List of shipwrecks in December 1940

The list of shipwrecks in December 1940 includes all ships sunk, foundered, grounded, or otherwise lost during December 1940. Most of the ships listed here were lost in connection with World War II.

1 December
For the sinking of Port Wellington'' on this day, see the entry for 30 November 1940
 * MV Appalachee (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy HX 90: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (54.5°N, -20°W) by a GS U-101 (1940) with the loss of seven of her 39 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Heliotrope.
 * SS British Officer (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The tanker struck a mine in mouth of the Tyne and broke in two. The stern section sank and the bow section was towed to port. Five crew were killed.
 * PS Her Majesty (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The paddle steamer was bombed and sunk at Southampton, Hampshire by Luftwaffe aircraft.
 * SS Loch Ranza (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (54.61667°N, -18.9°W) by GS U-101 (1940) . She was beached in Rothesay Bay on 9 December. Subsequently repaired and returned to service in May 1941.
 * MS Oslofjord (1938) (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The troopship struck a mine off the mouth of the Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, United Kingdom and was beached at Tynemouth with her back broken. There was one casualty.
 * SS Palmella (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy OG 46: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (40.5°N, -13.5°W) by GS U-37 (1938) with the loss of one of her 29 crew. Survivors were rescued by the trawler Navemar (🇪🇸 Spain).
 * SS Santos (1928) (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the North Sea off Ostend, West Flanders, Belgium by Royal Air Force aircraft. She was later raised, repaired and returned to service.
 * SS Tribesman (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Cape Verde, Portugal (15°N, -35°W) by GERMAN POCKET BATTLESHIP Admiral Scheer with the loss of eight of her 53 crew. Fourteen crew were taken as prisoners of war.

2 December

 * MV Conch (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy HX 90: The tanker straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and severely damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 370 nmi west of Bloody Foreland, County Donegal, Ireland (55.66667°N, -19°W) by GS U-47 (1938) . She was torpedoed and sunk the next day at that location by GS U-95 (1940) . The crew were rescued by HMCS St. Laurent (H83).
 * HMS Forfar (F30) : World War II: The armed merchant cruiser was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (54.58333°N, -18.3°W) by GS U-99 (1940) with the loss of 173 lives of the 194 crew. Survivors were rescued by SS Dunsley (🇬🇧 United Kingdom), (HMCS St. Laurent (H83)  and HMS Viscount (D92).
 * SS Goodleigh (1938) (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (55.03333°N, -18.75°W) by GS U-52 (1939) with the loss of one of her 37 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Viscount (D92).
 * SS Gwalia (🇸🇪 Sweden): World War II: Convoy OG 46: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Portugal (39.36667°N, -14.36667°W) by GS U-37 (1938) with the loss of sixteen of her 21 crew. Survivors were rescued by a Royal Navy destroyer.
 * SS Jeanne M (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy OG 46: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (39.31667°N, -13.9°W) by GS U-37 (1938) with the loss of seven of her 26 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Erin.
 * SS Jolly Girls (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland. All crew were rescued.
 * SS Kavak (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (55°N, -19.5°W) by GS U-101 (1940) with the loss of 25 of her 41 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Viscount (D92).
 * Kilgarran Castle (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The trawler was bombed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (51.35°N, -8.58333°W) by Luftwaffe aircraft.
 * SS Klaus Schoke (1938) (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted in the Atlantic Ocean off the Azores, Portugal (38.46667°N, -22.25°W) by SS California (1923) (🇬🇧 United Kingdom) and an attempt was made to scuttle her. She was taken in tow but sank on 5 December.
 * MV Lady Glanely (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (55°N, -20°W) by GS U-101 (1940) with the loss of all 33 crew.
 * MV Pacific President (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (56.06667°N, -18.75°W) by GS U-43 (1939) with the loss of all 51 crew.
 * SS Samnanger (1918) (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: Convoy OB 251: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean at approximately 53°N, -19°W by GS U-99 (1940) with the loss of all 30 crew.
 * MV Stirlingshire (1928) (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 280 nmi west of Bloody Foreland (55.6°N, -16.36667°W) by GS U-94 (1940) . All crew were rescued by Empire Pride (🇬🇧 United Kingdom).
 * SS Tasso (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (55.05°N, -18.06667°W) by GS U-52 (1939) with the loss of five of her 32 crew. The survivors were rescued by HMS Viscount (D92).
 * MV Victor Ross (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy HX 90: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of the Outer Hebrides (56.06667°N, -18.5°W) by GS U-43 (1939) ( with the loss of all 44 crew.
 * SS Ville d'Arlon (🇧🇪 Belgium): World War II: Convoy HX 90: The passenger ship straggled behind the convoy due to defects with her steering. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean, (55°N, -19.5°W) by GS U-47 (1938) with the loss of all 56 people on board.
 * USS Wilhelmina (ID-2168) (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (55.71667°N, -15.1°W) by GS U-94 (1940) with the loss of five of her 39 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Gentian (K90).

