HMAS Siesta (23/09/1942)

Bathers Bay

Single screw RAN auxiliary motor launch. On 23 September 1942 while leaving Fremantle for Gage Roads an explosion in the engine room caused serious burns to 5 crew, as the fire spread a subsequent detonation of case of explosives aboard caused the complete loss of vessel. Wreck described as lying 135 degrees 2 cables from South Mole. Salvage attempts by the Commonwealth Salvage Board on 23/11/1942 recovered some items but the vessel was described as gutted and unsalvageable lying on a limestone ridge, with only the bottom of the hull and some frames or knees rising up to 5 feet above the seafloor. Items recovered were a patent anchor and 20 feet of chain, Universal Eight marine engine, a bronze propeller, a wrecked machine gun and stand and various sundries, tools etc.
The crew of five naval personnel were Sub-Lieutenant Tickle, Mervyn Finn, Raymond Charles Felton, William Melvin Mason and Keith Elgar James Leonhardt.
Some reports erroneously describe the vessel as having been lost in or near Sydney Harbour, NSW.