With heavy seas pounding the stricken ship, its captain radioed a mayday and gave the order to abandon ship. An Iroquois helicopter from RAAF Base Williamtown's Search and Rescue Squadron rescued the 30 trapped sailors from the ship in near cyclone conditions.Australia’s biggest shipwreck Australian Defence ForceFour deaths in NSW storm Canberra Times 27 May 1974 page 1Damage estimates already at $20m Papua New Guinea Post-Courier 28 May 1974 page 7 No one was injured or killed in the incident.Rescue Took 75 Minutes RAAF News June 1974 page 1 McFarlane was awarded the Air Force Cross, with other members of his crew receiving commendations for their heroic efforts during the rescue.Air Force Cross Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 13 May 1975 page 2Awards to Chopper Aircrew RAAF News May 1975 page 3
