By
LCDR Steve Mullins
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HMAS
Warrnambool at sea.
Library photo courtesy DDM.
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During
the afternoon of Wednesday September 10 HMAS Warrnambool
(LCDR Mark Sorby) boarded an Indonesian fishing vessel in the
Gulf of Carpentaria, well inside the Australian Exclusive Economic
Zone.
Shortly after boarding, the Boarding Officer learned from the
FFV’s crew that the master was believed to have fallen overboard
some 36-48 hours earlier.
The circumstances were immediately passed to the Rescue Co-ordination
Centre (RCC) in Canberra and a search was mounted. The centre
took charge of the operation as the responsible SAR agency.
Warrnambool immediately began a local SAR operation as the on-scene
of action coordinator. She was supported by a Coastwatch aircraft,
which was already operating with the FCPB and two Australian trawlers
that were also in the vicinity.
Prevailing local weather over the last 48 hours was poor for small
craft operations with strong winds and rough seas.
After an extensive search no trace of the master was found and
the RCC called off the search mid-morning on September 11.
The boarding began as part of the normal procedure for foreign
fishing vessels suspected of illegally fishing inside the Australian
Exclusive Economic Zone. Consequently, Warrnambool began to tow
the FFV to Thursday Island. However, it broke up and sank in the
rough conditions.
Ash
farewelled
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Members
of HMAS Warrnambool’s ships company with Ash the cat.
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HMAS
Warrnambool (LCDR Mark Sorby) was relieved off Ashmore Island
by sister Wollongong (LCDR Stephen Thompson). Before leaving,
her crew said their tearful goodbyes toAshmore the cat.
Ashmore mysteriously arrived aboard Warrnambool. A tag, found
around the neck of the black Persian, explains that while she
brings good fortune to any ship to which she comes, this is strictly
on the proviso that she is passed on to another ship at the very
next opportunity at sea. Accordingly, Warrnambool passed “Ash”
to Wollongong by light line transfer.
Ash often spent her days at sea sunbaking on the flying bridge
awning during Specials or just simply lazing about eating garlic
bread and pickled sardines.
Warrnambool
marks 500,000 nautical miles
By
LEUT Katie Fealy
During
her last patrol to Ashmore Island HMAS Warrnambool (LCDR Mark
Sorby) proudly chalked up 500,000 nautical miles, which equates
to over 23 circumnavigations of the Earth at the equator.
The Darwin-based Patrol Boat is the second of her class and the
first to be built in Australia. Warrnambool was launched on Saturday
October 25, 1980 and commissioned on March 14, 1981.
After commissioning Warrnambool was based in Cairns where she
was tasked for fisheries patrolling from Torres Strait and the
Great Barrier Reef south to Bass Strait.
A period home ported in Sydney followed before she was reassigned
to Darwin Naval Base.
Warrnambool’s role is now focused to the north of Australia
where she is heavily involved in border patrol operations.
In order to appropriately commemorate this significant milestone,
the ship is producing a special commemorative medallion later
this year. Her ship’s company extends an invitation to all
those interested in obtaining one, particularly those Warrnambool
Warriors over her 22 years of distinguished service, to register
their names and be a part of this special occasion.
Struck by the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra the medallion
will be constructed of aluminium bronze with Fine Silver plating
polished to a proof finish. It will be 40mm in diameter and delivered
in a presentation case.
The total cost of each medallion will be around $80 depending
on the number of requests.
Expressions of interest, further information or, better, Orders
may be placed by phoning LEUT Daniel Hughes or LEUT Katie Fealy
on (08) 89355267 or 0408 484 670.
