TV series

The Sinking of the Laconia

20111 season6.4 / 10

The true story of the Allied ship Laconia, sunk in WWII by a German U-Boat, which then surfaced against orders to rescue the civilian crew

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Where to watch in United States

Checked Sep 2, 2026

The Sinking of the Laconia is available to stream on Acorn TV, Acorn TV (Via Amazon Prime), and Spectrum On Demand in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.

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Synopsis

The true story of the Allied ship Laconia, sunk in WWII by a German U-Boat, which then surfaced against orders to rescue the civilian crew

Season 1 episodes

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Episode 1

Part 1

Jan 6, 20111h 26m

On the 12th September 1942 the Laconia - a cruise ship turned troop ship - was torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-156 commanded by Werner Hartenstein. She carried a motley crew of women, children, wounded soldiers and Italian Prisoners of War. Having sunk the ship, Hartenstein should have left them to their uncertain fate in the water, but instead he made the incredible decision to save as many lives as he could. A true story of unexpected gallantry and humanity in the fog of war.

Episode credits

Directed by Uwe JansonWritten by Alan Bleasdale

Where to watch The Sinking of the Laconia

Episode 2

Part 2

Jan 7, 20111h 29mfinale

U-boat commander Werner Hartenstein has torpedoed the Laconia and mounted an extraordinary rescue operation. U-156's deck is crowded with Allied survivors fished out of the South Atlantic. But in the fog of war confusion reigns and U-156 is spotted by an American bomber which moves in to attack.

Episode credits

Directed by Uwe JansonWritten by Alan Bleasdale

Where to watch The Sinking of the Laconia

Episode information updated Sep 17, 2026