ANDREW TOMKINS
HMAS Karangi
Ink, wax crayon & aerosol on polyester
121 x 231cm
HMAS Karangi now lies in the waters of Homebush Bay.
With passing of the years, “rebirthed” as a haven for endangered mangroves, wetlands and wildlife thriving within and around its sunken hull.
The Karangi, a Kangaroo Class boom defence vessel was constructed in 1944 at Cockatoo Island.
This vessel worked the anti-submarine boom gates to Darwin Harbour during WWII
The Karangi and its crew helped defend Darwin during the Japanese bombing of 1942 and was awarded battle honours for engaging Japanese aircraft during this period.
Post war the ship supported nuclear testing in the Montebello Islands off the West Australian coast.
In 1970 the hulk was scrapped and abandoned.
What more fitting monument to the personnel who sailed her.
A potent symbol for peace in our present turbulent times.