3 December

 * SS Idarwald (1923) (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted in the Caribbean Sea south of Cuba (21.56667°N, -84.41667°W) by HMS Diomede (D92) and an attempt was made to scuttle her. She finally sank on 9 December.
 * SS Victoria City (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean by GS U-140 (1940) with the loss of all 43 crew.
 * SS W Hendrik (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (56.43333°N, -12.33333°W) by Luftwaffe aircraft.

4 December

 * SS Daphne (1890) (🇸🇪 Sweden): World War II: Convoy OG 46: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south west of Cabo Espichel, Portugal (38.2°N, -9.43333°W) by GS U-37 (1938) ( with the loss of eighteen of her nineteen crew.
 * SS Empire Seaman (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was scuttled as a blockship at a Channel port.
 * Helene (🇧🇪 Belgium): World War II: The trawler struck a mine and sank off Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom (51.68333°N, -5.15°W).
 * SS Skogheim (🇳🇴 Norway): The cargo ship ran aground near the Songvår Lighthouse, Søgne, Vest-Agder and was wrecked. All 26 crew survived.

5 December

 * SS Amlwch Rose (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): The collier foundered in the Irish Sea north of Great Orme Head, Caernarvonshire.
 * Calipso : World War II: The Spica-class torpedo boat struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea east of Tobruk, Libya.
 * HMT Calverton (FY 775) : World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the mouth of the Humber.
 * HMS Cameron : World War II: The Clemson-class destroyer was bombed and damaged beyond economic repair at Portsmouth, Hampshire by Luftwaffe aircraft.
 * MV Nimbin (ship) (🇦🇺 Australia): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Pacific Ocean off Norah Head, New South Wales (-33.25°N, 151.78333°W with the loss of seven of her twenty crew.
 * SS Oscar Midling (1889) (🇫🇮 Finland): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in Ålesund, Norway (62.05°N, 5.1°W) by HMS Sunfish. with the loss of all hands.
 * SS Privet (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): The coaster foundered in Liverpool Bay off Birkenhead, Cheshire with the loss of all nine crew.
 * MV Silverpine (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy OB 252: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (54.23333°N, -18.13333°W) by ITALIAN SUBMARINE Argo with the loss of 36 crew.

6 December

 * SS Accomac (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): The cargo ship suffered a boiler explosion, ran aground and was wrecked at Pickie, Bangor, Northern Ireland.
 * Jupiter : World War II: The trawler was sunk by enemy action.
 * SS Mousse le Moyec (🇫🇷 France): The collier ran aground at Hartland Point, Devon, United Kingdom and was wrecked.
 * SS Nyland (1939) (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: Convoy EN35: The cargo ship ran aground off Iona, Inner Hebrides, United Kingdom and sank with the loss of all twenty crew.
 * HMS Regulus (N88) : World War II: The R-class submarine struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Taranto, Apulia, Italy with the loss of all 55 crew.
 * SS Skrim (1917) (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: Convoy OB 252: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean by GS U-43 (1939) with the loss of all 23 crew.
 * MV Supremity (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north of Whitstable, Kent with the loss of one crew member.
 * SS Triona (🇦🇺 Australia): World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Nauru (-5.2°N, 165.65°W) by GERMAN AUXILIARY CRUISER Orion with the loss of four crew. The survivors were taken as prisoners of war.

