SINKING OF THE SHIP "KELAT"
IN DARWIN HARBOUR ON 19 FEBRUARY 1942
DURING A JAPANESE AIR ATTACK ON DARWIN

The 1,849 tons, 260-foot Naval Refuelling lighter "Kelat", was attacked by Japanese aircraft as it laid at anchor in Darwin Harbour in the Northern Territory on 19 February 1942. This was the first major air raid on Darwin. It was followed by another air raid later that same day.

The "Kelat" was machine gunned by Japanese aircraft and took about two days to sink in about 12 metres of water in a location well south of the Darwin wharves.

"Kelat" was built in 1881 and was requisitioned by the Royal Australian Navy in July 1941.

REFERENCE BOOKS

"Wrecks in Darwin Waters"
by Tom Lewis

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"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 11 February 2002

This page last updated 15 January 2020