Several actions on Centaurs part may have contributed to her demise. Centaur was under orders to sail well out to sea until reaching the Great Barrier Reef; her course keeping her between from shore.Milligan and Foley, Australian Hospital Ship Centaur, p. 87 Centaurs Master, believing he had been given a route intended for a merchant vessel, set a course closer to land, but on the seaward side of in depth.Milligan and Foley, Australian Hospital Ship Centaur, p. 88 Also, Centaur was sailing completely illuminated, with the exception of the two bow floodlights, which had been switched off as they interfered with visibility from the bridge.