7 December

 * HMT Capricornus (FY 1264) : World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north east of Sheerness, Kent.
 * HMT Cortina (FY 1621) : The naval trawler collided with HMS Lormont at the mouth of the Humber. Both ships sank.
 * SS Farmsum (🇳🇱 Netherlands): World War II: Convoy OB 252: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean south west of Ireland (52.18333°N, -22.93333°W)by GS U-99 (1940) . with the loss of sixteen of her 31 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Ambuscade (D38).
 * HMS Lormont (: The Guard Ship collided with HMT Cortina (FY 1621) at the mouth of the Humber. Both ships sank
 * SS Stolwijk (🇳🇱 Netherlands): World War II: Convoy SC 13: The cargo ship ran aground between Inishdovey and Inishborin, County Donegal, Ireland and was wrecked with the loss of ten of her 28 crew.
 * MS Vinni (1937) (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 5 nmi south of Nauru by GERMAN AUXILIARY CRUISER Komet.
 * SS Watkins F. Nisbet (🇨🇦 Canada): The cargo ship foundered.

8 December

 * MV Actuality (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank north west of the Isle of Sheppey, Kent 3 nmi off the Mouse Lightship (🇬🇧 United Kingdom).
 * SS Adalia ( Nazi Germany): The cargo ship collided with SS Mendoza (1920) ( Nazi Germany) in the North Sea off Vlissingen, Zeeland, Netherlands and sank.
 * SS Anthea (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): The cargo ship collided with Maasdam (🇳🇱 Netherlands) off the coast of Canada (44.8°N, -46.61667°W) and sank.
 * SS Ashcrest (🇬🇧 United Kingdom: World War II: Convoy SC 13: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy due to a broker rudder. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Ireland (55.2°N, -10.33333°W) by GS U-140 (1940) with the loss of all 38 crew.
 * SS Beothic (1918) (🇨🇦 Canada): The cargo ship ran aground off Cape Bauld, Newfoundland and was wrecked.
 * SS Calabria (1922) (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy SLS 56: The cargo liner straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 295 nmi off the Slyne Head Lighthouse, County Galway Ireland (52.71667°N, -18.11667°W) by GS U-103 (1940) with the loss of all 360 people on board.
 * SS Empire Jaguar (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 296 nmi west south west of the Slyne Head Lighthouse, County Galway, Ireland (51.56667°N, -17.58333°W) by GS U-103 (1940) with the loss of all 37 crew.
 * SS Gorsethorn (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): The cargo ship foundered in Liverpool Bay.
 * SS Komata (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 20 nmi east of Nauru by GERMAN AUXILIARY CRUISER Komet with the loss of two crew.
 *  Penang (🇫🇮 Finland): World War II: The barque was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Bloody Foreland, County Donegal, Ireland (55.41667°N, -10.25°W) by GS U-140 (1940) with the loss of all eighteen crew.
 * MV Triadic (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was captured and scuttled in the Pacific Ocean off Nauru (-0.71667°N, 167.33333°W) by GERMAN AUXILIARY CRUISER Orion with the loss of one crew member.
 * MV Triaster (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo liner was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Nauru by GERMAN AUXILIARY CRUISER Orion.

9 December

 * HMS Royal Scot : World War II: The troopship struck a mine in the Bristol Channel and sank.

