From September 2, 1939, until October 25, 1939, U-16 took part in the laying of mines in open water in and around the English Channel, to hamper allied shipping. On September 28, 1939, U-16 sank the Swedish 3,378 ton Nyland. The 57 ton French Sainte Claire was sunk by one of the mines laid by U-16 on November 21, 1939.