May 23, 1943 the Italian submarine Leonardo da Vinci was sunk by the HMS Active H-14 and HMS Ness K-219. da Vinci, a Marconi Class boat, was launched in 1939 and had sunk at least 17 allied ships including the Empress of Canada on March 14, 1943. The Empress of Canada was carrying almost 500 Italian, Greek and Polish POW's at the time of her sinking, a fact which the Italian commander could not have known. About 365 of the POW's died.

The commander of the submarine apparently gave warning that he was about to sink the ship and allowed 30 minuets for the passengers and crew to abandon the ship. An unnamed British officer did not pass on the abandon ship order which contributed to the high loss among the prisoners. Once this fact was learned survivors located him and threw him overboard where he was promptly consumed by sharks. This was a clear case of murder, but no charges were ever brought against those involved.

The loss of the Leonardo da Vinci less than two months later cost the lives of the entire crew. The sinking was not confirmed to the Italians until after the war.

© 2006 Michael W. Pocock
MaritimeQuest.com