10 December

 * SS Aghia Eirini (🇬🇷 Greece): The cargo ship's steering gear failed and she ran aground at Clew Bay, County Mayo, Ireland and was wrecked.
 * SS Marangona ( undefined): World War II: The tanker struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea 27 nmi south of Pantelleria.
 * MV Marburg (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo liner struck a mine and sank in the Ionian Sea north east of Ithaca, Greece.
 * ST Thor : The tug was shelled and sunk in the English Channel off Cherbourg, Seine-Maritime, France.
 * Tor I (🇫🇴 Faroe Islands): World war II: The trawler struck a mine and sank in the Atlantic Ocean (65.33333°N, -12.66667°W).

11 December

 * MV Empire Statesman (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy SLS 56: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy due to problems with her engine. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (53.66667°N, -17°W) by GS U-94 (1940) with the loss of all 32 crew.
 * MV Rhein (1925) (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted in the Straits of Florida (24.91667°N, -83.25°W) by HNLMS Van Kinsbergen (1939) and an attempt was made to scuttle her. She was scuttled later that day by HMS Caradoc (D60).
 * Robinia (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The trawler struck a mine and sank in the Atlantic Ocean (65.33333°N, -12.66667°W). All crew were rescued.
 * SS Rotorua (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy HX 92: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off St Kilda, Scotland (58.93333°N, -1.33333°W) by GS U-96 (1940) with the loss of 22 of the 132 people on board. Survivors were rescued by HMT Alsey (M51), HMT Ebor Wyke (FY1601) and HMT Varanga (FY1625) (all ).
 * SS Towa (🇳🇱 Netherlands): World War II: Convoy HX 92: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west north west of the Outer Hebrides, United Kingdom (58.83333°N, -10.16667°W by GS U-96 (1940) with the loss of eighteen of her 37 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Matabele (F26).

12 December

 * SS Dionyssios Stathatos (🇬🇷 Greece): World War II: Convoy HX 91: The cargo ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean with the loss of all hands.
 * SS Macedonier (🇧🇪 Belgium): World War II: Convoy HX 92: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 10 nmi south of St Kilda, United Kingdom (57.86667°N, -8.7°W) by GS U-96 (1940) with the loss of four of her 47 crew. Survivors were rescued by SS Súlan (Light Blue Flag of Iceland.svg Iceland).
 * Margrethe (🇩🇰 Denmark): World War II: The fishing vessel struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Sylt, Germany.
 * MV Stureholm (🇸🇪 Sweden): World War II: Convoy HX 92: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 755 nmi south south west of Reykjavík, Iceland by GS U-96 (1940) with the loss of all 32 crew.

13 December

 * SS Schwalbe (1920) (🇩🇪 Germany): The cargo ship ran aground off Utö, Finland and was wrecked.
 * SS Sebastiano Bianchi ( undefined): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea east north east off Cape Spartivento (37.83333°N, 16.25°W).

14 December

 * HMS Branlebas : The La Melpomène-class torpedo boat sank in the Atlantic Ocean off the Eddystone Rocks during a storm with the loss of most of the crew.
 * Capitano Tarantini : World War II: The Liuzzi-class submarine was torpedoed and sunk in the Gironde Estuary, France (45.41667°N, -1.36667°W) by HMS Thunderbolt (N25).
 * SS Cardross (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): The coaster collided with SS Fiona (🇬🇧 United Kingdom) off Sydney, Australia (-34.11667°N, 151.53333°W) and sank.
 * SS Euphorbia (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west south west of Rockall, Inverness-shire by GS U-100 (1940) with the loss of all 34 crew.
 * SS Kyleglen (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of the Outer Hebrides (58°N, -25°W) by GS U-100 (1940) with the loss of all 36 crew.
 * Naiade : World War II: The Sirena-class submarine was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Bardia, Libya (32.05°N, 25.43333°W) by HMS Hereward (H93) and HMS Hyperion (H97) (both ). Twenty five crew were rescued.
 * MV Western Prince (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo liner was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 400 nmi west of the Orkney Islands (59.53333°N, -17.78333°W) by GS U-96 (1940) with the loss of fifteen of the 169 people on board survivors were rescued by HMS Active (H14)  and SS Baron Kinnaird (🇬🇧 United Kingdom).

