Ship History
This British cargo vessel grounded during a storm on Nateara Reef, south of Port Moresby in January 1924. The ship was driven further onto the reef, cargo was transferred to smaller boats and then the ship was abandoned. Later used as the backdrop for the Hollywood movie, "Red Morning" released in 1935 by RKO-Radio. The wreck was nearly sold to the Japanese for scrap metal in 1940. Instead, Australians salvaged 200 tons of metal from it, and one propeller in 1941.

Wartime History
Known as the "Moresby Wreck", the wreck was use for strafing and bombing practice for USAAF 5th AF and RAAF pilots in 1942-3. At the time, there were no supplies of dummy bombs, so crews dropped live bombs without fuses.

On at least several occasions, the Japanese bombed the wreck, mistaking it for an functioning vessel. One February 28, 1942 escorting A6M2 Zeros of the 4th Kokutai test fired their guns on the wreck, before strafing PBY Catalinas moored near Napa Nap.

Also, on March 25, 1942 a single bomber bombed the ship
Seek & Strike page 19: "bombers came in 0915 on 25 March, and ground observers thought one was hit by anti-aircraft fire, as it left formation and bombed the old wrecked ship, the SS Pruth, but missed."

While used as training target by Allied aircraft, several planes were accidentally lost. These losses included Beaufighter A19-73, B-25D 41-30053 (all crew lost), B-25 41-12502 (all crew lost), B-25C "Draft Dodger" 41-12968 (no fatalities), B-25D 41-30496 (all crew lost).

Shipwreck
After use as a training aid, the remaining wreckage was scrapped down to the waterline.  Only the ship's boilers and a portion of the stern are above water, and on a clear day visible from Port Moresby from Koke area. From the air, the outline of the ship is still visible. Reportedly, local fisherman have salvaged bullets and unexploded bombs from around the wreck. Underwater, only broken remains of the ship too difficult to salvage or scrap still remains.  Few pieces look like that of a ship, aside from a few port holes, gears and bolts visible.

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009

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