Introduction
After 85 years, the wreckage of the Irish trawler Leukos shipwreck, sunk by a Nazi U-boat in 1940, has been discovered off the coast of County Donegal. For the family of 17-year-old Michael Cullen, one of the youngest crew members, the find could finally bring a long-awaited Christian burial and emotional closure. The story was recently confirmed in a BBC News report.
The Day the Leukos Was Lost
On 9 March 1940, the Leukos was fishing near five British trawlers off Tory Island when German submarine U-38 surfaced and fired a single deck gun round. Despite being clearly marked as a neutral, unarmed Irish vessel, the Leukos was hit in the engine room. The ship went down with all 11 crew members.
Among those lost were teenagers Michael Cullen, James Hawkins, and Robert Sumler, as well as experienced fishermen from across Ireland, Scotland, and England Leukos shipwreck.
Why Was the Leukos Targeted?
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Theories range from the Leukos shielding British vessels to a bold attempt at ramming the submarine. U-boat captain Heinrich Liebe noted in his log, “I decided to administer a warning… with the gun,” suggesting no strategic reason behind the fatal shot.
The Irish Seamen’s Relatives Association believes the Leukos acted selflessly to protect others, describing the crew’s actions as “bravery that deserves official recognition.” Learn more about German U-boat operations at the History Channel’s WWII Submarine Warfare page Leukos shipwreck.
The Discovery of the Wreckage
Former Irish Naval Service diver John Kearney discovered the wreck in late May 2025 using the Atlantic Submersible 2. Located roughly 12 nautical miles off Tory Island, the ship lies broken but identifiable with key features like its rudder, propeller, and engine space visible.
“They were just young lads, the same age as my kids,” said Kearney. “They left for a fishing trip and paid with their lives.” Kearney has contributed to several underwater recovery efforts documented through the National Maritime Museum of Ireland.
A Family’s Longing for Closure
Mary Duggan, niece of Michael Cullen, never knew the full story until recently. “We were told Michael was lost at sea,” she said. “Only now do we know he was a victim of Hitler’s navy.”
Mary hopes the wreckage might hold remains or artifacts that allow for a proper burial. “It’s something I want to do for my dad—he was Michael’s brother.”
Remembering the Fallen
- The Leukos crew’s names were added to a monument unveiled in 1990 by Irish President Patrick Hillery.
- A painting of the Leukos is preserved at the National Maritime Museum in Dún Laoghaire.
- The trawler was reported missing only three days after the attack, and death certificates weren’t issued until 1986.
Conclusion
For decades, the story of the Leukos remained a quiet tragedy of WWII. With the wreck now discovered, it’s more than a maritime artifact—it’s a step toward justice and remembrance for an Irish family. And perhaps, after 85 years, Michael Cullen can finally be brought home.
Learn more about other untold WWII Irish maritime stories.