15 December

 * SS N C Monberg (🇩🇰 Denmark): World War II: Convoy FS 360: The collier was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea off Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, United Kingdom (52.66667°N, 2.16667°W) by GERMAN TORPEDO BOAT S-25 and GERMAN TORPEDO BOAT S-58 (both ) with the loss of nine crew.
 * Narval : World War II: The Requin-class submarine struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Sfax, Tunisia.

16 December

 * SS Arrigoni ( undefined): The coaster sank at Francavilla.
 * MV Bonzo ( undefined): World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Ionian Sea off Punta Stilo, Calabria (38.46667°N, 16.73333°W) by HMS Truant (N68).
 * Heltraud (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The trawler was sunk by enemy action.
 * SS San Carlos (1919) (🇪🇸 Spain): World War II: The coaster was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Jurby by GS U-37 (1938) with the loss of one of the 28 people on board.

17 December

 * HMS Acheron (H45) : World War II: The A-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the English Channel off the Isle of Wight with the loss of 196 of the 215 people on board.
 * MV Aquiety (1934) (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary south of Southend, Essex with the loss of six crew.
 * SS Belvedere (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north of the Isle of Sheppey, Kent with the loss four of her six crew.
 * SS Beneficient (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north of the Isle of Sheppey with the loss of six of her crew.
 * HMT Carry On : World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north of Sheerness, Kent with the loss of seven crew.
 * SS Galata ( undefined): World War II: The coaster was shelled and sunk at Bardia, Libya by HMS Ladybird (1916), HMS Terror (I03) (both ), HMAS Voyager (D31) and HMAS Vendetta (D69) (both ).
 * SS Giuseppina D ( undefined): World War II: The coaster was shelled and sunk at Bardia by HMS Ladybird (1916), HMS Terror (I03) (both ), HMAS Voyager (D31) and HMAS Vendetta (D69) (both ).
 * SS Inga (🇫🇮 Finland): The cargo ship collided with SS Silkeborg (🇩🇰 Denmark) in the Kiel Canal, Germany and sank.
 * SS Inver (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north of Sheerness with the loss of seventeen crew.
 * SS Malrix (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north of Whitstable, Kent with the loss of eight crew.
 * SS Paranaguá (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine off Den Helder, North Holland, Netherlands (52.91667°N, 4.68333°W) and sank.
 * MV Salvador (🇺🇾 Uruguay): World War II: The passenger ship departed from Istanbul, Turkey carry 327 passengers - Bulgarian Jewish refugees. She had a capacity for only 40 passengers. The ship foundered in the Sea of Marmara with the loss of 204 passengers.
 * HMT Thomas Connolly : World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north of Sheerness with the loss of one crew member.
 * SS Vincenzinao ( undefined): World War II: The coaster was shelled and sunk at Bardia by HMS Ladybird (1916), HMS Terror (I03) (both ), HMAS Voyager (D31) and HMAS Vendetta (D69) (both ).

18 December

 * MV Ability (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the North Sea south of Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.
 * SS Anastassia (🇬🇷 Greece): World War II: Convoy SC 15: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (54.4°N, -19.06667°W) by ITALIAN SUBMARINE Veniero with the loss of eighteen of her 28 crew. The survivors were taken as prisoners of war. She was observed drifting on 20 December, and later sank.
 * SS Birkenfels (1922) (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine off the mouth of the Scheldt, Belgium and sank.
 * SS Napier Star (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The refrigerated cargo liner was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of the Outer Hebrides (58.96667°N, -23.21667°W) by GS U-100 (1940) with the loss of 71 of the 99 people on board. Survivors were rescued by SS Vaalaren (🇸🇪 Sweden).
 * ST Chassiron (🇫🇷 France): World War II: The tug was torpedoed and sunk in the Gironde Estuary by HMS Tuna (N94).
 * RFA Osage : World War II: The tanker was bombed and sunk in the Irish Sea off Wicklow Head, County Wicklow, Ireland by Luftwaffe aircraft. All crew were rescued.
 * HMT Refundo : World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and damaged in the Orwell Estuary off Harwich, Essex (51.935°N, 1.35056°W) with the loss of two crew. She was taken in tow but sank.
 * GERMAN PATROL BOAT V-403 : World War II: The vorpostenboot struck a mine and sank in the Westerschelde.
 * HMS Triton (N15) : World War II: The T-class submarine was sunk in the Strait of Otranto, Italy due to enemy action.

