Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Brown, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) 25 August marked 50 years since the sinking of the cargo ship MV Noongah,

(ii) the MV Noongah sank in heavy seas off Smokey Cape, South West Rocks, New South Wales in 1969, two days after leaving Newcastle bound for Townsville,

(iii) the wind was blowing in excess of 70 knots (110 km) per hour and the sea at almost 10 metre waves,

(iv) the 26 man crew abandoned ship just 14 minutes after a distress signal was transmitted,

(v) a four day search and rescue was conducted with only 5 survivors and 1 body being pulled from the water,

(vi) the search was one of the largest in Australian maritime history involving five destroyers, three mine sweepers, seven aircraft, two helicopters and Australian-flag and international merchant vessels, and

(vii) this tragedy was marked on its 50th anniversary on 25 August by family members and others at a memorial site at Smokey Cape, New South Wales;

(b) recognises that the anniversary of this tragedy is a reminder of the bravery of Australia's maritime workers and the risks of the work they undertake daily for the benefit of the nation; and

(c) offers its condolences to the families affected by the sinking of the cargo ship MV Noongah and to all people impacted by maritime tragedies.

Question agreed to.