German submarine U-487

German submarine U-487 was a Type XIV supply and replenishment U-boat ("Milchkuh") of the of the Nazi German Kriegsmarine during World War II.

Her keel was laid down 31 December 1941 by Germaniawerft in Kiel as 'werk' 556. She was launched on 17 October 1942 and commissioned on 21 December 1942 with Oberleutnant zur See Helmut Metz in command. Metz commanded the boat for its entire career.

Her service began with training as part of the 4th U-boat Flotilla. She then joined the 12th flotilla for operations.

Operational career
U-487 conducted two patrols. As a supply boat, she avoided combat.

1st patrol
The U-boat departed Kiel on 27 March 1943, heading for the mid-Atlantic. She arrived in Bordeaux, in occupied France on 12 May.

2nd patrol and loss
Her second patrol saw her leave Bordeaux on 15 June 1943. On 13 July, U-487 was attacked in the central Atlantic by five United States Navy TBF Avengers and F4F Wildcats from the escort carrier USS Core (CVE-13). The U-boat's crew were taken by surprise, so much so that sunbathers were seen on the casing. One Wildcat was shot down, but 31 men were killed and the U-boat sunk. The 33 survivors were taken prisoner onboard USS USS Barker (DD-213).