German submarine U-487

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German submarine U-487 was a Type XIV supply and replenishment U-boat ("Milchkuh") of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II.

Her keel was laid down 31 December 1941 by Germaniawerft in Kiel as yard number 556. She was launched on 17 October 1942 and commissioned on 21 December 1942 with Oberleutnant zur See Helmut Metz in command. Metz commanded the boat for its entire career.<ref name="uboatnet"/>

Her service began with training as part of the 4th U-boat Flotilla. She then joined the 12th flotilla for operations.

Design

German Type XIV submarines were shortened versions of the Type IXDs they were based on. U-487 had a displacement of Template:Convert when at the surface and Template:Convert while submerged.Template:Sfn The U-boat had a total length of Template:Convert, a pressure hull length of Template:Convert, a beam of Template:Convert, a height of Template:Convert, and a draught of Template:Convert. The submarine was powered by two Germaniawerft supercharged four-stroke, six-cylinder diesel engines producing a total of Template:Convert for use while surfaced, two Siemens-Schuckert 2 GU 345/38-8 double-acting electric motors producing a total of Template:Convert for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two propellers. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to Template:Convert.Template:Sfn

The submarine had a maximum surface speed of Template:Convert and a maximum submerged speed of Template:Convert.Template:Sfn When submerged, the boat could operate for Template:Convert at Template:Convert; when surfaced, she could travel Template:Convert at Template:Convert. U-487 was not fitted with torpedo tubes or deck guns, but had two [[3.7 cm SK C/30|Template:Convert SK C/30]] anti-aircraft guns with 2500 rounds as well as a [[2 cm FlaK 30|Template:Convert C/30]] guns with 3000 rounds. The boat had a complement of fifty-three.Template:Sfn

Operational career

U-487 conducted two patrols. As a supply boat, she avoided combat.<ref name="uboatnet"/>

First patrol

The U-boat departed Kiel on 27 March 1943, heading for the mid-Atlantic. She arrived in Bordeaux, in occupied France on 12 May.

Second patrol and loss

Her second patrol saw her leave Bordeaux on 15 June 1943. On 13 July, U-487 was attacked in the central Atlantic by five United States Navy Grumman TBF Avengers and Grumman F4F Wildcats from the escort carrier Template:USS. The U-boat's crew were taken by surprise, so much so that sunbathers were seen on the casing.Template:Sfn One Wildcat was shot down, but 31 men were killed and the U-boat sunk. The 33 survivors were taken prisoner on board Template:USS.<ref name="uboatnet"/>