The annual Merchant Mariners Lost in Time of War memorial service was held on Saturday 6th of December at Norah Head.  

The memorial service honours the sacrifice of our merchant mariners who played a crucial role in maintaining Australia’s supply chain during the second world war and still do to this day.  

Merchant mariners served with courage putting themselves in danger and we know this all too well on the Central Coast. On 5 December 1940, the M.V Nimbin while travelling near Norah Head struck a German sea mine, the explosion was devastating and the ship sank within minutes. Seven crew members lost their lives and the M.V Nimbin was one of the first Australian merchant ships sunk during the Second World War.  

It would be joined by the S.S Iron Chieftain which  sank off our coastline  

On 3 June 1942, when it was struck by a Japanese torpedo. The Iron Chieftain sank quickly and 12 members of the crew lost their lives.  

Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley MP said: 

“Veterans, seafarers and community members right across the Coast come together every year at the Merchant Mariners memorial at Norah Head to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served our nation.  

As a member of a seafaring family, I am proud to help organise the annual service and pay tribute to these amazing seafarers who faced the ultimate danger. 

As a community we are forever grateful for their service.  

Lest we forget”