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.
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