sea off the coast of Norway by Allied aircraft with the loss of all six crew.

15 December

 * SS Empire Barracuda (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (35.5°N, -6.28333°W) by GS U-77 (1940) with the loss of thirteen of her 52 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Coltsfoot (K140).
 * ST Indira (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The tug was bombed and sunk at Hong Kong by Japanese aircraft.
 * HNLMS O 16 : World War II: The submarine struck a mine and sank off Troman Island with the loss of all but one crew.
 * USS PT-33 : World War II: PT Boat was lost to grounding off cape Santiago, Luzon, Philippine Islands.
 * GS U-127 (1941) : World War II: The Type IXC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape St. Vincent, Portugal (36.45°N, -9.2°W) by HMAS Nestor (G02) with the loss of all 51 crew.

16 December

 * MS Atsutasan Maru (🇯🇵 Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the East China Sea south of Samah, China (18.1°N, 109.73333°W) by USS Swordfish (SS-193).
 * SS Halldor (1925) (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled or bombed and sunk at Hong Kong. She was salvaged by the Japanese, repaired and entered service as Haruna Maru.
 * HMS LCT-11 : World War II: The Landing Craft, Tank foundered off Sollum.
 * HMS MTB 8 : World War II: The Motor Torpedo Boat was bombed, set on fire, and sunk at Hong Kong by Japanese aircraft.
 * SS Nidardal (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: Convoy SC 58: The cargo ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean (56.11667°N, -21°W). All 25 crew were rescued by HMCS Pictou (K146).
 * HMS Thracian (1920) : World War II: The Admiralty  destroyer ran aground off Round Island, Hong Kong and was scuttled. She was later salvaged by the Japanese and entered Imperial Japanese Navy service as Patrol Boat No. 101.
 * GS U-557 : The Type VIIC submarine was accidentally rammed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea west of Crete by ITALIAN TORPEDO BOAT Orione with  the loss of all 43 crew.

17 December

 * SS Corregidor (🇺🇸 USA): World War II: The passenger ship struck a mine and sank in Manila Bay off Corregidor Island, Philippines. Of the approximately 1,200 people on board, only 275 survived.
 * SS Lina (1909) ( undefined): World War II: The tanker was bombed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea west of Tripoli, Libya (33.96667°N, 12.05°W) by British aircraft.
 * SS Manini (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was torpoedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 108 nmi south of Hawaii by JAPANESE SUBMARINE I-75 with the loss of two crew. Survivors were rescued by USS Allen (DD-66) and USS Patterson (DD-392) (both ).
 * JAPANESE SUBMARINE Ro-66 : World War II: The collided with JAPANESE SUBMARINE Ro-62  in the Pacific Ocean off Wake Island, United States and sank.
 * JAPANESE DESTROYER Shinonome : World War II: The was bombed and sunk in the South China Sea off Miri, Sarawak (4.4°N, 114°W) by Dornier Do 24 aircraft of GVT-7, Royal Dutch Naval Air Group.
 * GS U-131 (1941) : World War II: The Type IXC submarine was depth charged, torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Madeira, Portugal (34.2°N, -13.58333°W) by ships of the 36th Escort Group and Grumman Martlet aircraft of 802 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm based on HMS Audacity (D10) . All 55 crew were rescued by HMS Stanley (I73).

18 December

 * SS Bretwalda (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy MKS 3Y: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 330 nmi west north west of Cape Finisterre, Spain (44.58333°N, -16.46667°W) by GS U-563 with the loss of one of her 56 crew. Survivors were rescued by ORP Krakowiak (.
 * SS Perekop ( Soviet Union): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the South China Sea east of the Natuna Islands, Dutch East Indies by Japanese aircraft.
 * GS U-434 : World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north of Madeira, Portugal (36.25°N, -15.8°W) by HMS Blankney (L30) and HMS Stanley (I73) (both ) with the loss of two of her 44 crew.

