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

21 Dec 1942

13 Jul 1943

Oblt. (R) Helmut Metz

Career
2 patrols

21 Dec 1942	-	31 Mar 1943	4. Flottille (training)
1 Apr 1943	-	13 Jul 1943	12. Flottille (active service)

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.

Loss position

View the 2 war patrols

Attacks on this boat and other events

13 Jul 1943
Aircraft attack, aircraft shot down:American Wildcat (VC-13 USN, pilot Lt (jg) Earl H. Steiger)

The sinking of U-487 19.21 hrs, SW of the Azores: the milch cow boat was attacked by USN carrier aircraft of VC-13 from USS Core after a refuelling meeting was reported by ULTRA. An Avenger/Wildcat team (pilots Lt R.P. Williams and Lt (jg) E.H. Steiger) completely surprised U-487 - crew were seen sun-bathing on deck and AA guns were unmanned during the first attack run. Four depth charges straddled the boat, which came to a stop in a large oil patch. The Wildcat attempted a second strafing run, but was hit by flak and crashed off the port bow, killing the pilot. Two more Wildcats (Lt Cdr C.W. Brewer and Lt J.R. Brownstein) then arrived, and their strafing attacks allowed a second Avenger (Lt (jg) J.F. Schoby) to drop four depth charges direct on target. The detonations lifted U-487 out of the water and broke her back, sinking her in a matter of 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.