Speaker Date Topic
Chris Hooten & Ros Bennett Apr 02, 2024
Plant Rescue
Andrea Williams Apr 09, 2024
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. 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, with support from Dutch deep-sea survey specialists Fugro and Australia’s Department of Defence.

The ship sank with at least 850 Australian service members and 210 civilians, who ranged from a 15 year old boy to men in their sixties. At the end of WWII Australia knew least about these POWs and internees, captured on Australian territory, than any others. The tragedy has transcended generations and reminds us of the human cost of conflict.

Andrea Williams was part of the 2023 Silentworld Expedition team which found the wreck of the Montevideo Maru, with the loss of all allied prisoners. 

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

Currently Chair of the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Group, Andrea was a founding member of the association as well as an integral part of the advisory and fundraising team which achieved the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Memorial in 2012, unveiled by then Governor-General Quentin Bryce, located at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Andrea is an executive and honorary life member of the Papua New Guinea Association of Australia, formerly its long-term president.

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.

Fran Signorelli Apr 23, 2024
Hope in a Suitcase
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