U-853
German Submarine · Germany · Lost 1945 · Cape Cod & Nantucket Shoals
The German submarine U-853 was sunk with her entire crew off Block Island a day before Germany's surrender, the last such action of the Atlantic war.
The Vessel and Her Loss
U-853 was a Type IXC/40 U-boat sent to harass American coastal shipping in the closing weeks of World War II. On May 5, 1945, she torpedoed and sank the collier Black Point off Point Judith, Rhode Island, despite orders for German forces to cease fire. American warships hunted her down and sank her with all hands the next day, in one of the final actions of the Battle of the Atlantic. The wreck lies largely intact off Block Island and is a popular, if demanding, technical dive.
Vessel
- 1943
- U-853
- DeSchiMAG AG Weser
- Bremen, Germany
- Steel
- 251.8 ft
- 22.5 ft
- 1144
- Diesel-electric, twin screw
- Kriegsmarine
Loss
- May 6, 1945
- Enemy action
- Rhode Island Sound, roughly 7 nautical miles east of Block Island, Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Sound, Atlantic Ocean
- Not established
- Not established
- 55
- 55
- Oblt.z.S. Helmut Fromsdorf
The Wreck Today
- 121-130
- Mostly intact and upright, though deteriorating.
- Not established
- Not established
- Protected as a war grave under international norms; recognized as a gravesite for her lost crew.
Position
- 41.21° N 71.42° W
- Reported, unconfirmed
- Block Island, Rhode Island
Reported position per uboat.net differs by several miles from the official sinking location; treated as approximate.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Well documented (90/100)
Exact resting coordinates vary by several miles between published sources and are not fully reconciled.
Loss date, position, casualty figures, and career summary.
Wikipedia, citing Naval History and Heritage Command sources
Battle of Point Judith narrative and depth.