19 December

 * HMS Aldgate : World War II: The boom defence vessel was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * HMS Alliance : World War II: The  was scuttled in Deepwater Bay, Hong Kong.
 * HMS Barlight : World War II: The boom defence vessel was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * HMS Cornflower (1916) : World War II: The was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Ebenol (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The tanker was scuttled at Hong Kong. She was later salvaged by the Japanese, repaired and entered Japanese service.
 * Ferruccio ( undefined): World War II: The coaster collided with another ship at Tripoli, Libya and sank.
 * HMS Kandahar (F28) : World War II: First Battle of Sirte: The struck a mine and was damaged off Sirte, Libya whilst attempting to rescue HMS Neptune . She was scuttled the next day by HMS Jaguar (F34) . Seventy-three of her crew were killed.
 * SS Krechet ( Soviet Union): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Hong Kong by Japanese aircraft.
 * HMS MTB 12 (MTB 12) : World War II: The Motor Torpedo Boat was sunk at Hong Kong by Japanese landing craft.
 * HMS MTB 26 (MTB 26) : World War II: The Motor Torpedo Boat was sunk at Hong Kong by Japanese landing craft.
 * SS Man Kim (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The ferry was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Man Kung (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The ferry was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * Mouette (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The fishing boat struck a mine and sank in the Bristol Channel off Minehead, Somerset with the loss of two crew.
 * HMS Neptune (20) : World War II: First Battle of Sirte: The struck a mine and was sunk off Sirte with the loss of all but one of her 767 crew.
 * HNLMS O 20 : World War II: The was shelled and sunk by JAPANESE DESTROYER Uranami  in the South China Sea.
 * HMS Poet Chaucer : World War II: The tug was scuttled in Deepwater Bay, Hong Kong.
 * SS Prusa (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 150 nmi south of Hawaii (17.5°N, -157°W) by JAPANESE SUBMARINE I-72 with the loss of eight of her 33 crew. Survivors were rescued by USCGC Tiger (WSC-152)  and a Fijian Government ship.
 * HMS Redstart : World War II: The minelayer was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Ruckinge (1929) (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy HG 76: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (38.33333°N, -17.25°W) by GS U-108 (1940) with the loss of three of her 42 crew. The survivors were rescued by SS Finland (1920) (🇬🇧 United Kingdom) and HMS Stork (L81) . Ruckinge was scuttled by HMS Samphire (K128).
 * SS Sergei Lazo ( Soviet Union): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Hong Kong by Japanese aircraft.
 * SS Simferopol ( Soviet Union): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Hong Kong by Japanese aircraft.
 * HMS Stanley (I73) : World War II: Convoy HG 76: The was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (38.2°N, -17.38333°W) by GS U-574  with the loss of 95 of her 120 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Samphire (K178) and HMS Stork (L81) (both ).
 * SS Svirstroi ( Soviet Union): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Hong Kong by Japanese aircraft.
 * HMS Tern : World War II: The gunboat was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * GS U-574 : World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged, rammed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (38.2°N, -17.38333°W) by HMS Stork (L81) with the loss of 22 of her 42 crew.
 * MV Varlaam Avanesov ( Soviet Union): World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Aegean Sea 2.5 nmi off Cape Babakele, Turkey (39.45°N, 26.08333°W) by GS U-652 with the loss of one crew member.
 * HMS Watergate : World War II: The boom defence vessel was scuttled at Hong Kong.

20 December

 * HMCS Adversus : The patrol vessel ran aground on McNutts Island, Nova Scotia in a blizzard and was wrecked.
 * SS Emidio (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The tanker was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Cape Mendocino, California by JAPANESE SUBMARINE I-17 with the loss of five crew. Survivors reached the Blunt's Reef Lightship and were rescued by USCGC Shawnee (both . Emidio came ashore at Crescent City, California and broke up, a total loss.
 * SS Taishan (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the Tathong Channel by Japanese aircraft.

21 December

 * SS Annavore (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy HG 76: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (43.91667°N, -19.83333°W) by GS U-567 with the loss of 34 of the 38 people on board.
 * HMS Audacity (D10) : World War II: Convoy HG 76: The escort carrier was torpedoed sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 430 nmi west of Cape Finisterre, Spain (43.75°N, -19.9°W) by GS U-751 . Survivors were rescued by HMS Convolvulus (K45), HMS Marigold (K87) and HMS Penstemon (K61) (all ).
 * SS Benmacdhui (1911) : World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea (53.66667°N, 0.5°W) with the loss of two crew.
 * HMS Cicala (T71) : World War II: The was bombed and sunk at Hong Kong by Japanese aircraft with the loss of one crew member. Survivors were rescued by MTB 10.
 * SS Emshorn (1913) (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Barents Sea off Petsamo, Finland by SOVIET SUBMARINE M-174.
 * SS Hellen (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 4 nmi off Cape Negro, Morocco (35.68333°N, -5.16667°W) by GS U-573 . All 41 crew were rescued by HMT Arctic Ranger.
 * HNLMS K XVII : World War II: The submarine was mined and sunk in the South China Sea off Tioman Island,(3.16667°N, 104.2°W)
 * GS U-451 : World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Spartel, Morocco by Fairey Swordfish aircraft of 812 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm with the loss of 44 of her 45 crew. The survivor was rescued by HMS Myosotis (K65).
 * GS U-567 : World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (44.03333°N, -20.16667°W) by HMS Deptford (U53) and HMS Samphire (K128) (both ) with the loss of all 47 crew.

