# List of shipwrecks in December 1940

The list of shipwrecks in December 1940 includes ships sunk, foundered, grounded, or otherwise lost during December 1940.

## 1 December

For the sinking of Port Wellington on this day, see the entry for 30 November 1940
List of shipwrecks: 1 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Appalachee | United Kingdom | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (54°30′N 20°00′W﻿ / ﻿54.500°N 20.000°W﻿ / 54.500; -20.000) by a U-101 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of seven of her 39 crew. Survivors were rescued by Heliotrope ( Royal Navy). |
| British Officer | United Kingdom | World War II: The tanker struck a mine in mouth of the River Tyne and broke in two with the loss of five of her 47 crew. The stern section sank and the bow section was towed to port. It was subsequently scrapped. |
| Her Majesty | United Kingdom | World War II: The paddle steamer was bombed and sunk at Southampton, Hampshire by Luftwaffe aircraft. |
| Loch Ranza | United Kingdom | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (54°37′N 18°54′W﻿ / ﻿54.617°N 18.900°W﻿ / 54.617; -18.900) by U-101 ( Kriegsmarine). She was beached in Rothesay Bay on 9 December. She was subsequently repaired, and returned to service in May 1941. |
| Oslofjord | Norway | World War II: The troopship struck a mine off Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, United Kingdom and was beached at Tynemouth with her back broken. There was one casualty. She broke in two, capsized, and sank in bad weather at 55°0.17′N 1°23.72′W﻿ / ﻿55.00283°N 1.39533°W﻿ / 55.00283; -1.39533 on 21–22 January 1941. |
| 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°30′N 13°30′W﻿ / ﻿40.500°N 13.500°W﻿ / 40.500; -13.500) by U-37 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 29 crew. Survivors were rescued by the fishing trawler Navemar ( Spain). |
| HMCS Saguenay | Royal Canadian Navy | World War II: The destroyer was torpedoed 300 miles (480 km) west of Ireland by the Italian submarine Argo ( Regia Marina) while escorting Convoy HG 47. She managed to return to Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire largely under her own power, but with 21 dead and without most of her bow |
| Santos | 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. |
| Tribesman | United Kingdom | World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of the Cape Verde Islands, Portugal (15°00′N 35°00′W﻿ / ﻿15.000°N 35.000°W﻿ / 15.000; -35.000) by Admiral Scheer ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eight of her 53 crew. Fourteen of her crew were taken as prisoners of war. |

## 2 December

List of shipwrecks: 2 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| 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 nautical miles (690 km) west of Bloody Foreland, County Donegal, Ireland (55°40′N 19°00′W﻿ / ﻿55.667°N 19.000°W﻿ / 55.667; -19.000) by U-47 ( Kriegsmarine). She was torpedoed and sunk the next day at that location by U-95 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 53 crew were rescued by HMCS St. Laurent ( Royal Canadian Navy). |
| HMS Forfar | Royal Navy | World War II: The armed merchant cruiser was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (54°35′N 18°18′W﻿ / ﻿54.583°N 18.300°W﻿ / 54.583; -18.300) by U-99 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 173 of her 194 crew. Survivors were rescued by Dunsley ( United Kingdom), HMCS St. Laurent ( Royal Canadian Navy) and HMS Viscount ( Royal Navy). |
| Goodleigh | United Kingdom | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (55°02′N 18°45′W﻿ / ﻿55.033°N 18.750°W﻿ / 55.033; -18.750) by U-52 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 37 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Viscount ( Royal Navy). |
| 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 the coast of Portugal (39°22′N 14°22′W﻿ / ﻿39.367°N 14.367°W﻿ / 39.367; -14.367) by U-37 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of sixteen of her 21 crew. Survivors were rescued by a Royal Navy destroyer. |
| Jeanne M. | United Kingdom | World War II: Convoy OG 46: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (39°19′N 13°54′W﻿ / ﻿39.317°N 13.900°W﻿ / 39.317; -13.900) by U-37 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of seven of her 26 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMT Erin ( Royal Navy). |
| Jolly Girls | United Kingdom | World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland. Her crew were rescued. |
| Kavak | United Kingdom | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (55°00′N 19°30′W﻿ / ﻿55.000°N 19.500°W﻿ / 55.000; -19.500) by U-101 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 25 of her 41 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Viscount ( Royal Navy). |
| Kilgarran Castle | United Kingdom | World War II: The fishing trawler was bombed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (51°21′N 8°35′W﻿ / ﻿51.350°N 8.583°W﻿ / 51.350; -8.583) by Heinkel He 115 aircraft of Küstenfliegergruppe 406, Luftwaffe. |
| 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°00′N 20°00′W﻿ / ﻿55.000°N 20.000°W﻿ / 55.000; -20.000) by U-101 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 33 crew. |
| 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°04′N 18°45′W﻿ / ﻿56.067°N 18.750°W﻿ / 56.067; -18.750) by U-43 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 51 crew. |
| Samnanger | Norway | World War II: Convoy OB 251: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (approximately 54°N 18°W﻿ / ﻿54°N 18°W﻿ / 54; -18) by U-99 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 30 crew. |
| Stirlingshire | United Kingdom | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 280 nautical miles (520 km) west of Bloody Foreland (55°36′N 16°22′W﻿ / ﻿55.600°N 16.367°W﻿ / 55.600; -16.367) by U-94 ( Kriegsmarine). Her 74 crew were rescued by Empire Pride ( United Kingdom). |
| Tasso | United Kingdom | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (55°03′N 18°04′W﻿ / ﻿55.050°N 18.067°W﻿ / 55.050; -18.067) by U-52 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of five of her 32 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Viscount ( Royal Navy). |
| 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°04′N 18°30′W﻿ / ﻿56.067°N 18.500°W﻿ / 56.067; -18.500) by U-43 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 44 crew. |
| 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°00′N 19°30′W﻿ / ﻿55.000°N 19.500°W﻿ / 55.000; -19.500) by U-47 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 56 people on board. |
| Wilhelmina | United Kingdom | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (55°43′N 15°06′W﻿ / ﻿55.717°N 15.100°W﻿ / 55.717; -15.100) by U-94 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of five of her 39 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Gentian ( Royal Navy). |

