MV Fairwind – Missing Crew Update
In 1950 when MV Fairwind was lost with all hands, the crew list and media reports listed 5 named Australians and something like “12 blacks”, “12 niggers” or “several PNG natives”. This has always pissed me off, so I’m real happy to play a small part in righting this.
Several years back I was contacted by the living family of Cecil Himogo, who advised me that he indeed was part of the missing crew of the Fairwind. Now 5 years later (and 9 after we found the Fairwind), Cecil’s grandson (Jeremiah Jeremiah) has been able to provide the names of 6 additional members of the crew.
The corrected Fairwind crew list now reads:
- Mr Cecil Himogo, Crewman, of Seasea Village, Milne Bay, PNG
- Mr Momosia Duaelo, PNG
- Mr Penuveri Eteni, PNG
- Mr Sema Malari, PNG
- Mr Opesi Tauvanavana, PNG
- Mr Lucian Kasora, PNG
- Mr Dagama biginore, PNG
- 5 additional unnamed gentlemen from PNG, and;
- Captain A Campbell, of Kareela Road Cremorne.
- Mr J. E. Wilson, First Officer, of Kurnell Road Cronulla.
- Mr L.T. Myers, Chief Engineer, of Dellview Street Bondi.
- Mr D Connelly, Technician and Deck Hand, of c/o Kotara Post Office Newcastle.
- Mr Brightwell, Technician and Deck Hand, of Sydney
Although weather is hampering our recent efforts to return to the Fairwind, I’ll soon hopefully have some new photos and video footage to share of this fantastic wreck. Anyone looking to dive Fairwind, off South West Rocks in 87m, should contact Pete at Fishrock Dive Centre.
