Illawarra & South Coast Steam Navigation Company
A long-time operator of intra-state ships, its forbears dating back to 1839, particularly along the New South Wales south coast, “Illawarra Steam” served numerous communities unreached by rail.
The company started the Second World War with five ships:
Ship |
Built |
Gross Tons |
In Service |
Bermagui | 1912 | 402 | 1912-1952 |
Narani | 1914 | 381 | 1914-1950 |
Bergalia | 1925 | 548 | 1925-1953 |
Cobargo | 1929 | 860 | 1929-1953 |
Kianga | 1921 | 338 | 1933-1948 |
Three ships became “H.M.A.S’s” as minesweepers: Bermagui 1939-1946, Narani June1940-1945 and Kianga September 1940-1946. Cobargo preceded by about three hours the Japanese midget submarines entering Sydney Harbour in search of ship targets on the night of 31 May 1942.