Joachim Schepke tried to manoeuvre U-100 for a torpedo attack as HMS Vanoc approached to ram. The preceding depth-charge attack had left the diesel engines starved of fuel and the electric motors malfunctioning. With the submarine unable to move, Schepke ordered the crew to abandon ship, but Vanoc was already too close for an effective evacuation. The destroyer struck amidships, crushing the conning tower with Schepke still inside and driving U-100 under. Only six of the 53 crew survived. Loss of propulsion had removed both the chance to evade the destroyer and the time needed to get the crew clear.
Chapter · 34:40-35:16
U-100 loses propulsion before Vanoc's ramming
Depth-charge damage left U-100 unable to manoeuvre or evacuate before HMS Vanoc rammed her, killing Joachim Schepke and most of his crew.