U-487
Type | XIV | |||
| Ordered | 17 Jul 1941 | |||
| Laid down | 31 Dec 1941 | F. Krupp Germaniawerft AG, Kiel (werk 556) | ||
| Launched | 17 Oct 1942 | |||
| Commissioned | 21 Dec 1942 | Oblt. Helmut Metz | ||
| Commanders |
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| Career | 2 patrols | 21 Dec 1942 - 31 Mar 1943 4. Flottille (training) 1 Apr 1943 - 13 Jul 1943 12. Flottille (front boat) | ||
| Successes | No ships sunk or damaged | |||
| Fate | Sunk on July 13, 1943 in central Atlantic by five Avenger and Wildcat aircraft of the American escort carrier USS Core in position 27.15N, 38.05W. 31 dead and 33 survivors. | |||
Attacks on this boat
13 Jul 1943
Aircraft attack, aircraft shot down:American Wildcat (VC-13 USN, pilot Lt(jg) Earl H. Steiger)
The sinking of U-487 At 19.21 hours, the milk cow was attacked by carrier aircraft (VC-13 USN) from USS Core southwest of the Azores after a planned refuelling was reported by ULTRA. An Avenger/Wildcat team, piloted by Lt R.P. Williams and Lt(jg) E.H. Steiger, completely surprised U-487 as some crewmen were seen sun-bathing on deck and no AA fire was experienced during the first attack run. Four depth charges straddled the boat, which stopped in a large oil patch. The Wildcat attempted a second strafing run, but was hit by AA fire and crashed off the port bow, killing the pilot. Two other Wildcats, piloted by LtCdr C.W. Brewer and Lt J.R. Brownstein, arrived at the scene and their strafing attacks made it possible for a second Avenger (Lt(jg) J.F. Schoby) to place four depth charges direct on target. Its explosions lifted U-487 out of the water, broke her back and caused it to sink within a few seconds. 33 survivors were later rescued by USS Barker.
(Sources: Franks/Zimmerman)1 recorded attack on this boat.
Men lost from U-boats
Unlike many other U-boats, which during their service lost men due to accidents and various other causes, U-487 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss.
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