U-487 conducted two patrols. As a supply boat, she avoided combat.
On 13 July 1943, U-487 was attacked in the central Atlantic by five TBF Avengers and F4F Wildcats from the escort carrier USS Core (CVE-13). One Wildcat was shot down, but 31 crewmen were killed and the U-boat sunk. 33 survivors were taken prisoner.