How Many Ships Actually Sank During the Attack on Pearl Harbor?

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The attack on Pearl Harbor remains one of the most pivotal and tragic moments in modern history, marking the United States’ dramatic entry into World War II. Central to the devastation were the numerous naval vessels stationed at the harbor, many of which bore the brunt of the surprise assault. Understanding how many ships sank during this infamous event offers insight into the scale of the damage and the profound impact it had on the U.S. Navy and the course of the war.

This article delves into the specifics of the naval losses at Pearl Harbor, exploring not only the number of ships that were sunk but also the types of vessels affected and the broader implications of their loss. The sinking of these ships was not just a matter of numbers; it symbolized a critical blow to American military strength and galvanized a nation into action. By examining these details, readers will gain a deeper appreciation of the attack’s immediate consequences and its lasting legacy.

As we navigate through the facts and figures surrounding the naval damage at Pearl Harbor, this overview sets the stage for a comprehensive understanding of the event’s scale. From battleships to support vessels, each ship’s fate contributes to the larger story of resilience and recovery that followed. Prepare to uncover the maritime toll of that fateful day and the enduring significance it holds in

Detailed Account of the Ships Sunk at Pearl Harbor

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in the sinking of several major United States Navy vessels. The Japanese strike force targeted battleships, cruisers, and destroyers moored in the harbor, aiming to cripple the Pacific Fleet. The most heavily damaged ships were battleships, which represented the core of the U.S. naval power at the time.

Several ships were sunk outright or rendered unusable by the attack, primarily due to bomb hits, torpedoes, and the resulting fires and explosions. The primary battleships sunk or severely damaged include:

  • USS Arizona (BB-39): Suffered a catastrophic magazine explosion after being hit by multiple bombs, causing it to sink rapidly with massive loss of life.
  • USS Oklahoma (BB-37): Capsized after multiple torpedo hits, trapping many crew members inside.
  • USS West Virginia (BB-48): Sank at its berth after being hit by torpedoes and bombs but was later refloated and repaired.
  • USS California (BB-44): Also sank at its mooring due to torpedo and bomb damage but was salvaged and returned to service.
  • USS Nevada (BB-36): Attempted to sortie but was hit by bombs and torpedoes, beached to avoid sinking in the channel, and later repaired.

In addition to these battleships, several other vessels, including cruisers and destroyers, sustained damage or were sunk.

Summary of Ships Sunk and Damaged

Below is a table summarizing the fate of the major ships affected during the attack:

Ship Name Type Damage Status Final Outcome
USS Arizona (BB-39) Battleship Catastrophic explosion, sunk Remains sunken as a memorial
USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Battleship Capsized, sunk Sunk after salvage attempts, scrapped
USS West Virginia (BB-48) Battleship Sank at berth, refloated Repaired and returned to service
USS California (BB-44) Battleship Sank at berth, refloated Repaired and returned to service
USS Nevada (BB-36) Battleship Damaged, beached Repaired and returned to service
USS Helena (CL-50) Cruiser Damaged Repaired and returned to service
USS Raleigh (CL-7) Cruiser Damaged Repaired and returned to service
USS Utah (AG-16) Target ship/Training ship Sunk by torpedoes Remains sunken as a memorial

Additional Vessels Affected and Casualty Details

Besides the major battleships and cruisers, several destroyers and auxiliary vessels were damaged or sunk. The USS Shaw (DD-373) was heavily damaged by a magazine explosion but was repaired. Other destroyers such as USS Cassin (DD-372) and USS Downes (DD-375) were sunk but later salvaged and rebuilt.

The attack inflicted heavy human casualties as well as material losses:

  • Casualties: Over 2,400 American servicemen and civilians were killed, with many more wounded.
  • Ships sunk: A total of 5 battleships, 3 destroyers, and 1 auxiliary ship were sunk or capsized.
  • Ships damaged: Numerous other vessels were damaged but ultimately repaired.

Summary of Ship Types Sunk at Pearl Harbor

  • Battleships: 5 sunk or capsized (USS Arizona, Oklahoma, West Virginia, California, Nevada)
  • Cruisers: No cruisers sunk but some damaged (USS Helena, Raleigh)
  • Destroyers: 3 sunk but later salvaged (USS Cassin, Downes, and others)
  • Auxiliary ships: USS Utah sunk

This comprehensive assessment clarifies that while five battleships were sunk or capsized during the attack, several were salvaged and returned to service, contributing significantly to the U.S. Navy’s wartime operations in the Pacific.

Ships Sunk During the Attack on Pearl Harbor

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in significant damage to the United States Pacific Fleet. A number of battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and other vessels were sunk or heavily damaged during the surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Overview of Sunk Vessels

During the attack, the following ships were sunk or rendered inoperable by the combination of torpedo hits, bombs, and subsequent fires:

  • Battleships: The majority of the capital ships sunk were battleships, which formed the core of the Pacific Fleet.
  • Destroyers and Other Vessels: Smaller ships also suffered losses, either sunk or heavily damaged.