## 3 December

List of shipwrecks: 3 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| 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 U-140 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 43 crew. |
| W. Hendrik | United Kingdom | World War II: Convoy HX 90: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (56°26′N 12°20′W﻿ / ﻿56.433°N 12.333°W﻿ / 56.433; -12.333) by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of five of her 35 crew. |

## 4 December

List of shipwrecks: 4 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Daphne | 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°12′N 9°26′W﻿ / ﻿38.200°N 9.433°W﻿ / 38.200; -9.433) by U-37 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eighteen of her nineteen crew. |
| Edwin Duke | United States | The tug sank during a storm in 55 feet (17 m) of water in the North Atlantic Ocean off Jones Beach Island south of Long Island, New York. USCGC Pontchartrain ( United States Coast Guard) took off her crew before she sank. |
| Empire Seaman | United Kingdom | The cargo ship was scuttled as a blockship at a British Channel port, or in East Weddell Sound (58°52′17″N 2°54′33″W﻿ / ﻿58.87139°N 2.90917°W﻿ / 58.87139; -2.90917). |
| Helene | Belgium | World War II: The fishing trawler struck a mine and sank off Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom (51°41′N 5°09′W﻿ / ﻿51.683°N 5.150°W﻿ / 51.683; -5.150). |
| Skogheim | Norway | The cargo ship ran aground near the Songvår Lighthouse, Søgne and was wrecked. Her 26 crew survived. |

## 5 December

List of shipwrecks: 5 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Amlwch Rose | United Kingdom | The collier foundered in the Irish Sea north of Great Orme Head, Caernarvonshire with the loss of ten of her crew. |
| Calipso | Regia Marina | World War II: The Spica-class torpedo boat struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea east of Tobruk, Libya. Ninety of her 129 crew were killed. |
| HMS Cameron | Royal Navy | World War II: The Town-class destroyer was bombed while in drydock at Portsmouth, Hampshire by Luftwaffe aircraft. Fourteen crew were killed. HMS Cameron capsized as the drydock filled with water. She was raised in February 1941 and had been repaired by April 1941. She was subsequently used as a hull stress test ship. |
| Iderwald | Germany | World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted south of Cuba by HMS Diomede ( Royal Navy) and was set afire by her crew. Iderwald sank on 9 December. |
| Klaus Schoke | Germany | World War II: The cargo ship sank three days after being intercepted in the Atlantic Ocean off the Azores, Portugal (38°28′N 22°15′W﻿ / ﻿38.467°N 22.250°W﻿ / 38.467; -22.250) by HMS California ( Royal Navy). After an attempt to scuttle her, she had been taken in tow to Gibraltar but sank en route. Her 30 crew were captured. |
| Nimbin | Australia | World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Pacific Ocean off Norah Head, New South Wales (33°15′S 151°47′E﻿ / ﻿33.250°S 151.783°E﻿ / -33.250; 151.783) with the loss of seven of her 20 crew. |
| Oscar Midling | Finland | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in Ålesund, Norway (62°03′N 5°06′E﻿ / ﻿62.050°N 5.100°E﻿ / 62.050; 5.100) by HMS Sunfish ( Royal Navy) with the loss of all 25 people on board. |
| Privet | United Kingdom | The coaster foundered in Liverpool Bay off Birkenhead, Cheshire with the loss of all nine crew. |
| 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°14′N 18°08′W﻿ / ﻿54.233°N 18.133°W﻿ / 54.233; -18.133) by Argo ( Regia Marina) with the loss of 36 of her 55 crew. |

## 6 December

List of shipwrecks: 6 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Accomac | United Kingdom | The cargo ship suffered a boiler explosion, ran aground and was wrecked at Pickie, Bangor, County Down. Her crew were rescued. |
| Jupiter | Germany | World War II: The fishing trawler was sunk by enemy action. |
| Mousse le Moyec | France | The collier ran aground at Hartland Point, Devon, United Kingdom and was wrecked. |
| Nyland | Norway | World War II: Convoy EN 35: The cargo ship ran aground off Iona, Inner Hebrides, United Kingdom and sank with the loss of all twenty crew. |
| HMS Regulus | Royal Navy | World War II: The Rainbow-class submarine struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Taranto, Italy with the loss of all 55 crew. |
| Skrim | Norway | World War II: Convoy OB 252: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean by U-43 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 23 crew. |
| South Coaster | United Kingdom | The coaster was abandoned in the Bristol Channel. Her ten crew were rescued by Rachel and Mary Evans ( Royal National Lifeboat Institution). |
| Supremity | United Kingdom | World War II: The coastal tanker struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north of Whitstable, Kent with the loss of a crew member. She was on a voyage from Blyth, Northumberland to London. |
| Triona | Australia | World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Nauru (5°12′S 165°39′E﻿ / ﻿5.200°S 165.650°E﻿ / -5.200; 165.650) by Komet and Orion (both Kriegsmarine) with the loss of four of her 64 crew. Survivors were taken as prisoners of war. |

