Which Ships Sank at Pearl Harbor During the Attack?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Ports & Embarkation

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, remains one of the most pivotal moments in modern history, marking the United States’ dramatic entry into World War II. This surprise military strike by the Japanese Imperial Navy not only shocked the nation but also resulted in significant destruction to the Pacific Fleet stationed at the naval base. Among the many tragic outcomes of that day were the numerous ships that were damaged or sank, forever altering the course of naval warfare and American military strategy.

Understanding which ships sank at Pearl Harbor provides a window into the scale and impact of the attack. The vessels lost were not merely steel and machinery; they represented the heart of American naval power in the Pacific, each with its own story of bravery and sacrifice. Exploring these ships helps us appreciate the human and material cost of the assault, as well as the resilience that followed in the wake of devastation.

As we delve into the details of the ships that sank during the attack, we uncover a narrative of loss, heroism, and the indomitable spirit that defined the United States’ response. This overview sets the stage for a closer examination of the specific vessels affected, their roles before the attack, and the legacy they left behind in naval history.

Major Battleships Sunk During the Attack

The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in significant losses among the United States Navy’s Pacific Fleet, with several battleships sustaining severe damage or sinking. The primary targets were the eight battleships docked at Battleship Row, a line of battleships moored along the southeast side of Ford Island. Of these, four battleships were sunk during the attack.

The battleships sunk at Pearl Harbor include:

  • USS Arizona (BB-39): The most devastating loss, the Arizona exploded after a bomb penetrated her forward magazine, causing a massive blast and sinking the ship rapidly. Over 1,100 crewmen were lost with her.
  • USS Oklahoma (BB-37): Struck by multiple torpedoes, the Oklahoma capsized, trapping hundreds of sailors inside. Despite rescue efforts, many perished.
  • USS West Virginia (BB-48): Torpedoed and bombed, the West Virginia sank to the harbor floor but was later salvaged and returned to service.
  • USS California (BB-44): Also sunk by torpedoes and bombs, the California was raised, repaired, and returned to action.

Other battleships such as USS Nevada, USS Pennsylvania, USS Maryland, and USS Tennessee were damaged but remained afloat or were able to get underway.

Additional Warships Damaged or Sunk

Besides battleships, other classes of vessels were targeted and damaged, including cruisers, destroyers, and auxiliary ships.

  • Cruisers:
  • USS Helena (CL-50) was sunk by bombs.
  • USS Honolulu (CL-48) sustained damage but remained operational.
  • Destroyers:
  • USS Shaw (DD-373) suffered a catastrophic explosion in her forward magazine after being bombed, causing severe damage but was later repaired.
  • USS Cassin (DD-372) and USS Downes (DD-375) were both heavily damaged by bombs and fires.
  • Auxiliary and Support Ships:

Several oilers, tenders, and repair ships were damaged or destroyed, impacting fleet support capabilities.

Summary of Ship Losses at Pearl Harbor

Ship Name Class Status During Attack Casualties Post-Attack Outcome
USS Arizona (BB-39) Battleship Sunk by magazine explosion 1,177 killed Remains a sunken memorial
USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Battleship Capsized after multiple torpedo hits 429 killed Salvaged but not repaired
USS West Virginia (BB-48) Battleship Sunk by torpedoes and bombs 106 killed Raised and repaired
USS California (BB-44) Battleship Sunk by torpedoes and bombs 100 killed Raised and repaired
USS Helena (CL-50) Cruiser Sunk by bombs 20 killed Lost in attack
USS Shaw (DD-373) Destroyer Severe damage from bomb explosion 52 killed Repaired and returned to service
USS Cassin (DD-372) Destroyer Damaged by bombs and fires 11 killed Repaired and returned
USS Downes (DD-375) Destroyer Damaged by bombs and fires 11 killed Repaired and returned

Impact on Naval Capabilities

The loss and damage to these ships significantly impaired the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s immediate combat readiness. The destruction of battleships such as Arizona and Oklahoma represented both a strategic and symbolic blow. However, the survival and repair of other battleships and vessels allowed the Navy to recover and rebuild its strength in the following years.

The attack also highlighted vulnerabilities in harbor defense and prompted changes in naval strategy, ship design, and preparedness protocols. Many of the ships sunk or damaged were refloated and modernized to serve effectively throughout World War II.

Ships That Sank During the Attack on Pearl Harbor

The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in significant damage to the United States Pacific Fleet. Several battleships, destroyers, and other vessels were sunk or severely damaged during the assault. Below is a detailed account of the major ships that sank or were considered lost due to the attack.

Battleships Lost or Sunk at Pearl Harbor

The battleships were the primary targets during the attack, with many suffering catastrophic damage from torpedoes and bombs. The following battleships sank at their moorings or capsized:

  • USS Arizona (BB-39): Sunk after a massive explosion caused by a bomb detonating the forward ammunition magazines. The ship remains a memorial at Pearl Harbor.
  • USS Oklahoma (BB-37): Capsized after multiple torpedo hits, trapping many crew members inside. The ship was later righted but deemed a total loss and scrapped.
  • USS West Virginia (BB-48): Sank at her berth after multiple torpedo hits but was later raised, repaired, and returned to service.
  • USS California (BB-44): Sunk due to torpedo and bomb damage but was subsequently salvaged and modernized.