19 December
For the scuttling of the Greek cargo ship Eugenia Cambasis on this day, see the entry for 28 November 1940.
 * SS Amicus (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy SC 15: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (54.16667°N, -15.83333°W) by ITALIAN SUBMARINE Alpino Bagnolini with the loss of all 37 crew.
 * MV Arinia (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The tanker struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary off the Nore Lightship (🇬🇧 United Kingdom) with the loss of all 60 people on board.
 * SS Erling Skjalgson (🇳🇴 Norway): The cargo ship foundered in the North Sea off Jæren, Rogaland. All six crew were rescued by a fishing vessel.
 * SS Freienfels (1929) (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine in the Mediterranean Sea south of Livorno, Tuscany, Italy and sank.
 * SS Geierfels (1930) (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine south of Livorno and sank.
 * SS Isolda (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The lightship tender was bombed and in the Atlantic Ocean sunk by Luftwaffe aircraft off Carnsore Point, County Wexford, Ireland with the loss of six crew.
 * SS Jacob Maersk (🇩🇰 Denmark): The cargo ship sank off Copenhagen.
 * HMT Proficient : The naval trawler ran aground at Whitby, Yorkshire and was wrecked.
 * Rhône (🇫🇷 Vichy French Navy): World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Juby, Morocco by GS U-37 (1938) with the loss of eleven crew.
 * Sfax (🇫🇷 Vichy French Navy): World War II: The Redoutable-class submarine was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Juby, Morocco by GS U-37 (1938) with the loss of four of her 69 crew.

20 December

 * SS Carlton (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy OB 260: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (54.5°N, -18.5°W) by ITALIAN SUBMARINE Pietro Calvi with the loss of 31 crew.
 * SS Consul Poppe (1904) (🇩🇪 Germany): The cargo ship was bombed and sunk by aircraft off Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.
 * Overdale (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The hopper barge was bombed and sunk at Liverpool, Lancashire with the loss of three crew.

21 December

 * SS Charles Pratt (🇵🇦 Panama): World War II: The tanker was torpoedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Sierra Leone (8.43333°N, -16.83333°W) by GS U-68 (1940) with the loss of two of her 42 crew. Survivors were rescued by SS Gascony and SS Langleegorse (both 🇬🇧 United Kingdom).
 * Innisfallen (🇮🇪 Ireland): World War II: The ferry struck a mine off the Wirral Peninsula, Cheshire, United Kingdom and sank with the loss of four of the 220 people on board.
 * SS Luigi Rizzo ( undefined): World War II: The coaster was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea east of the Kerkennah Islands, Tunisia (34.65°N, 10.8°W) by Fairey Swordfish aircraft of 815 and 819 squadrons, Fleet Air Arm based on HMS Illustrious (87).
 * SS Mangen (🇸🇪 Sweden): World War II: Convoy OG 47: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 300 nmi west of Oporto, Portugal (40.75°N, -16.83333°W) by ITALIAN SUBMARINE Mocenigo with the loss of eight crew. Survivors were rescued by SS Garm (🇸🇪 Sweden).
 * SS Norge (1907) ( undefined): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea east of the Kerkennah Islands (34.65°N, 10.8°W) by Fairey Swordfish aircraft of 815 and 819 squadrons, Fleet Air Arm based on HMS Illustrious (87).
 * SS Peuceta ( undefined): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea east of the Kerkennah Islands (34.65°N, 10.8°W) by Fairey Swordfish aircraft of 815 and 819 squadrons, Fleet Air Arm based on HMS Illustrious (87).
 * ST River Thames (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): The tug sank in the Thames Estuary north of Sheerness, Kent (51.46667°N, 0.76667°W) with the loss of three crew.
 * SS Silvio (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of one crew member.
 * HMS Sun IX : The naval tug sank in the Thames Estuary north of Sheerness with the loss of three crew.
 * TIC 12 (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): The barge struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary (51.46667°N, 0.76667°W). All crew were rescued.

