Survival at Sea

Wednesday 15 May 2013 - Catherine McCullagh

 On 14 May 1943, a brightly lit vessel cruised north, a floating beacon against the blackened sea. Heading for New Guinea to take on casualties at Port Moresby, the 2/3rd Australian Hospital Ship Centaur carried a total of 332 passengers: 76 crew and 256 medical staff, including 12 nurses. There was no doubt as to the nature of the target when, at 4.10 am on the morning of 14 May, a torpedo hit the Centaur. Catherine discusses the horrifying attack and the aftermath that ensued.