Centaur

The Centaur was a passenger and cargo vessel built in 1924 for the Ocean Steamship Company's Blue Funnel Line. Named after the mythological Greek creature, she was specifically designed for the challenging conditions of Western Australian waters, including extensive mud flats and significant tidal variations.

Initial Service (1924-1941)

Built by Scotts Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. in Greenock, Centaur began service on the Western Australia-Singapore route, carrying passengers, cargo, and livestock. She regularly called at ports including Surabaya, Semarang, Batavia, and Singapore. In December 1939, she underwent a minor refit in Hong Kong.

Wartime Service (1941-1943)

On November 26, 1941, Centaur participated in a significant rescue operation, saving 62 German survivors from the sunken cruiser Kormoran. The captain carefully managed the rescue by taking lifeboats in tow and allowing nine wounded men aboard. Two of Centaur's lifeboats were used when two German boats were swamped by heavy seas.

Following Japan's entry into World War II, Centaur's route was restricted to Broome. She was later reassigned to Queensland, conducting runs along Australia's east coast and New Guinea carrying war materials.

Hospital Ship Service and Loss

In early 1943, Centaur was converted to a hospital ship (designated AHS 47) in Melbourne at an estimated cost of £20,000. Despite being clearly marked with white hull and prominent red crosses, she was attacked and sunk by Japanese submarine I-177 under Commander Hajime Nakagawa on May 14, 1943. Of those aboard, 268 people were killed and 64 survived, enduring 36 hours in shark-infested waters before rescue.

Discovery and Memorial

In 2010, following the discovery of HMAS Sydney, the wreck of Centaur was located by the Seahorse Spirit under David Mearns. She lies 2,059 metres (6,760 ft) below sea level in a steep-walled gully east of Moreton Island. A memorial plaque was placed on her foredeck during the final ROV dive on January 12, 2010. The site is now a protected war grave.

Key Facts

Specification	Details
Built	1924, Scotts Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. Greenock
Gross Tonnage	3,222 tons
Length	310 ft (96 metres)
Beam	48 ft (14.7 metres)
Draught	20 ft (6.1 m)
Engine	4 stroke, 6 cylinder Burmeister & Wain diesel (1,400 bhp)
Speed	12.5 knots (23.2 km/h)
Passenger Capacity	72 (50 first class, 22 second class)
Cargo Capacity	450 cattle, four holds
Sister Ships	Gorgon and Charon