## 7 December

List of shipwrecks: 7 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| HMT Capricornus | Royal Navy | World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north east of Sheerness, Kent. |
| HMT Cortina | Royal Navy | The naval trawler collided with HMS Lormont ( Royal Navy) at the mouth of the Humber. Both ships sank. |
| 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°11′N 22°56′W﻿ / ﻿52.183°N 22.933°W﻿ / 52.183; -22.933) by U-99 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of sixteen of her 31 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Ambuscade ( Royal Navy). |
| HMS Lormont | Royal Navy | The guard ship collided with HMT Cortina ( Royal Navy) at the mouth of the Humber. Both ships sank. |
| O 10 | Kriegsmarine | The cargo ship collided with Mendoza ( Germany) and sank off Vlissingen, Zeeland, Netherlands. |
| Phæax | Greece | The cargo ship was driven ashore and wrecked near Nojimazaki, Japan. |
| 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. |
| Vinni | Norway | World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) south of Nauru by Komet ( Kriegsmarine). |
| Watkins F. Nisbet | Canada | The sailing ship was wrecked or foundered. |

## 8 December

List of shipwrecks: 8 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Actuality | United Kingdom | World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank north west of the Isle of Sheppey, Kent and 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) off the Mouse Lightship ( Trinity House). |
| Adalia | Germany | The cargo ship collided with Mendoza ( Germany) and sank in the North Sea off Vlissingen, Zeeland, Netherlands. |
| Anthea | United Kingdom | The cargo ship collided with Maasdam ( Netherlands) and sank off the coast of the Canada (44°48′N 46°37′W﻿ / ﻿44.800°N 46.617°W﻿ / 44.800; -46.617). |
| Ashcrest | United Kingdom | World War II: Convoy SC 13: The cargo ship straggled behind the convoy due to a broken rudder. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Ireland (55°12′N 10°20′W﻿ / ﻿55.200°N 10.333°W﻿ / 55.200; -10.333) by U-140 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 38 crew. |
| Beothic | Canada | The cargo ship ran aground off Cape Bauld, Dominion of Newfoundland and was wrecked. |
| Calabria | 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 nautical miles (546 km) off the Slyne Head Lighthouse, County Galway Ireland (52°43′N 18°07′W﻿ / ﻿52.717°N 18.117°W﻿ / 52.717; -18.117) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 360 people on board. |
| Empire Jaguar | United Kingdom | World War II: The Design 1105 ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 296 nautical miles (548 km) west south west of the Slyne Head Lighthouse (51°34′N 17°35′W﻿ / ﻿51.567°N 17.583°W﻿ / 51.567; -17.583) by U-103 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 37 crew. |
| Gorsethorn | United Kingdom | The cargo ship foundered in Liverpool Bay. |
| Idarwald | Germany | World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted in the Caribbean Sea south of Cuba (21°34′N 84°25′W﻿ / ﻿21.567°N 84.417°W﻿ / 21.567; -84.417) by HMS Diomede ( Royal Navy) and an attempt was made to scuttle her. She finally sank on 9 December. The 45 men of Idarwald's crew were all captured by HMS Diomede. |
| Komata | United Kingdom | World War II: German attacks on Nauru: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean 20 nautical miles (37 km) east of Nauru by Komet ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her crew. |
| Penang | Finland | World War II: The barque was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Bloody Foreland, County Donegal, Ireland (55°25′N 10°15′W﻿ / ﻿55.417°N 10.250°W﻿ / 55.417; -10.250) by U-140 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all eighteen crew. |
| Triadic | United Kingdom | World War II: German attacks on Nauru: The cargo ship was captured and scuttled in the Pacific Ocean off Nauru (0°43′S 167°20′E﻿ / ﻿0.717°S 167.333°E﻿ / -0.717; 167.333) by Orion ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 69 crew. Eleven survivors were taken as prisoners of war. |
| Triaster | United Kingdom | World War II: German attacks on Nauru: The cargo liner was shelled and sunk in the Pacific Ocean off Nauru by Orion ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of her 75 crew. Fifteen survivors were taken as prisoners of war. |

## 9 December

List of shipwrecks: 9 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| HMS Royal Scot | Royal Navy | World War II: The anti-aircraft vessel struck a mine and sank in the Bristol Channel. A crew member was killed. |
| Usaramo | Kriegsmarine | World War II: The accommodation ship was bombed and damaged at Bordeaux, Gironde, France and was consequently beached. |

## 10 December

List of shipwrecks: 10 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Aghia Eirini | Greece | The cargo ship's steering gear had failed on 5 December. She ran aground at Clew Bay, County Mayo, Ireland and was wrecked. |
| Marangona | Italy | World War II: The tanker struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea 27 nautical miles (50 km) south of Pantelleria (36°13′N 11°59′E﻿ / ﻿36.217°N 11.983°E﻿ / 36.217; 11.983) with the loss of two lives. |
| Thor | Kriegsmarine | World War II: The tug was shelled and sunk in the English Channel off Cherbourg, Seine-Inférieure, France. |
| Tor I | Faroe Islands | World war II: The fishing trawler struck a mine and sank in the Atlantic Ocean (65°20′N 12°40′W﻿ / ﻿65.333°N 12.667°W﻿ / 65.333; -12.667). |