22 December

 * SS Anthippi N Michalos (🇬🇷 Greece): World War II: Convoy SC 15: The cargo ship collided with SS Beaverdale (🇬🇧 United Kingdom) in Caernarvon Bay, Wales (53.16667°N, -5.05°W) and sank.
 * Antonietta ( undefined): World War II: The boat was rammed and sunk in the Adriatic Sea off Brindisi by GREEK SUBMARINE Papanikolis.
 * HMS H31 : The H-class submarine foundered at Campbeltown, Argyllshire. She was raised on 25 December. Subsequently repaired and returned to service.
 * HMS Hyperion (H97) : World War II: The H-class destroyer struck a mine in the Mediterranean Sea off Pantelleria, east of Cape Bon in the Strait of Sicily and was damaged. She was taken in tow by HMS Ilex (D61) but later scuttled by HMS Janus (F53)). Two of her 146 crew were killed.
 * MAC 7 : The mooring attendant craft sank at Portsmouth, Hampshire. Refloated, but declared a total loss in January 1941 following a fire.
 * ST Poolgarth (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The tug struck a mine in the River Mersey at Liverpool, Lancashire and sank with the loss of all seven crew.

23 December

 * SS Breda (🇳🇱 Netherlands): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in Loch Etive, Scotland (56.48667°N, -5.41667°W) by Luftwaffe aircraft. All crew were rescued.
 * Fratelli Cairoli : World War II: The Abba-class torpedo boat struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Misrata, Libya.
 * HMT Pelton : World War II: The naval trawler was torpedoed and sunk in the North Sea off Lowestoft, Sufolk (52.52806°N, 2.07083°W) by GERMAN TORPEDO BOAT S-23 with the loss of nineteen crew.
 * SS Stad Maastricht (🇳🇱 Netherlands): World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and damaged in the North Sea south east of Clacton-on-Sea, Essex (52.58333°N, 2.05°W) by GERMAN TORPEDO BOAT S-59 . She was taken in tow by ST Kenia, ST Krooman and ST Norman (all 🇬🇧 United Kingdom) but sank.
 * HMS Warwick (D25) : World War II: The W class destroyer struck a mine in Liverpool Bay off the Bar Lightship (🇬🇧 United Kingdom) and was severely damaged. She was beached off Liverpool, Lancashire. Subsequently repaired and returned to service in March 1942.
 * MV Ystroom (🇳🇱 Netherlands): World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in Liverpool Bay off Southport, Lancashire (53.61667°N, -3.41667°W). All crew were rescued.

24 December

 * SS British Premier (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy SLS 60: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 200 nmi south west of Freetown, Sierra Leone (6.33333°N, -13.33333°W) by GS U-65 (1940) with the loss of 32 of her 45 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Faulknor (H62) and HMS Hawkins (D86) (both ).
 * Firenze : World War II: The troopship was torpedoed and sunk in the Adriatic Sea off Sazan Island, Albania (40.56667°N, 19.03333°W) by Papanikolis.
 * HMS Mercury (1934) : World War II: The auxiliary minesweeper struck a mine and was damaged in the Atlantic Ocean south of Ireland. She sank the next day whilst under tow by HMS Goatfell.

25 December

 * SS Jumna (1929) (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Cape Finisterre, Spain (44.85°N, -27.75°W) by Admiral Hipper (.

