Australia’s National Science Agency Locates Shipwreck Lost In 1969 Maritime Disaster

After 55 years, CSIRO has located the shipwreck of the MV Noongah, bringing an end to one of Australia’s most tragic maritime accidents.

On August 25, 1969, a strong storm sunk the 71-meter coastal freighter while travelling from Newcastle to Townsville with steel cargo.

The incident claimed the lives of 21 of the 26 crew members on board.

The vessel’s location was unknown until a collaborative effort by CSIRO, Heritage NSW, and The Sydney Project.

In June 2024, CSIRO’s research vessel (RV) Investigator collected high-resolution seafloor mapping and video footage, which confirmed the discovery.

The wreck, sitting upright and mostly undamaged, was discovered at a depth of 170 meters off Smoky Cape.

Margot Hind, CSIRO’s Voyage Manager, stated that favourable sea conditions allowed for excellent data collection, matching the wreck’s dimensions and profile with those of the MV Noongah.

The findings were crucial for arranging another dive to capture additional footage of the site.

The search for the MV Noongah was one of the largest in Australian maritime history, involving merchant and naval vessels, aircraft, and extensive shore-based searches.

Unfortunately, only one body was recovered, and the wreck was disappeared for over five decades.

The loss of the MV Noongah is considered one of the worst peacetime maritime tragedies in Australian coastal waters.

The discovery of the MV Noongah wreck comes after the RV Investigator discovered the Blythe Star in April 2023.

The Noongah project used similar techniques and equipment used in the previous discovery.

Heritage NSW director Tim Smith OAM hopes that the finding will bring closure to the crew’s survivors and families.

MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin and MUA Newcastle Branch Secretary Glen Williams both praised the discovery, recognizing its importance in honouring the crew’s legacy and supporting the surviving families.

Survivor Bill Cockley disclosed the tragic sinking of the MV Noongah in several interviews. Cockley, along with three other survivors, were forced to fight for survival in the open sea after abandoning their ship.

Their story reflects the crew’s bravery and resilience on one of the darkest nights in Australian maritime history.

CSIRO, funded by the Australian government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), remains committed to maritime heritage and research.

The discovery of the MV Noongah wreck reinforces the agency’s commitment to discovering and preserving Australia’s maritime history.

Reference: CSIRO, MARITIME UNION OF AUSTRALIA

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Source: Maritime Shipping News