The Bay of Funchal have perfect conditions being used as a harbor for the ships crossing the Atlantic, after the start of the World War I then became strategically crucial.

Natural conditions and the lack of infrastructure prevented the establishment of a naval base, despite the strategic value of the island in the context of the Atlantic routes.

[2] The land protection consisted two coastal batteries, one located at Forte de São Tiago and the other at Quinta da Vigia.

[4] On the morning of 3 December 1916 at 8:30 a.m. the submarine U-38, commanded by Max Valentiner,[5] reached the bay of Funchal and began the attack.

Surprise was hit in the middle, at the level of the ammunition powder hold and the following explosion split the vessel in half.

The crew of Kanguroo, which had been anchored in Funchal Bay since 24 November for repairs, was able to fire 25 shots with a 65 mm bow gun before the ship being sunk.

Many families left their homes and went to the outskirts of Funchal; Monte, S. Roque, S. Martinho, Santo António or Caminho de Palheiro.

[13] On that same day, the auxiliary cruiser NRP Gil Eanes arrived at the port of Funchal to escort the steamer Africa carrying passengers to Portuguese Angola and Mozambique.

The structure is composed of a statue with a religious relief and the rosary built of chains from the ships torpedoed on 3 December 1916 and stones from the Sant Antoni river.