22 December

 * SS Hayo Maru (🇯🇵 Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Lingayen Gulf by USS S-38 (SS-143).
 * SS Stylianos Chandris (🇬🇷 Greece): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off the mouth of the Humber. All crew were rescued.
 * SS Spezia (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea 14 nmi north west of Misrata, Libya (32.43333°N, 15.01667°W).
 * SS Tinos (1914) (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Benghazi, Libya by Royal Air Force aircraft.
 * SS Umbro Cadamosto ( undefined): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea 14 nmi north west of Misrata, Libya (32.5°N, 15.01667°W).

23 December
For the loss of the Italian coastal tanker Sperenza on this day, see the entry for 30 November 1941.
 * SS Hiyoshi Maru (1941) (🇯🇵 Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea off Kuching, Malaya by HNLMS K XIV.
 * SS Hayataka Maru (🇯🇵 Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the southern Philippine Sea off Vigan, Philippines by USS Seal (SS-183).
 * SS Katori Maru (1913) (🇯🇵 Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea off Kuching, Malaya by HNLMS K XIV . /AQUABASE, the Sole Dive Center of Kuching operates daily dive trip to the wreck /AQUABASE
 * SS Léopold II (🇧🇪 Belgium): World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the North Sea (52.89667°N, 2.08889°W) with the loss of 35 of her 41 crew.
 * SS Montabello (United States): World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California (35.5°N, -121.25°W by JAPANESE SUBMARINE I-21 . All crew were rescued.
 * JAPANESE PATROL BOAT P 32 and JAPANESE PATROL BOAT P 33 (both ): World War II: Battle of Wake Island: The  patrol boats were run aground on Wake Island, United States (19.28333°N, 166.58333°W) to land troops and were destroyed by 5" shore guns.
 * SS Rokos Vergottis (🇬🇷 Greece): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine in the North Sea off Cromer, Norfolk, United Kingdom. She was taken in tow but ran aground at 52.75°N, 2.16667°W and was abandoned.
 * SS Soryu Maru (🇯🇵 Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea off Badoc, Philippines by USS Seal (SS-183).
 * SS Shuntien (1934) (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy TA 5: The passenger ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 100 nmi west of Alexandria, Egypt (32.1°N, 24.76667°W) with the loss of at least 800 lives. Many survivors were rescued by HMS Salvia (K97) and a few by HMS Heythrop (L85), but Salvia was sunk a few hours later with the loss of all aboard.
 * SS Tiberio (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): The coaster foundered in the Mediterranean Sea off Mersa Matruh, Egypt. All crew were rescued.
 * GS U-79 (1941) : World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Bardia Libya (32.25°N, 25.31667°W) by HMS Hasty (H24) and HMS Hotspur (H01) (both ). Forty-four crew were rescued.