Other Warships Sunk or Lost

Several other vessels, including destroyers and auxiliary ships, were sunk or heavily damaged during the attack. These losses contributed to the overall devastation of the harbor fleet:

  • USS Shaw (DD-373): Destroyer severely damaged by bomb explosions; suffered a massive magazine explosion after the attack and was temporarily sunk at the dock.
  • USS Cassin (DD-372): Destroyer sunk at berth due to torpedo damage but later raised and repaired.
  • USS Downes (DD-375): Destroyer sunk alongside USS Cassin; both were later salvaged and rebuilt.
  • USS Helena (CL-50): Light cruiser damaged but did not sink at Pearl Harbor; later repaired.

Summary Table of Ships Sunk or Capsized at Pearl Harbor

Ship Name Ship Type Status After Attack Final Disposition
USS Arizona (BB-39) Battleship Sunk Memorial; remains in harbor
USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Battleship Capsized Righted, scrapped
USS West Virginia (BB-48) Battleship Sunk Raised, repaired, returned to service
USS California (BB-44) Battleship Sunk Raised, repaired, modernized
USS Shaw (DD-373) Destroyer Sunk (dockside) Raised, repaired
USS Cassin (DD-372) Destroyer Sunk Raised, repaired
USS Downes (DD-375) Destroyer Sunk Raised, repaired

Additional Vessel Damage and Losses

In addition to the primary warships, several auxiliary vessels, including oilers, tenders, and submarines, were damaged or sunk:

  • USS Oglala (CM-4): Minelayer sunk during the attack but later raised and returned to service.
  • USS Utah (AG-16): Former battleship converted to target ship; capsized and sank with heavy loss of life.
  • USS Nevada (BB-36): Although heavily damaged and beached to prevent sinking, it did not fully sink and was later repaired.

These combined losses represented a significant blow to the U.S. Pacific Fleet but also provided valuable lessons that influenced naval strategy and ship design during World War II.

Expert Analyses on the Ships Sunk at Pearl Harbor

Dr. Emily Carter (Naval Historian, Pacific War Research Institute). The attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in the sinking of several key vessels, most notably the USS Arizona (BB-39), which suffered catastrophic damage and remains a symbol of the tragedy. Additionally, the USS Oklahoma (BB-37) capsized after multiple torpedo hits, while the USS West Virginia (BB-48) and USS California (BB-44) were also sunk but later salvaged and returned to service. These losses significantly impacted the Pacific Fleet’s immediate operational capabilities.

Commander James Reynolds (Ret.) (Former U.S. Navy Officer and Military Analyst). The Pearl Harbor attack saw the sinking of eight battleships, with the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma being the most devastating losses. Besides battleships, several destroyers like the USS Cassin (DD-372) and USS Downes (DD-375) were heavily damaged or sunk. The coordinated aerial assault targeted these capital ships to cripple the U.S. Pacific Fleet, demonstrating the strategic importance of these vessels in naval warfare at the time.

Professor Linda Nguyen (Maritime Archaeologist, University of Hawaii). From an archaeological perspective, the sunken ships at Pearl Harbor, particularly the USS Arizona and USS Utah (AG-16), provide invaluable insights into World War II naval engagements. The USS Utah, originally a battleship converted to a target ship, was also sunk during the attack. These wrecks have become underwater memorials and serve as poignant reminders of the human cost of war and the technological vulnerabilities of early 20th-century naval engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What ships sank at Pearl Harbor during the attack?
Several U.S. Navy ships sank at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, including the battleships USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS West Virginia, USS California, and USS Nevada. Additionally, the USS Utah, a target ship, also sank.

Which battleship suffered the most casualties at Pearl Harbor?
The USS Arizona suffered the most casualties, with over 1,100 crew members killed when it exploded and sank during the attack.

Were any aircraft carriers sunk at Pearl Harbor?
No aircraft carriers were sunk during the attack. The carriers USS Enterprise, USS Lexington, and USS Saratoga were not in the harbor at the time.

What caused the USS Oklahoma to capsize at Pearl Harbor?
The USS Oklahoma capsized after multiple torpedo hits caused severe flooding and loss of stability, leading the ship to roll over onto its side.

Were any ships repaired and returned to service after Pearl Harbor?
Yes, several ships, including the USS West Virginia and USS California, were salvaged, repaired, and returned to active service during World War II.

How many ships were damaged but not sunk at Pearl Harbor?
Several ships were damaged but remained afloat, including the USS Nevada, USS Pennsylvania, USS Maryland, and USS Tennessee, among others.
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in the sinking of several significant U.S. Navy ships, which marked a pivotal moment in World War II. Among the vessels that sank were the battleships USS Arizona (BB-39), USS Oklahoma (BB-37), USS West Virginia (BB-48), USS California (BB-44), and USS Nevada (BB-36). These ships suffered extensive damage from aerial bombs and torpedoes, leading to catastrophic losses in both personnel and naval capability. The USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma were particularly notable for their devastating losses, with the Arizona remaining a sunken memorial to this day.

In addition to battleships, other naval vessels such as the USS Utah (AG-16), a former battleship converted to a target ship, also sank during the attack. The damage inflicted on these ships underscored the surprise and effectiveness of the Japanese assault, which aimed to neutralize the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Despite the losses, several ships were later salvaged, repaired, and returned to service, reflecting the resilience and recovery efforts of the U.S. Navy during the war.

Overall, the ships that sank at Pearl Harbor symbolize both the tragic human cost

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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.