Uncovering the Past: The Role of a Research Vessel in Discovering Numerous Australian Shipwrecks

The MV Noongah, a coastal freighter that disappeared in 1969, has been discovered by a team aboard the CSIRO research vessel RV Investigator. The vessel was on a research voyage to study submarine canyons off the New South Wales coast when it stumbled upon the shipwreck. RV Investigator is part of the Marine National Facility and has been instrumental in several recent shipwreck discoveries. Equipped with advanced acoustic systems and seafloor mapping technology, the vessel has mapped over 3 million square kilometers of Australia’s marine estate. The collaboration between various agencies and communities has been crucial in locating these shipwrecks, which not only provide closure to affected communities but also help in understanding the circumstances surrounding these tragedies. The discoveries also aid in managing and protecting the sites for heritage purposes and mitigating environmental risks. With thousands of shipwrecks still undiscovered, RV Investigator’s upcoming upgrades will continue to contribute to solving maritime mysteries.