24 December

 * MV Benno (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk at Puerto de Cariño, Spain by British aircraft.
 * SS Bratton (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The tanker struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.
 * SS Gladys (1910) (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Kuching, Malaya.
 * HNLMS K XVI : World War II: The submarine was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea west of Kuching, Borneo (2.5°N, 101.83333°W) by  submarine I-66.
 * Kim Chin Seng (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The lighter was scuttled at Kuching.
 * SS Margaret (1928) (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Kuching.
 * SS Merchant (1934) (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Great Yarmouth (52.65833°N, 2.01556°W) with the loss of one crew member.
 * SS Phenix (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The tanker struck a mine and sank at Haifa, Palestine with the loss of four crew.
 * SS Rejang (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Kuching.
 * USS Rochester (CA-2) : World War II: The hulk of the old discarded ex-cruiser was scuttled as a blockship at Subic Bay, Philippines to prevent capture by Japanese forces.
 * JAPANESE DESTROYER Sagiri : World War II: The was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea (1.56667°N, 110.35°W) by HNLMS K XVI  with the loss of 120 of her 241 crew. Survivors were rescued by JAPANESE DESTROYER Shirakumo.
 * HMS Salvia (K97) : World War II: Convoy TA 5: The was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 100 nmi west of Alexandria, Egypt (31.76667°N, 28°W) by GS U-568  with the loss of all 106 crew, and all the survivors rescued from SS Shuntien (🇬🇧 United Kingdom).
 * SS Si Kiang (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Manila, Philippines by Japanese aircraft with the loss of ten crew.
 * SS Stanmount (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The tanker struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Great Yarmouth (52.65611°N, 2.00861°W). All crew were rescued.

25 December

 * SS Cormead (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Lowestoft, Suffolk. All crew were rescued.
 * MTB 7, MTB 9, MTB 10, MTB 11 and MTB 27 (all ): World War II: The Motor Torpedo Boats were scuttled in Mirs Bay, Hong Kong.
 * SS P. G. Halvorsen (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Great Belt off the coast of Denmark.
 * HMS Robin (T65) : World War II: The was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Shantung (🇸🇪 Sweden): World War II: Convoy HX 165: The cargo ship caught fire in the Atlantic Ocean (59.83333°N, -23.5°W). She was subsequently scuttled by shellfire on 2 January 1942 at 62.46667°N, -18.5°W).
 * HMS Thracian (1920) : World War II: The destroyer was bombed and damaged at Hong Kong by Japanese aircraft and was beached. She was subsequently salvaged by the Japanese and entered service in 1942 at Patrol Boat No. 101.

26 December

 * CKA-034 : World War II: The MO-4-class patrol vessel was shelled and sunk by coastal artillery off Reed-Burun.
 * ST Fanagoria ( Soviet Union): World War II: The tug was bombed and sunk by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of 100 lives.
 * HMT Henriette : World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the North Sea 3.4 nmi off Spurn Head, Yorkshire.
 * SS Kong Ring (1928) (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The cargo liner struck a mine and sank in the Ullsfjorden. Thirty of her 38 crew were killed. She was carrying over 300 German soldiers at the time of her loss.
 * MV Maikop ( Soviet Union): World War II: The tanker was bombed and sunk in the Gulf of Davao by Japanese aircraft.
 * SS Paz (1914) (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Manila, Philippines by Japanese aircraft. She was later salvaged, repaired and entered Japanese service as Hatsan Maru.
 * SS Tantalus (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Manilla by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft. The 45 crew were taken as prisoners of war.
 * SS Unyo Maru No. 2 (🇯🇵 Japan): World War II: The collier was bombed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (1.56667°N, 110.35°W)off Kuching, Sarawak by Dutch Army Martin B-10 bombers.
 * GERMAN PATROL VESSEL V-5902 : World War II: The vorpostenboot was shelled and sunk in the Vestfjorden by HMS Ashanti (F51).
 * GERMAN PATROL VESSEL V-5904 : World War II: The vorpostenboot was shelled and sunk by HMS Ashanti (F51).
 * SS Voroshilov ( Soviet Union): World War II: The dredger was bombed and sunk at Kerch by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of about 450 troops of the 51st Army. Two hundred people were rescued.
 * JAPANESE MINESWEEPER W 6 : World War II: The minesweeper was bombed and sunk in the Pacific Ocean (1.56667°N, 110.35°W)off Kuching, Sarawak by Dutch Army Martin B-10 bombers.
 * SS Warszawa (1916) (🇵🇱 Poland): World War II: The cargo liner was torpedoed and damaged in the Mediterranean Sea (32.18333°N, 24.73333°W by GS U-559 with the loss of 23 of the 468 people on board. Survivors were rescued by HMS Avon Vale (L06), HMS Burgonet (Z33) and HMS Peony (K40) (all ). Warszawa was taken in tow by HMS Peony but was later torpedoed and sunk at 32.16667°N, 24.53333°W by U-552.

