When was the first wartime sinking of a ship by a submarine?

The first military submarine that sank an enemy ship was U.S. Navy named H. L. Hunley. It was in 1864 during the American Civil War. However, after a successful attack, it also sank to the bottom, possibly because it was too close to its own exploding torpedo. Still, H. L. Hunley left a mark in history, demonstrating both advantages and danger of U-boat warfare.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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33 Comments

Dave Mackey

A submarine is a type of ship, it is still a submarine whether surfaced or submerged. And the Hunley was a C.S.A ship and not a U.S. Navy ship.

Bob Katz

The Hunley was not really a submarine because it was not fully under water. It depends how you define submarine with sub meaning under.

Michael Atoz

Not everyone knows all the rules for texting and typing on the internet I'm one of them.... give the man some slack..

Ramrod

Somehow I got this confused with Monitor and Merrimack until I read the source information

Peter Thomas

Great question! A Brit who is fascinated by the American Civil War, I suddenly remembered that 1864 was the correct answer!

Cheryl McMeekin

Answered earlier, got it right then; and got it right again.....

Lynda Jenkinson.

I was a Kiwi living in Charleston SC when the funeral for the Hunley submariners was held lasting most of the day, in the early 2000s. I remembered the history of the Hunley and Fort Sumter.

Cheryl McMeekin

Easy peasy

Shane Oney

Barbara Glasper, the first submarine I know of was called the Turtle,and was built during the American Revolution.

lmjmom

Got it.

Gene Payne

The Hunley was a Confederate Navy submarine that sank a U.S. Navy warship.

Dave Mac

I forgot about the Hunley

Janice Fish

Great question

William Keller

Visit the Huntley museum if possible... seeing the restoration brings a realization of cramped quarters, great physical effort and what mankind will endure for what his beliefs are .