The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA005
Tuesday 10 February 2009
HMAS VOYAGER REMEMBERED 45 YEARS ON
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, asked Australians to take a moment today to
acknowledge the 45th anniversary of our nation’s greatest peacetime military tragedy, the HMAS
Voyager disaster.
Mr Griffin said 82 lives were lost when the Voyager and HMAS Melbourne collided off the south-
east coast of Australia in 1964.
“On 10 February 1964, Melbourne, an aircraft carrier, and Voyager, a Daring Class Destroyer,
took part in training exercises off the coast of Jervis Bay, south east of Sydney.
“At 8.56 pm, while manoeuvring under minimal operational lighting, the Voyager tragically
crossed the bows of the Melbourne, colliding in the darkness. The Voyager was sliced in two by
the impact and the bow section sank within minutes.”
Fourteen officers, 67 sailors and one civilian dockyard employee lost their lives. There were 232
survivors.
“I ask that we all remember those Australians who have lost their lives in peacetime activities,
humanitarian assistance or training, including the Voyager disaster.”
Last year all but one of the remaining claims arising from the tragedy were resolved by the
Rudd Government. Efforts to resolve the single outstanding claim are ongoing.
Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 02 6277 7820 or 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046.
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NEWS 
