how many ships were sunk at pearl harbor

During the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, a total of 18 U.S. Navy ships were sunk or run aground (some later salvaged), but only a few were completely destroyed and never returned to service.

Battleships: “Sunk” in the Attack

Five U.S. battleships were sunk or capsized at Pearl Harbor, collectively remembered as the “Battleship Row” losses:

• USS Arizona (BB‑39) : A bomb hit her forward magazine, causing a massive explosion that sank her almost instantly; 1,177 killed. She was never raised and remains a memorial on the harbor floor.

• USS Oklahoma (BB‑37) : Hit by multiple torpedoes, she capsized and sank; 429 killed. She was later righted and partially salvaged, but sank while being towed for scrapping in 1947.

• USS West Virginia (BB‑48) : Hit by torpedoes and bombs, she sank at her berth; 106 killed. She was refloated, repaired, and returned to service in 1944.

• USS California (BB‑44) : Torpedo and bomb damage caused her to sink slowly; 104 killed. She was raised, rebuilt, and fought again in the Pacific.

• USS Nevada (BB‑36) : Although not fully sunk, she was heavily damaged by bombs and a torpedo, and deliberately beached to avoid blocking the harbor. She survived and was later repaired and returned to service.

So, of the five battleships, only Arizona and Oklahoma were total losses (not returned to service).

Other Ships Sunk or Destroyed

Beyond the battleships, several other vessels were sunk or destroyed during the attack:

• USS Utah (AG‑16) – a former battleship used as a target ship; hit by torpedoes and capsized, later designated a total loss and not salvaged.

• USS Oglala (CM‑4) – a minelayer, capsized and sank; later refloated and repaired, but initially counted among the sunk ships.

• Destroyers, auxiliaries, and small craft : A number of destroyers, target ships, and support vessels were damaged or sunk.

A commonly cited figure is that 18 U.S. ships were sunk or run aground in the attack, including battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and auxiliary vessels.

How Many Were “Totally Sunk”?

When historians say “sunk,” they often distinguish between:

• Ships that sank in the harbor but were later raised and repaired (like West Virginia , California , Nevada , Oglala).
• Ships that were total losses and never returned to service: USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, and USS Utah.

So, in practical terms:

• Three ships – Arizona, Oklahoma, and Utah – are considered “sunk and never returned to service.”
• Eight battleships in total were sunk or severely damaged ; five were on the bottom at Pearl Harbor afterward, but only two (Arizona and Oklahoma) among them were not salvaged for combat.

Quick Summary

• Total U.S. ships sunk or run aground: 18 vessels.

• Battleships sunk or capsized: 5 (Arizona , Oklahoma , California , West Virginia , Nevada).

• Ships that were total losses (not repaired): 3 (Arizona , Oklahoma , Utah).

If you’re thinking of the most famous Pearl Harbor losses, the USS Arizona memorial over the sunken hull is the most iconic symbol of the ships “sunk” that day.