Unlucky HMAS Melbourne

In 1964, a destroyer strayed in front of Australian aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne. The destroyer was cut in half and 82 personnel were killed. In 1969, US Navy destroyer USS Frank E. Evans strayed in front of her and was again cut in half, killing 74 personnel. Each time, Melbourne captain’s career was ruined by flawed inquiries and each was absolved by later investigations. These incidents, along with several minor collisions, shipboard accidents, and aircraft losses, led to the reputation that HMAS Melbourne was jinxed.