The Wrecks of the U-53

On October 7, 1916 the German U-Boat U-53 showed up unexpectedly at Newport Harbor, Rhode Island. World War 1 was raging, although the United States remained firmly neutral. The U-53 captain, Hans Rose, paid courtesy visits to local US Navy commanders, and in return had them visit his U-Boat. The visit was friendly and accommodating, if not a bit strange. Curious onlookers snapped photos and gathered their boats around the U-53. The next morning, the U-53 commenced sinking Allied ships, and within 24 hours the U-53 sank 3 UK ships, 1 Norwegian ship, and 1 Dutch ship. Seventeen US Destroyers were dispatched to rescue survivors, but, being neutral, did not fire on the U-53 and Rose slipped away. In total, the U-53 sank 78 ships from 1916 to 1918. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at ⁠https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com⁠. Original theme music by ⁠Sean Sigfried⁠. Go AD-FREE by becoming a Patreon Officer's Club Member! Join at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/shipwreckspod⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Merchandise is available! ⁠⁠⁠https://shop.shipwrecksandseadogs.com⁠⁠⁠ You can support the podcast with a donation of any amount at: ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod⁠⁠⁠ Join the Into History Network for ad-free access to this and many other fantastic history podcasts! ⁠⁠⁠https://www.intohistory.com/shipwreckspod⁠⁠⁠ Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow on BlueSky⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow on Threads⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow on Facebook⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices