Finding of the Centaur
The ROV placed a memorial plaque on the foredeck of the AHS Centaur. The bronze plaque created by The Centaur Association.
The specially fabricated bronze plaque featuring a protected CD containing details, stories and messages from family and friends has been placed at the final resting place of the AHS Centaur.
The last of eight different high-resolution sonar images we collected to make sure the target was indeed a shipwreck. The wreck is the long dark blue shape while the adjacent acoustic shadow is burgundy in colour. Close examination of the image indicates that one or possibly two breaks in the hull.
See more in the photo gallery
On Sunday 20 December 2009 the final resting place of the hospital ship Centaur was discovered, solving the 66 year old mystery surrounding its sinking during World War II.
On Sunday 10 January 2010 the Sea Horse Spirit was back on site, carrying a remotely operated submersible vehicle (ROV). The ROV is equipped with a high-definition camera to collect high quality imagery of the wreck and the surrounding area.
Memorial
On Tuesday 12 January a memorial service was held for the AHS Centaur which lay 2059 metres below the surface. Major Arthur Dugdale, Historian John Foley and Graham Samway Captain of the Seahorse Spirit were involved in the service which included prayers and readings. At the conclusion of the service Major Dugdale laid a wreath on the water over the site.
In the early hours of the morning, the memorial plaque entrusted to us by the 2/3 AHS Centaur Association was gently placed on the fore deck of the wreck of the Centaur. Incorporated in the plaque was a Roll of Honour with the names of all 268 men and women who perished when the Centaur was sunk. This plaque serves as a headstone for those entombed in this maritime grave.
The location where the plaque was laid – just starboard of the forward (No. 1) hatch opening - was chosen because it was deemed to be the most visible and permanent in keeping with the wishes of the Centaur Association.
Read more about the memorial.
Last updated Wednesday, January 13, 2010
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