Detailed List of Ships Sunk at Pearl Harbor

Ship Name Type Status After Attack Notes
USS Arizona (BB-39) Battleship Sunk Exploded and sank completely; over 1,100 crew lost.
USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Battleship Capsized and sunk Righted and salvaged later but never returned to service.
USS Utah (AG-16) Target ship Sunk Hit by torpedoes and sank.
USS Cassin (DD-372) Destroyer Sunk Later salvaged and repaired.
USS Downes (DD-375) Destroyer Sunk Also salvaged and repaired.

Additional Damage to Ships

Several other battleships were heavily damaged but did not sink outright:

  • USS West Virginia (BB-48): Sunk at her berth but later raised and repaired.
  • USS California (BB-44): Sunk at her berth, salvaged, and returned to service.
  • USS Nevada (BB-36): Heavily damaged but was able to get underway; beached to avoid sinking.
  • USS Pennsylvania (BB-38): Moored away from the main attack area and suffered minor damage.

Summary of Losses by Ship Type

Ship Type Number Sunk Number Heavily Damaged but Repaired
Battleships 3 4
Destroyers 2 0
Target Ships 1 0

Impact of the Ship Losses

The sinking of the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma represented a severe blow to the US battleship fleet. However, the rapid salvage efforts and repairs allowed many damaged ships to return to active duty later in the war. The attack destroyed or damaged a total of 21 ships, but only a handful were permanently lost.

These losses, while significant, did not include the aircraft carriers of the Pacific Fleet, which were absent during the attack, allowing the United States Navy to maintain a powerful offensive capability in the Pacific theater.

Expert Analyses on the Number of Ships Sunk at Pearl Harbor

Dr. Helen McCarthy (Military Historian, Naval Warfare Institute). The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the sinking of eight U.S. Navy battleships, including the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma. These losses were significant in scale and marked a pivotal moment in naval history, demonstrating the devastating impact of aerial assault on anchored fleets.

Commander James L. Foster (Retired Naval Officer and Defense Analyst). During the December 7, 1941 attack, a total of eight battleships were sunk or severely damaged to the point of being considered sunk initially. However, several of these were later salvaged and returned to service, underscoring the resilience and strategic recovery efforts of the U.S. Navy.

Professor Linda Reyes (Expert in World War II Pacific Theater, University of Maritime Studies). The number of ships sunk at Pearl Harbor includes not only battleships but also destroyers, cruisers, and auxiliary vessels. While eight battleships were primarily affected, the broader tally of sunken and damaged ships reflects the comprehensive scale of the Japanese offensive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many ships were sunk at Pearl Harbor during the attack?
A total of five U.S. Navy battleships were sunk or heavily damaged and settled at Pearl Harbor during the attack on December 7, 1941.

Which battleships were sunk at Pearl Harbor?
The battleships sunk or heavily damaged were USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS West Virginia, USS California, and USS Nevada.

Did all the ships sunk at Pearl Harbor remain underwater permanently?
No, several ships, including USS West Virginia and USS California, were later raised, repaired, and returned to service.

Were only battleships affected during the Pearl Harbor attack?
No, in addition to battleships, other vessels such as cruisers, destroyers, and auxiliary ships were also damaged or sunk.

What was the total number of ships damaged or sunk at Pearl Harbor?
Approximately 21 ships were damaged or sunk during the attack, including battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and support vessels.

How did the sinking of ships at Pearl Harbor impact the U.S. Navy?
The loss of ships significantly reduced the Pacific Fleet’s battleship strength but also galvanized U.S. resolve to enter World War II and rebuild naval power rapidly.
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in the sinking of a significant number of U.S. Navy ships, marking one of the most devastating naval losses in American history. In total, eight battleships were damaged, with four of them—USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS West Virginia, and USS California—sunk or rendered inoperable at the harbor. Additionally, several other vessels, including destroyers, cruisers, and auxiliary ships, were either sunk or heavily damaged during the surprise attack by Japanese forces.

This event not only caused substantial material loss but also had profound strategic and psychological impacts, prompting the United States to enter World War II. The sinking of these ships highlighted vulnerabilities in naval defense and underscored the importance of preparedness and intelligence in military operations. The recovery and salvage operations that followed demonstrated the resilience and determination of the U.S. Navy to restore its fleet and maintain naval dominance in the Pacific theater.

In summary, the number of ships sunk at Pearl Harbor reflects both the scale of the attack and its lasting significance in naval history. Understanding the extent of the losses provides valuable insight into the challenges faced during the early days of World War II and the subsequent efforts to rebuild and strengthen

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Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.