Australian Naval History on 15 May 1943

A RAAF Avro Anson, which was providing air escort to USS MUGFORD, (destroyer), and the British steamer SUSSEX, sighted survivors from the HMAS CENTAUR, (hospital ship), off the coast of Queensland. MUGFORD was detached to pick up the survivors, and rescued some 64 personnel, including the only nurse, (Sister Ellen Savage), to survive the sinking of the vessel. The destroyer then returned to Brisbane to disembark the survivors later that day. Subsequent searches were conducted by HMAS LITHGOW, USS HELM, and four motor torpedo boats, but no more survivors were found.