The list of shipwrecks in May 1939 includes ships sunk, foundered, grounded, or otherwise lost during May 1939.
This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.
The cargo ship ran aground south of the Apo Lighthouse, Negros Island, Philippines.[3] She was refloated on 22 May and sailed to Manila, Philippines for repairs.[5]
The cargo liner caught fire 20 nautical miles (37 km) south of Barberyn Island, Ceylon. The crew abandoned ship and were taken on board Canton (United Kingdom).[9]Alsia came ashore, still burning, at Uduwata Point, 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) north of Galle, on 11 May.[7][10] The gutted ship broke her back and was a total loss.[11]
The cargo ship ran aground on Arena Island, Sulu Sea, Philippines. She was refloated the next day but then sank 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) off the island. Her crew were rescued by USS Pope (United States Navy).[16][17][18]
Tsunchiko Maru (Japan) collided with Kankyo Maru at Shimonoseki, damaging her severely. Tsunchiko Maru then collided with Zuiko Maru (Japan). Kankyo Maru sank with the loss of sixteen crew.[5]