In 1950, while on passage from Port Moresby to Sydney, Fairwind disappeared off the mid-north coast of New South Wales during a cyclone.[2] She was last sighted near Smoky Cape. The ship's last communication was a radio report on 23 June, where she indicated that she was seeking shelter behind North Solitary Island short of fuel, but that she would attempt to reach Coffs Harbour.[3] Despite an extensive land and air search,[4] the crew of 17, including 12 Papuans,[5] were not found. It is official that all of the Fairwind's crew lost their lives in the sinking.[6]
Rediscovery
The fate of MV Fairwind was not positively established until August 2009, when her wreck was found in deep water off South West Rocks by a team of amateur divers.[1][7] The wreck sits upright at a depth of 87 metres (285 ft). The wreck itself is mostly intact, with the forward and aft king posts projecting 15 metres (49 ft) from the seabed.[8]