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HMAS GOORANGAI

Location

South Channel, Port Phillip Bay

VHR Number

S294

Date lost

20/11/1940

Year of construction

1919

Official number

151982

Statement of Significance

The HMAS Goorangai is historically significant as the first Royal Australian Navy surface vessel lost with all hands, Australia's first naval loss of World War II, and the first Royal Australian Navy surface vessel lost in a war.

Physical Description  
Construction Material Steel
Rig Other
Propulsion Steam - Screw
Engine Builder Triple expansion single screw; 3 cy. 12", 19", 32"; 78 HP; speed 1-1/2 knots
Length / Breadth / Depth 117.0 Feet / 22.1 Feet / 13.8 Feet
History  
Builder NSW Government Dockyard
Built Date 1919
Built Port / Country Newcastle, NSW / Australia
Registration Number 13 of 1923
Registration Port / Country Sydney / Australia
Former Details of Registration REquisitioned by Royal Australian Navyon 08/09/1939 from Cam & Sons Pty Ltd
Details

Originally built as a 'Castle' type steam trawler based on a North Sea design. It was intended to assist develop a trawl fishing industry to create jobs in NSW in Depression years, then was ... more

Voyage Details  
Date Lost 20/11/1940
Voyage from Queenscliff to Portsea
Cargo

Minesweeping gear

Owner Cam & Sons Ltd Pty Ltd, requisitioned by RAN 8/9/1939
Master of Vessel Warrant Officer David McGregor, RANR
Weather conditions

Night, brownout conditions

Cause of Loss

Collision with Duntroon in South Channel . Struck amidships, the Goorangai sank in less than 1 minute. Had been showing a minimum of lights. The Duntroon was completely blacked out

Further Details  
Number of Passengers 0
Number of Crew Members 24
Comments on Crew Members

Lost with all hands. G. Boyle, A. Carter, J. Dungey, H. Gilroy, F. Hack, W. Johnston, A. Ladlow, D. McGregor, M. Madden, K. Matheson, R. Redman, F. Wadds, B. Buchanan, C. Cox, N. Farquharson, C. ... more

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