The Finding of Montevideo Maru

 Overview – Finding the Montevideo Maru

The loss of the Montevideo Maru is the worst maritime disaster in Australian history, and for 81 years, until 2023, the exact location of its final resting place remained a mystery.  The ship sank with at least 850 Australian service members and 210 civilians.

The tragedy has transcended generations and reminds us of the human cost of conflict.

Presenter – Andrea Williams

Andrea Williams was part of the 2023 Silentworld Expedition team which found the wreck of the Montevideo Maru.  Its discovery in the South China Sea, off the coast of the Philippines, made headlines around the world.  The mission had been planned for five years following two decades of dedication and research. It was only possible with the latest state-of-the-art technology, including an autonomous underwater vehicle.

The search was led by Australian businessman, maritime history philanthropist and explorer John Mullen, the director of Silentworld Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to maritime archaeology and history.

Andrea has a direct connection with Montevideo Maru as her grandfather and great-uncle became civilian internees, losing their lives on Montevideo Maru. Growing up in Rabaul, her family connection spanned four generations.

Andrea is a founding member and Chair of the Rabaul & Montevideo Maru group which achieved the Rabaul & Montevideo Maru Memorial at the AWM, Canberra, and is an executive and honorary life member of the Papua New Guinea Association of Australia.

Join us as Andrea shares the significance of this expedition and behind-the-scenes insights into the remarkable discovery and successful identification of the Montevideo Maru.

Detail –

Date and Time:1100, Wednesday 16^th. October 2024 (Sydney time)

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Please join us.