26 December

 * SS Baden (1922) (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted in the Atlantic Ocean (44°N, -25.11667°W) by HMS Bonaventure (31) and was scuttled.
 * MAC 5 : World War II: The minesweeper attendant craft struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off the coast of Essex with the loss of four crew.
 * Tireremo Diritto : World War II: The schooner was captured in the Mediterranean Sea off Bardia, Italian Libya by HMAS Waterhen and scuttled.
 * HMT True Accord : The naval trawler sank in the North Sea off Happisburgh, Norfolk as a result of a collision.
 * MV Waiotira (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 150 nmi west of Rockall, Inverness-shire by GS U-95 (1940) and was abandoned. She was torpedoed and sunk the next day by GS U-38 (1938) . One of the 90 people on board was killed. Survivors were rescued by HMS Mashona (F59).

27 December

 * MV Araby (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): The cargo ship sank in the Thames Estuary south west of Southend, Essex with the loss of six crew.
 * SS Ardabhan (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy OB 263: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean by GS U-38 (1938) . She was later torpedoed and sunk by ITALIAN SUBMARINE Enrico Tazzoli with the loss of all 40 crew.
 * SS Arnfinn Jarl (1921) (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk off Egersund, Rogaland by Royal Air Force aircraft. Later raised, repaired and returned to service.
 * SS Kinnaird Head (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster struck a mine in the Thames Estuary and sank north of Sheerness, Kent with the loss of six crew.
 * SS Risanger (🇳🇴 Norway): World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (12.5°N, -21.5°W) by GS U-65 (1940) . All 29 crew were rescued by MV Belinda (1939) (🇳🇴 Norway).

28 December
No ship were lost on this day.

29 December

 * SS Adriana (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Freiburg, Lower Saxony.
 * ST Monarch (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The tug was bombed and sunk by Luftwaffe aircraft.
 * SS PLM-23 (🇩🇪 Germany): The cargo ship ran aground in the Wadden Sea off Scharhörn and was wrecked.
 * Proteus : World War II: The submarine was torpedoed and sunk in the Adriatic Sea, east of Brindisi 40.51667°N, 19.03333°W) by Antares.
 * SS Sardegna : World War II: The troopship was torpedoed and sunk in the Adriatic Sea, east of Brindisi 40.51667°N, 19.03333°W) by Proteus.

30 December

 * HMT Bandolero (FY 188) : The naval trawler collided with HMS Waterhen (D22) off Solum, Libya and sank.
 * SS Baron Ardrossan (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): The cargo ship ran aground on Barra, Outer Hebrides and was wrecked.
 * SS Bodnant (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: Convoy OB 264: The cargo ship collided with SS City of Bedford (🇬🇧 United Kingdom, Convoy HX 97) in the Atlantic Ocean (approximately 60.05°N, -23.01667°W. Both ships sank, with 48 killed on board City of Bedford.
 * SS Calcium (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in Liverpool Bay (53.41667°N, -3.75°W) with the loss of one of her nine crew.

31 December

 * MV British Zeal (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (15.66667°N, -20.71667°W) by GS U-65 (1940) and was abandoned by her 50 crew. The ship was still afloat the next day and the crew reboarded her. She was later towed to Freetown, Sierra Leone by HMS Hudson (W02)  . British Zeal was repaired and returned to service in February 1942.
 * SS Porjus (🇩🇪 Germany): World War II: The cargo ship collided with another vessel off Brunsbüttel, Schleswig-Holstein and sank.
 * SS Quinto ( undefined): World War II: The tanker was shelled and sunk in the Adriatic Sea, off Antivari, Yugoslavia by Katsonis.
 * SS St Fergus (🇬🇧 United Kingdom): The cargo ship collided with another vessel in the North Sea east of Rattray Head, Aberdeenshire and sank.
 * MV Valparaiso (🇸🇪 Sweden): World War II: Convoy HX 97: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean north west of the Outer Hebrides, United Kingdom (60.01667°N, -23°W) by GS U-38 (1938) with the loss of all 35 people on board.

Unknown date

 *  Rita (🇦🇺 Australia): The ketch ran aground on Cape Barren Island and was wrecked.