HMAS Kooronga explained

HMAS Kooronga was a 60-ton tug boat and training ship operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). She was constructed at the Williamstown Dockyard, Victoria in 1917. Kooronga was commissioned on 6 June 1924 and named Cerberus II as a tender at the Flinders Naval Depot.^[1] The vessel was later renamed HMAS Kooronga. She ran aground in the Port Phillip channel and was stranded from 28 June until 14 July 1940.^[2] Upon being refloated she was refitted out.

Kooronga remained in RAN service until 1947. She was sold into private hands in 1948, renamed Black Witch II, and converted to a schooner.^{[1] [3]} On 14 August 1958, the schooner ran aground at Apollo Bay beach during a gale.^[3] The wreck is believed to be buried under the sand.^[3]

References

• Wilson, Michael; Royal Australian Navy 21st Century Warships, Naval auxiliaries 1911 to 1999 including Defence Maritime Services, Profile No. 4 - Revised Edition, Topmill Pty Ltd, Marrickville.

Notes and References

1. Wilson, p.59.
2. Wilson, p.75.
3. 15 September 2011.