## 11 December

List of shipwrecks: 11 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| 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°40′N 17°00′W﻿ / ﻿53.667°N 17.000°W﻿ / 53.667; -17.000) by U-94 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 32 crew. |
| Rhein | Germany | World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted in the Straits of Florida (24°55′N 83°15′W﻿ / ﻿24.917°N 83.250°W﻿ / 24.917; -83.250) by HNLMS Van Kinsbergen ( Koninklijk Marine) and an attempt was made to scuttle her. Her crew were rescyed by HNLMS Van Kinsbergen. The burnt-out wreck was sunk later that day by HMS Caradoc ( Royal Navy). |
| Robinia | United Kingdom | World War II: The fishing trawler struck a mine and sank in the Atlantic Ocean (65°20′N 12°40′W﻿ / ﻿65.333°N 12.667°W﻿ / 65.333; -12.667). Her crew were rescued. |
| Rotorua | United Kingdom | World War II: Convoy HX 92: The troopship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off St. Kilda (58°56′N 11°20′W﻿ / ﻿58.933°N 11.333°W﻿ / 58.933; -11.333) by U-96 with the loss of 22 of the 132 people on board. Survivors were rescued by HMT Alsey, HMT Ebor Wyke and HMT Varanga (all Royal Navy). |
| 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°50′N 10°10′W﻿ / ﻿58.833°N 10.167°W﻿ / 58.833; -10.167 by U-96 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eighteen of her 37 crew. Survivors were rescued by HMS Matabele ( Royal Navy). |

## 12 December

List of shipwrecks: 12 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Dionyssios Stathatos | Greece | World War II: Convoy HX 91: The cargo ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean with the loss of all hands. |
| Macedonier | Belgium | World War II: Convoy HX 92: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 10 nautical miles (19 km) south of St Kilda, United Kingdom (57°52′N 8°42′W﻿ / ﻿57.867°N 8.700°W﻿ / 57.867; -8.700) by U-96 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of four of her 47 crew. Survivors were rescued by Súlan ( Iceland). |
| Margrethe | Denmark | World War II: The fishing vessel struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Sylt, Germany. Three of her crew were killed. |
| Salvador | Uruguay | The passenger ship departed from Istanbul, Turkey carrying 327 passengers - Bulgarian Jewish refugees. She had a capacity for only 40 passengers. She foundered in the Sea of Marmara with the loss of 204 passengers. |
| Stureholm | Sweden | World War II: Convoy HX 92: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of the Hebrides, Scotland (at 57°50′N 8°40′W﻿ / ﻿57.833°N 8.667°W﻿ / 57.833; -8.667), by U-96 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 32 crew. |

## 13 December

List of shipwrecks: 13 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Schwalbe | Germany | The cargo ship ran aground off Utö, Finland and was wrecked. |
| Sebastiano Bianchi | Italy | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea east north east of Cape Spartivento (37°50′N 16°15′E﻿ / ﻿37.833°N 16.250°E﻿ / 37.833; 16.250) by HMS Truant ( Royal Navy). Her crew survived. |

## 14 December

List of shipwrecks: 14 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| HMS Branlebas | Royal Navy | The La Melpomène-class torpedo boat sank in the Atlantic Ocean off the Eddystone Rocks during a storm with the loss of 101 of her 104 crew. Survivors were rescued by Mistral ( Free French Naval Forces). |
| Cardross | United Kingdom | The coaster collided with Fiona ( United Kingdom) and sank off Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (34°07′S 151°32′E﻿ / ﻿34.117°S 151.533°E﻿ / -34.117; 151.533). |
| 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 U-100 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 34 crew. |
| Kyleglen | United Kingdom | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of the Outer Hebrides (58°00′N 25°00′W﻿ / ﻿58.000°N 25.000°W﻿ / 58.000; -25.000) by U-100 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 36 crew. |
| Naiade | Regia Marina | World War II: The Sirena-class submarine was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Bardia, Libya (32°03′N 25°26′E﻿ / ﻿32.050°N 25.433°E﻿ / 32.050; 25.433) by HMS Hereward and HMS Hyperion (both Royal Navy). A crew member was killed; the 47 survivors were captured. |
| Western Prince | United Kingdom | World War II: The cargo liner was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 400 nautical miles (740 km) west of the Orkney Islands (59°32′N 17°47′W﻿ / ﻿59.533°N 17.783°W﻿ / 59.533; -17.783) by U-96 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of fifteen of the 169 people on board; survivors were rescued by HMS Active ( Royal Navy) and Baron Kinnaird ( United Kingdom). |

## 15 December

List of shipwrecks: 15 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Capitano Tarantini | Regia Marina | World War II: The Liuzzi-class submarine was torpedoed and sunk in the Gironde Estuary (45°25′N 1°22′W﻿ / ﻿45.417°N 1.367°W﻿ / 45.417; -1.367) by HMS Thunderbolt ( Royal Navy) with the loss of 51 of her 56 crew. |
| 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°40′N 2°10′E﻿ / ﻿52.667°N 2.167°E﻿ / 52.667; 2.167) by S 25 and S 58 (both Kriegsmarine) with the loss of nine of her crew. |

