description HMS Hood Overview
HMS Hood was a Royal Navy battlecruiser commissioned after the First World War and used extensively as a symbol of British naval power during the interwar period. On 24 May 1941, she fought the German battleship Bismarck and heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen in the Denmark Strait, suffered a catastrophic magazine explosion, and sank rapidly. Only three men survived from a ship's company of more than 1,400, and the wreck now lies in the North Atlantic.
insights Ranking position
HMS Hood ranks #10 of 186 in the Shipwreck ranking, behind RMS Lancastria, ahead of MV Estonia.
help HMS Hood FAQ
What caused HMS Hood to sink during the battle with Bismarck?
During the Battle of the Denmark Strait on 24 May 1941, Hood suffered a catastrophic explosion after German gunfire reached a vulnerable area near its magazines. The ship broke apart and sank within minutes.
How many members of HMS Hood's crew survived?
Only three men survived from a complement of more than 1,400. They were rescued by the destroyer HMS Electra after the battle.
Was HMS Hood a battleship or a battlecruiser?
The Royal Navy classified Hood as a battlecruiser, although she was larger than many contemporary battleships. Her design emphasized heavy guns and speed, with less comprehensive protection than later capital ships.
Where is the wreck of HMS Hood?
The wreck lies in the Denmark Strait between Greenland and Iceland at a depth of roughly 2,800 meters. It is protected as a military maritime grave because nearly the entire crew died there.
explore Explore More
Similar to HMS Hood
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
