HMS Culver

USCGC Mendota was a Lake-class cutter belonging to the United States Coast Guard launched on 20 June 1928 and commissioned on 23 March 1929. After 12 years of service with the Coast Guard, she was transferred to the British Royal Navy as part of the Lend-Lease Act. She was sunk in January 1942 when struck by two torpedoes fired by the GS U-105 (1940).

U.S. Coast Guard - Mendota
After commissioning in March 1929, Mendota was homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. On 22 December 1939, USCGC Sebago (1930) attempted to assist the Greek steamship Aliakmon, which had grounded north of Wash Woods, Virginia. The 12 in hawser that had been secured to the vessel parted, but Mendota, having arrived a few hours later, was able to float the $200,000 vessel.

Royal Navy - Culver
As part of the Lend-Lease Act she was transferred to the Royal Navy where she was renamed HMS Culver (Y87) and commissioned on 30 April 1941. On 31 October 1941, Culver picked up 25 people from the Dutch merchant vessel Bennekom which had been sunk by a torpedo from GS U-96 (1940).

Sinking
On 31 January 1942, while escorting convoy SL 98, Culver came under fire by the German submarine GS U-105 (1940). At 23:31 hours, she was struck twice, once on the port side in the forward boiler room and once further aft that likely struck the vessel's magazine. Culver broke in two and sank in less than a minute. The commander, 7 officers and 119 ratings were lost. A single officer and 12 ratings survived the sinking and were rescued by HMS Londonderry (U76).