## 16 December

List of shipwrecks: 16 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Arrigoni | Italy | The coaster sank at Francavilla. |
| Bonzo | Italy | World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Ionian Sea off Punta Stilo (38°28′N 16°44′E﻿ / ﻿38.467°N 16.733°E﻿ / 38.467; 16.733) by HMS Truant ( Royal Navy) with the loss of 29 of her 35 crew. |
| Heltraud | Germany | World War II: The fishing trawler was sunk by enemy action. |
| San Carlos | Spain | World War II: The coaster was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Juby by U-37 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of one of the 28 people on board. |

## 17 December

List of shipwrecks: 17 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| HMS Acheron | Royal Navy | World War II: The A-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the English Channel off the Isle of Wight while on trials with the loss of 45 dockyard workers and 151 crewmen. There were nineteen survivors. |
| Aquiety | 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 of her crew. |
| 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. |
| 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 | Royal Navy | World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and sank east of the Nore Sand Lightship ( Trinity House) with the loss of seven of her crew. |
| Galata | Italy | World War II: The coaster was shelled and sunk at Bardia, Libya by HMS Ladybird, HMS Terror (both Royal Navy), HMAS Voyager and HMAS Vendetta (both Royal Australian Navy). |
| Giuseppina D | Italy | World War II: The coaster was shelled and sunk at Bardia by HMS Ladybird, HMS Terror (both Royal Navy), HMAS Voyager and HMAS Vendetta (both Royal Australian Navy). |
| Inga | Finland | The cargo ship collided with Silkeborg ( Denmark) and sank in the Kiel Canal, Germany. |
| 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 of her crew. |
| KP-7 | Soviet Navy | The ship ran aground on the Rodscher Bank, in the Baltic Sea and sank. |
| 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 of her crew. |
| Paranaguá | Germany | World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank off Den Helder, North Holland, Netherlands (52°55′N 4°41′E﻿ / ﻿52.917°N 4.683°E﻿ / 52.917; 4.683). |
| Srebeno | Yugoslavia | The cargo ship was driven ashore near Split. She broke in two and sank. |
| HMT Thomas Connolly | Royal Navy | World War II: The boom defence vessel struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north of Sheerness with the loss of seventeen of her crew. |
| Vincenzino | Italy | World War II: The coaster was shelled and sunk at Bardia by HMS Ladybird, HMS Terror (both Royal Navy), HMAS Voyager and HMAS Vendetta (both Royal Australian Navy). |

## 18 December

List of shipwrecks: 18 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Anastassia | Greece | World War II: Convoy SC 15: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (54°24′N 19°04′W﻿ / ﻿54.400°N 19.067°W﻿ / 54.400; -19.067) by Veniero ( Regia Marina) with the loss of eighteen of her 28 crew. Survivors were taken as prisoners of war. Anastassia was observed drifting on 20 December, and later sank. |
| Birkenfels | Germany | World War II: The cargo ship was anchored off Vlissingen, Zeeland Netherlands, when she was sunk by depth charges dropped alongside her by HMS MTB 31 ( Royal Navy) after two failed torpedo attacks. There were nine dead and missing and 39 survivors. The wreck was dispersed by explosives in 1941 and finally cleared in October 1966. |
| 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°58′N 23°13′W﻿ / ﻿58.967°N 23.217°W﻿ / 58.967; -23.217) by U-100 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 71 of the 99 people on board. Survivors were rescued by Vaalaren ( Sweden). |
| Chassiron | France | World War II: The tug (172 GRT) was torpedoed and sunk in the Gironde Estuary by HMS Tuna ( Royal Navy). |
| RFA Osage | Royal Fleet Auxiliary | World War II: The tanker was bombed and sunk in the Irish Sea off Wicklow Head, County Wicklow, Ireland by Focke-Wulf Fw 200 aircraft of I Staffeln, Kampfgeschwader 40, Luftwaffe. Her crew were rescued. |
| HMT Refundo | Royal Navy | World War II: The naval trawler struck a mine and was damaged in the Orwell Estuary off Harwich, Essex (51°56′06″N 1°21′02″E﻿ / ﻿51.93500°N 1.35056°E﻿ / 51.93500; 1.35056) with the loss of two of her crew. She was taken in tow but sank. |

## 19 December

For the scuttling of the Greek cargo ship Eugenia Cambasis on this day, see the entry for 28 November 1940.
List of shipwrecks: 19 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Amicus | United Kingdom | World War II: Convoy SC 15: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (54°10′N 15°50′W﻿ / ﻿54.167°N 15.833°W﻿ / 54.167; -15.833) by Alpino Bagnolini ( Regia Marina) with the loss of all 37 crew. |
| Arinia | United Kingdom | World War II: The tanker struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary off the Nore Lightship ( Trinity House) (51°29′08″N 0°51′03″E﻿ / ﻿51.48556°N 0.85083°E﻿ / 51.48556; 0.85083) with the loss of all 60 people on board. |
| Erling Skjalgson | Norway | The cargo ship foundered in the North Sea off Jæren. All six crew were rescued by a fishing vessel. |
| Freienfels | Kriegsmarine | World War II: The transport ship struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea south of Livorno, Italy. |
| Geierfels | Kriegsmarine | World War II: The transport ship struck a mine and sank south of Livorno. |
| Isolda | Trinity House | World War II: The lightship tender was bombed and sunk in St. George's Channel off Carnsore Point, County Wexford, Ireland by Focke-Wulf Fw 200 aircraft of I Staffeln, Kampfgeschwader 40, Luftwaffe with the loss of six of her crew. |
| Jacob Maersk | Denmark | The cargo ship sank off Copenhagen. |
| HMT Proficient | Royal Navy | 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 (28°03′N 12°54′W﻿ / ﻿28.050°N 12.900°W﻿ / 28.050; -12.900) in error by U-37 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of eleven of her crew. |
| Sfax | Vichy French Navy | World War II: The Redoutable-class submarine was torpedoed and sunk by mistake in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Juby (28°03′N 12°54′W﻿ / ﻿28.050°N 12.900°W﻿ / 28.050; -12.900) by U-37 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 65 of her 69 crew. |