27 December

 * SS Anhalt (1922) (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: Operation Archery: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk at Måløy Island, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway by HMS Chiddingfold (L31) and HMS Offa (G29) (both ).
 * SS Anita M Russ (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: Operation Archery: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk at Måløy Island by HMS Onslow (G17) and HMS Oribi (G66) (both ).
 * SS Arayat (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The steam cutter was bombed and sunk by Japanese aircraft.
 * SS Bohol (1905) (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The passenger/cargo ship was scuttled at Manila, Philippines.
 * SS Canlaon (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The coaster was bombed and sunk at Manila, Philippines by Japanese aircraft.
 * SS Ethel Edwards (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The coaster was bombed and sunk at Manilla by Japanese aircraft.
 * SS J B Paddon (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The collier was bombed and sunk in the North Sea (53.91667°N, 0.26667°W) by Luftwaffe aircraft. All crew were rescued.
 * SS Nojima Maru (🇯🇵 Japan): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the South China Sea Sea south west of Hong Kong by USS Perch (SS-176) (}).
 * SS Norma (1911) (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: Operation Archery: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk at Måløy Island by HMS Onslow (G17) and HMS Oribi (G66) (both ).
 * SS Penay ( Soviet Union): World War II: The troopship was bombed and sunk by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of 113 lives.
 * SS Reimar Edward Fritzen (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: Operation Archery: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk at Måløy Island by HMS Onslow (G17) and HMS Oribi (G66) (both ).
 * MV Taurus (1911) (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled in the Pasig River, Philippines.
 * GERMAN PATROL BOAT V-1502 : World War II: Operation Archery: The vorpostenboot was shelled and sunk at Måløy Island by HMS Chiddingfold (L31) and HMS Offa (G29) (both ).
 * GERMAN PATROL BOAT V-5102 : World War II: The vorpostenboot was shelled and sunk by HMS Onslow (G17) and HMS Oribi (G66) (both ).
 * GERMAN PATROL BOAT V-5108 : World War II: The vorpostenboot was shelled and sunk by HMS Oribi (G66) . Sixteen of her twenty crew were taken as prisoners of war. The wreck was raised and scrapped in October 1942.
 * GERMAN PATROL BOAT V-6114 : World War II: The vorpostenboot was shelled and sunk by HMS Onslow (G17) and HMS Oribi (G66) (both ).

28 December

 * SS Banahao (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The lighthouse tender was bombed and sunk at Manila, Philippines by Japanese aircraft. She was later raised by the Imperial Japanese Army.
 * DCH-1 : The former was sunk as a target in the Pacific Ocean (26.58333°N, 143.81667°W) by USS Neches (AO-5).
 * SS De Ruyter (1931) (🇳🇱 Netherlands): World War II: The coaster was bombed and damaged in the North Sea 23 nmi north north east of the South Bishop Lightship (🇬🇧 United Kingdom) by Luftwaffe aircraft. She was beached on the Goodwin Sands, Kent.
 * SS Forafric (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the Celebes Sea (3.66667°N, 121°W by Japanese aircraft. All crew were rescued.
 * SS Hai Kwang (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster was bombed and sunk in Manila Bay, Philippines by Japanese aircraft. All crew were taken as prisoners of war.
 * SS Kaiping (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Manilla by Japanese aircraft. She was later salvaged, repaired and entered Japanese service as Kaihan Maru.
 * SS Mauban (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Manilla by Japanese aircraft. She was later salvaged, repaired and entered Japanese service as Manbo Maru.
 * SS Research (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The survey vessel was bombed and damaged in Manilla Bay by Japanese aircraft. She was bombed again on each of the next two days and was beached.
 * SS Seistan (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in Manilla Bay by Japanese aircraft. All crew were taken as prisoners of war.
 * GS U-75 (1940) : World War II: The Type VIIC submarine was depth charged and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea (31.5°N, 26.66667°W) by HMS Kipling (F91) with the loss of fifteen of her 45 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Kipling and HMS Legion (G74) (both ).
 * SS Volo (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy ME 8: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean (31.75°N, 26.8°W by GS U-75 (1940) with the loss of 24 of her 38 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS LCT-11.

