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Blythe Star Memorial by Kim Brooks I had the honour of attending the unveiling of a commemorative plaque marking the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Blyth Star. Our journey began at the CSRIO building, where we heard and saw how they discovered the vessel which laid in 130 meters of water. The event drew together families of the ship’s crew, distinguished guests, and invited members of the MUA. Mick Doleman spoke about his experience and representatives from the CSRIO shared their insights into how they came about finding the vessel. Later, we gathered at Battery Point for the unveiling of the plaque ceremony, in which the Governor of Tasmania was present, and spoke about the tragedy and its significance. While in Hobart, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Mick and some of the veteran crew members, exchanging plenty of nos- talgic stories.

MV Blythe Star Anniversary by Keith McCorriston I would like to thank the MUA WA Branch for the invitation to attend the “MV Blythe Star Memorial” 50th Anniversary in Hobart on the 19th of October 2023. I attended alongside MUA WA Organiser Brendon Brolly and members Svein Skavik and Kim (Vanilla Slice) Brooks. Also in attendance were representa- tives from the ITF, AMSA, MUA Branch and Nation- al officials and members, along with government ministers and officials.

A special mention must be given to our MUA Tas- manian Branch for organising this wonderful event.

Knowing Mike Doleman and his family for many years, it was a privilege and honour to attend the unveiling of the plaque recognising the lost lives and heroic efforts of the surviving crew. On Friday 17th October 1973, with a crew of ten, the Blythe Star sailed from Hobart to King Island with a cargo of fertilizer and beer. Fourteen hours later, the ship sank without warning. The surviving crew were destined to drift in wild weather around the Southern Tasmanian coast for eight days. Au- thorities conducted a search, only to realise later that they were searching in the wrong area. There is plenty of reading and historical informa- tion available and I would suggest you get a copy of the book “The Blythe Star Tragedy” by Michael Stoddard. The wreck was later found in 2022 by the CSIRO vessel some 49 years after sinking. The Tasmanian Maritime Museum in Hobart has a display of the tragedy and is well worth a visit in Tasmania. Mick Doleman is the only surviving crew member of this tragedy, and he gave an emotional speech outlining the days between the sinking and his eventual rescue. He was an 18-year-old ‘bucko’ at the time.

Regards Kim Brooks

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