SS Aguila

The SS Aguila was a British passenger and cargo ship that was sunk by a German U-boat, U-455, in the Western Approaches on 27 June 1941, during World War II. The ship was owned by Yeoward Brothers and was en route from Liverpool to Lisbon with a significant number of refugees fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe, as well as British citizens and crew.

The Aguila was a relatively small ship, built in 1917, and had been engaged in the trade between the UK and Iberia for many years. The sinking resulted in a substantial loss of life; estimates vary, but over 150 people perished out of a total of approximately 200-240 passengers and crew. The event is considered a significant maritime tragedy of World War II, particularly due to the presence of refugees seeking safe passage.

The attack occurred without warning, and the ship sank quickly, leaving many survivors struggling in the water. Rescue efforts were hampered by the ongoing war and the location of the sinking. The loss of the Aguila served as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by civilian vessels during the conflict and the human cost of submarine warfare.