29 December

 * BRP Banahaw : World War II: The presidential yacht was bombed and sunk at Port Mills, Corregidor Island by Japanese aircraft.
 * CKA-056 : World War II: The MO-4-class patrol vessel was shelled and sunk at Feodosiya by land-based artillery.
 * SS Eisk ( Soviet Union): World War II: The passenger ship was shelled and sunk by German shore-based artillery with the loss of seven crew and a number of soldiers.
 * ST Henry Keswick (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The tug was sunk in Manila Bay off Corregidor Island. All crew survived but were interned. She was later salvaged, repaired and entered Japanese service as Keishu Maru.
 * SS Palawan  (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The coaster was scuttled at Manilla, Philippines. She was later salvaged, repaired and entered Japanese service as Paran Maru.
 * JAPANESE SUBMARINE Ro-60 : The ran aground on the Kwajalein Reef, Marshall Islands (9°N, 167.5°W)  and was wrecked.

30 December

 * SS Campina (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Pelponnese (38.58333°N, 10.45°W) by HMS Thorn (N11).
 * SS Citta di Marsala ( undefined): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Aegean Sea off Argostoli, Greece (38.11667°N, 20.41667°W) by HMS Proteus (N29).
 * HMS Kudat : World War II: The Transport/ Depot Ship was bombed and sunk in the Klang Straits off Port Swettenham, Malaya by Japanese aircraft with the loss of three crew.,
 * Salvatore lo Biancio ( undefined): The steamboat sank at Bardia, Libya.

31 December

 * SS Bagnoli ( undefined): World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank at Navarino, Greece.
 * SS Capillo (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Manila, Philippines by Japanese aircraft.
 * MV Cardita (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The tanker straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (59.3°N, -12.83333°W) by GS U-87 (1941) with the loss of 27 of her 50 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Onslow (1916).
 * CKA-094 : World War II: The MO-4-class patrol vessel was bombed and sunk in the Strait of Kerch by Luftwaffe aircraft.
 * SS Dos Hermanos (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Manilla. She was later raised, repaired and entered Japanese service as Himeno Maru.
 * SS Kragnovardeets ( Soviet Union): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Feodosiya by Luftwaffe aircraft. All crew survived.
 * SS Magallanes (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Manilla.
 * SS Montanes (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Manilla.
 * SS Ruth Alexander (1913) (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The ocean liner was torpedoed and damaged off Balikpapan, Dutch East Indies by Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft with the loss of one crew member. Ship sank January 2, 1942

Unknown date

 * MV Anakan (🇺🇸 United States): World War II The coaster was bombed and sunk at Manila, Philippines by Japanese aircraft. Later salvaged by the Japanese.
 * SS Anlee ( undefined): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Apoey (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Argus (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Ariadne Moller (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Cambay Prince (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Chengtu (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * FRENCH TUG Cyclope : The tug sank at Bizerta, Tunisia.
 * SS Daylite (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Eldorado (1918) (🇵🇦 Panama): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * ST Ethel Moller (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The salvage tug was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Fausang (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * ST Frosty Moller (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * MV Fook On (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * ST Gertrude Moller (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The salvage tug was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * HMS H31 : World War II: The H-class submarine departed on 24 December from Falmouth, Cornwall for a patrol in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Finisterre, Spain. She failed to return on 29 December. Lost with all 34 crew.
 * MV Hinsang (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Hirondelle (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Hsinlee ( undefined): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Joan Moller (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Josephine Moller (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The salvage ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Kathleen Moller (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Kau Tung (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Luzon (1905) (🇺🇸 United States): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Manilla.
 * SS Man Chiao (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The ferry was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * HMS Man Yeung : World War II: The auxiliary minelayer was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * HMS Mao Lee : World War II: The mine carrier was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * ST Margaret Moller (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The salvage tug was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Marion (1906) (🇵🇦 Panama): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Merton (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy SC 58: The cargo ship ran aground on the Pluckington Bank and broke her back.
 * SS Min Sang (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Nanning (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * USS Nereus (AC-10) (🇨🇦 Canada): World War II: The was lost in the Atlantic Ocean sometime after 10 December.
 * MV Ningpo (🇸🇪 Sweden): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * ST Patricia Moller (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The tug was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Samal (🇵🇭 Philippines): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Manila by Japanese aircraft.
 * SS Shenglee ( undefined): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Shun Chih (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Soochow (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS St. Vincent de Paul (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Sumatra (1894) (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Tai Hing (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Tai Lee (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Tai Ming (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Tai Poo Sek (🇫🇷 France): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Tin Sang (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Tin Yat (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * Wave (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The water carrier was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Wawa (🇵🇦 Panama): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.
 * SS Yat Shing (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled at Hong Kong.