## 20 December

List of shipwrecks: 20 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Carlton | United Kingdom | World War II: Convoy OB 260: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland (54°30′N 18°30′W﻿ / ﻿54.500°N 18.500°W﻿ / 54.500; -18.500) by Pietro Calvi ( Regia Marina) with the loss of 31 of her 35 crew. Survivors were rescued by Antiope ( United Kingdom) on 7 January 1941. Carlton was on a voyage from Newport, Monmouthshire to Buenos Aires, Argentina. |
| Consul Poppe | Germany | World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk by Royal Air Force aircraft off Boulogne, Pas-de-Calais, France. |
| HMS LCP(L) 30 | Royal Navy | World War II: The Landing Craft Personnel (Large) was bombed and sunk at Liverpool, Lancashire by Luftwaffe aircraft. |
| Overdale | United Kingdom | World War II: The hopper barge was bombed and sunk at Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of three of her crew. |

## 21 December

List of shipwrecks: 21 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Anvers | Germany | The cargo ship was towing a barge in a convoy from Granville, Manche, France to Jersey Channel Islands when she got into difficulty and sank in the Chausey Islands, Manche. |
| Charles Pratt | Panama | World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Sierra Leone (8°26′N 16°50′W﻿ / ﻿8.433°N 16.833°W﻿ / 8.433; -16.833) by U-68 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of two of her 42 crew. Survivors were rescued by Gascony and Langleegorse (both United Kingdom). |
| Innisfallen | Ireland | Innisfallen World War II: The ferry struck a mine off the Wirral, Cheshire, United Kingdom and sank with the loss of four of the 220 people on board. |
| Mangen | Sweden | World War II: Convoy OG 47: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 300 nautical miles (560 km) west of Oporto, Portugal (40°45′N 16°50′W﻿ / ﻿40.750°N 16.833°W﻿ / 40.750; -16.833) by Mocenigo ( Regia Marina) with the loss of eight of her crew. Survivors were rescued by Garm ( Sweden). |
| Norge | Italy | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea east of the Kerkennah Islands, Tunisia (34°39′N 10°48′E﻿ / ﻿34.650°N 10.800°E﻿ / 34.650; 10.800) by Fairey Swordfish aircraft of 815 and 819 Squadrons, Fleet Air Arm, based on HMS Illustrious ( Royal Navy) with the loss of three lives. |
| Peuceta | Italy | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea east of the Kerkennah Islands (34°39′N 10°48′E﻿ / ﻿34.650°N 10.800°E﻿ / 34.650; 10.800) by Fairey Swordfish aircraft of 815 and 819 Squadrons, Fleet Air Arm based on HMS Illustrious ( Royal Navy) with the loss of three lives. |
| HMS Prome | Royal Navy | The depot ship was bombed and damaged at Liverpool, Lancashire. |
| River Thames | United Kingdom | The tug sank in the Thames Estuary north of Sheerness, Kent (51°28′N 0°46′E﻿ / ﻿51.467°N 0.767°E﻿ / 51.467; 0.767) with the loss of three of her crew. |
| Silvio | United Kingdom | World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk at Liverpool by Luftwaffe aircraft with the loss of a crew member. |
| HMS Sun IX | Royal Navy | The naval tug sank in the Thames Estuary north of Sheerness with the loss of three of her crew. |
| TIC 12 | United Kingdom | World War II: The barge struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary (51°28′N 0°46′E﻿ / ﻿51.467°N 0.767°E﻿ / 51.467; 0.767). Her crew were rescued. |

## 22 December

List of shipwrecks: 22 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Anthippi N. Michalos | Greece | World War II: Convoy SC 15: The cargo ship collided with Beaverdale ( United Kingdom) and sank in Caernarvon Bay (53°10′N 5°03′W﻿ / ﻿53.167°N 5.050°W﻿ / 53.167; -5.050). |
| Antonietta | Italy | World War II: The sailing boat was rammed and sunk in the Adriatic Sea off Brindisi by Papanikolis ( Royal Hellenic Navy). Her six crew survived. |
| HMS H31 | Royal Navy | The H-class submarine foundered at Campbeltown, Argyllshire. She was raised on 25 December. Subsequently repaired and returned to service. |
| HMS Hyperion | Royal Navy | World War II: The H-class destroyer struck a mine in the Mediterranean Sea off Pantelleria and was damaged. She was taken in tow by HMS Ilex ( Royal Navy), but later scuttled by HMS Janus ( Royal Navy) (37°40′N 11°31′E﻿ / ﻿37.667°N 11.517°E﻿ / 37.667; 11.517). Two of her 146 crew were killed. |
| MAC 7 | Royal Navy | The mooring attendant craft sank at Portsmouth, Hampshire. She was refloated, but was declared a total loss in January 1941 following a fire. |
| Poolgarth | United Kingdom | World War II: The tug struck a mine and sank in the River Mersey at Liverpool, Lancashire with the loss of all seven crew. |
| San Giorgio | Italy | World War II: The auxiliary schooner was sunk in the Adriatic Sea by Papanikolis ( Royal Hellenic Navy). |

