Anniversary of the HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Voyager collision
The HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Voyager collision occurred on 10 February 1964 off the coast of Jervis Bay, NSW. The aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne (R21) collided with the Daring-class destroyer HMAS Voyager (D04) during night exercises. Voyager mistakenly crossed Melbourne’s path and was cut in two, sinking within minutes. 82 crew members of Voyager lost their lives, making it one of Australia’s worst peacetime naval disasters. Two Royal Commissions were held, leading to controversy over blame and command decisions.
