[Note 1] In 13 patrols UC-16 was credited with sinking 43 ships, either by torpedo or by mines laid.

A postwar German study concluded that UC-16 probably sank after striking a mine off Zeebrugge[1] Like all pre-UC-25 Type UC II submarines, UC-16 had a displacement of 417 tonnes (410 long tons) when at the surface and 493 tonnes (485 long tons) while submerged.

She had a dive time of 35 seconds and was capable of operating at a depth of 50 metres (160 ft).

When submerged, she could operate for 55 nautical miles (102 km; 63 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph); when surfaced, she could travel 9,430 nautical miles (17,460 km; 10,850 mi) at 7 knots (13 km/h; 8.1 mph).

UC-16 was fitted with six 100 centimetres (39 in) mine tubes,[3] eighteen UC 200 mines, three 50 centimetres (20 in) torpedo tubes (one on the stern and two on the bow), seven torpedoes, and one 8.8 cm (3.5 in) Uk L/30 deck gun.