## 23 December

List of shipwrecks: 23 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Breda | Netherlands | World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk in Loch Etive (56°29′12″N 5°25′00″W﻿ / ﻿56.48667°N 5.41667°W﻿ / 56.48667; -5.41667) by Focke-Wulf Fw 200 aircraft of I Staffeln, Kampfgeschwader 40, Luftwaffe. Her crew were rescued. The wreck was dispersed by explosives in 1961. |
| Fratelli Cairoli | Regia Marina | World War II: The Rosolino Pilo-class destroyer struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Misrata, Libya with the loss of 71 of her 114 crew. |
| Stad Maastricht | Netherlands | World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and damaged in the North Sea south east of Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, United Kingdom (52°35′N 2°03′E﻿ / ﻿52.583°N 2.050°E﻿ / 52.583; 2.050) by S 59 ( Kriegsmarine). She was taken in tow by Kenia, Krooman and Norman (all United Kingdom) but consequently sank (51°42′09″N 1°22′08″E﻿ / ﻿51.70250°N 1.36889°E﻿ / 51.70250; 1.36889). |
| HMS Warwick | Royal Navy | World War II: The W-class destroyer struck a mine in Liverpool Bay off the Bar Lightship ( Trinity House) and was severely damaged. She was beached off Liverpool, Lancashire. She was subsequently repaired, and returned to service in March 1942. |
| Ystroom | Netherlands | World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in Liverpool Bay off Southport, Lancashire (53°37′N 3°25′W﻿ / ﻿53.617°N 3.417°W﻿ / 53.617; -3.417). Her crew were rescued. |

## 24 December

List of shipwrecks: 24 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| British Premier | United Kingdom | World War II: Convoy SLS 60: The tanker was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean 200 nautical miles (370 km) south west of Freetown, Sierra Leone (6°20′N 13°20′W﻿ / ﻿6.333°N 13.333°W﻿ / 6.333; -13.333) by U-65 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of 32 of her 45 crew. Nine survivors were rescued by HMS Hawkins ( Royal Navy) on 3 January, and four by HMS Faulknor ( Royal Navy) on 3 February. British Premier was on a voyage from Abadan, Iran to Swansea, Glamorgan. |
| Firenze | Italy | World War II: The troopship was torpedoed and sunk in the Adriatic Sea off Sazan Island, Albania (40°34′N 19°02′E﻿ / ﻿40.567°N 19.033°E﻿ / 40.567; 19.033) by Papanikolis ( Royal Hellenic Navy) with the loss of 93 of the 1,703 people on board. |
| HMS Mercury | Royal Navy | 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 ( Royal Navy). |
| HMS Pelton | Royal Navy | World War II: The minesweeping trawler was torpedoed and sunk off Great Yarmouth, Norfolk by S-28 ( Kriegsmarine). |

## 25 December

List of shipwrecks: 25 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Empire Trooper | United Kingdom | World War II: The troopship was shelled and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean by Admiral Hipper ( Kriegsmarine) whilst in a convoy. She was subsequently repaired and returned to service. |
| Jumna | United Kingdom | World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean west of Cape Finisterre, Spain (44°51′N 27°45′W﻿ / ﻿44.850°N 27.750°W﻿ / 44.850; -27.750) by Admiral Hipper ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 108 people on board. |

## 26 December

List of shipwrecks: 26 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Baden | Kriegsmarine | World War II: The cargo ship was intercepted in the Atlantic Ocean (44°00′N 25°07′W﻿ / ﻿44.000°N 25.117°W﻿ / 44.000; -25.117) by HMS Bonaventure ( Royal Navy) and was scuttled. |
| MAC 5 | Royal Navy | World War II: The minesweeper attendant craft, a former BPB 60-foot-class motor torpedo boat, struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off the coast of Essex with the loss of four of her crew. |
| Tireremo Diritto | Regia Marina | World War II: The schooner was captured in the Mediterranean Sea off Bardia, Libya by HMAS Waterhen ( Royal Australian Navy) and was scuttled. |
| HMT True Accord | Royal Navy | The naval trawler sank in the North Sea off Happisburgh, Norfolk as a result of a collision with HMT Saronta ( Royal Navy). |
| Waiotira | United Kingdom | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean 150 nautical miles (280 km) west of Rockall, Inverness-shire (58°05′N 16°56′W﻿ / ﻿58.083°N 16.933°W﻿ / 58.083; -16.933) by U-95 ( Kriegsmarine) and was abandoned. She was torpedoed and sunk the next day by U-38 ( Kriegsmarine). One of the 90 people on board was killed. Survivors were rescued by HMS Mashona ( Royal Navy). Waiotira was on a voyage from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia to a British port. |

## 27 December

List of shipwrecks: 27 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Araby | United Kingdom | World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary south west of Southend, Essex and 9⁄10 nautical mile (1.7 km) off the Nore Lightship ( Trinity House) with the loss of six of her 43 crew. |
| Ardabhan | United Kingdom | World War II: Convoy OB 263: The cargo ship was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean by U-38 ( Kriegsmarine). She was later torpedoed and sunk by Enrico Tazzoli ( Regia Marina) with the loss of all 40 crew. |
| Arnfinn Jarl | Norway | World War II: The cargo ship was bombed and sunk off Egersund, Rogaland by Royal Air Force aircraft. She was later raised, repaired and returned to service. |
| Kinnaird Head | United Kingdom | World War II: The coaster struck a mine and sank in the Thames Estuary north of Sheerness, Kent with the loss of six of her crew. |
| Risanger | Norway | World War II: The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean (12°30′N 21°30′W﻿ / ﻿12.500°N 21.500°W﻿ / 12.500; -21.500) by U-65 ( Kriegsmarine). All 29 crew were rescued by Belinda ( Norway). |
| Ronald | United States | The motorboat was destroyed by fire 0.25 nautical miles (0.46 km; 0.29 mi) off Point Highfield, Alaska Territory (56°29′15″N 132°23′15″W﻿ / ﻿56.48750°N 132.38750°W﻿ / 56.48750; -132.38750﻿ (Point Highfield)). |

## 29 December

List of shipwrecks: 28 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Adriana | Germany | World War II: The cargo ship struck a mine and sank in the North Sea off Freiburg. |
| Monarch | United Kingdom | World War II: The tug was bombed and sunk by Luftwaffe aircraft. |
| PLM-23 | Germany | The cargo ship ran aground in the Wadden Sea off Scharhörn and was wrecked. |
| Proteus | Royal Hellenic Navy | World War II: The submarine was rammed by Antares ( Regia Marina) and sank in the Adriatic Sea, east of Brindisi, Italy 40°31′N 19°02′E﻿ / ﻿40.517°N 19.033°E﻿ / 40.517; 19.033) with the loss of all 48 hands. |
| Sardegna | Regia Marina | World War II: The troopship was torpedoed and sunk in the Adriatic Sea, east of Brindisi (40°31′N 19°02′E﻿ / ﻿40.517°N 19.033°E﻿ / 40.517; 19.033) by Proteus ( Royal Hellenic Navy) with the loss of 25 of the 262 people on board. |

## 30 December

List of shipwrecks: 30 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Agate | United Kingdom | The cargo ship ran aground on Islay. She broke her back and was declared a total loss. Her crew were rescued. |
| HMT Bandolero | Royal Navy | The naval trawler collided with HMS Waterhen ( Royal Navy) off Solum, Libya and sank. There were no casualties. |
| Baron Ardrossan | United Kingdom | The cargo ship ran aground on Sandray Island, Outer Hebrides and was wrecked. Her 54 crew were saved. |
| Bodnant | United Kingdom | World War II: Convoy OB 264: The cargo ship was sunk in a collision with City of Bedford ( United Kingdom) in the Atlantic Ocean (60°03′N 23°01′W﻿ / ﻿60.050°N 23.017°W﻿ / 60.050; -23.017). All aboard were rescued. |
| Calcium | United Kingdom | World War II: The coaster struck a mine and then collided with Sodium ( United Kingdom) and later sank in Liverpool Bay (53°25′N 3°45′W﻿ / ﻿53.417°N 3.750°W﻿ / 53.417; -3.750) with the loss of one of her nine crew. |
| City of Bedford | United Kingdom | World War II: Convoy SL 58: The cargo ship was sunk in a collision with Bodnant ( United Kingdom) in the Atlantic Ocean (60°03′N 23°01′W﻿ / ﻿60.050°N 23.017°W﻿ / 60.050; -23.017) with the loss of 48 lives. |

## 31 December

List of shipwrecks: 31 December 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| British Zeal | United Kingdom | World War II: The tanker was torpedoed and damaged in the Atlantic Ocean (15°40′N 20°43′W﻿ / ﻿15.667°N 20.717°W﻿ / 15.667; -20.717) by U-65 ( Kriegsmarine) and was abandoned by her 50 crew. British Zeal was still afloat the next day and her crew reboarded her. She was later towed to Freetown, Sierra Leone by HMS Hudson ( Royal Navy). British Zeal was repaired and returned to service in February 1942. |
| Buenos Aires | Sweden | World War II: The cargo ship was severely damaged by fire in a German air raid on Liverpool, Lancashire, United Kingdom. She was declared a constructive total loss and her engines were removed. Became the British stores ship Demeter in 1942. |
| Porjus | Germany | The cargo ship collided with another vessel and sank off Brunsbüttel. |
| Quinto | Italy | World War II: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Adriatic Sea, off Antivari, Yugoslavia by Katsonis ( Royal Hellenic Navy) with the loss of all ten hands. |
| St. Fergus | United Kingdom | The cargo ship collided with another vessel and sank in the North Sea east of Rattray Head, Aberdeenshire. The master was lost while all other crewmen were rescued. |
| 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°01′N 23°00′W﻿ / ﻿60.017°N 23.000°W﻿ / 60.017; -23.000) by U-38 ( Kriegsmarine) with the loss of all 35 people on board. |

## Unknown date

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1940 :
| Ship | State | Description |
| Narval | Free French Naval Forces | World War II: The Requin-class submarine struck a mine and sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Sfax, Tunisia with the loss of all 50 crew. The date of loss was probably between 13 and 16 December. |
| Rita | Australia | The ketch ran aground on Cape Barren Island, Tasmania, and was wrecked. |
| HMS Triton | Royal Navy | World War II: The T-class submarine was probably sunk in the Strait of Otranto by mines, possibly around 18 December, but could have been as early as 6 December. |