Conditions at sea were almost perfect for families commemorating the 67th anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Sydney off the West Australian coast.
More than 280 relatives of the Sydney victims were aboard HMAS Manoora to attend a service above the wreck site, 207km north-west of Geraldton, at about 9.30am (WDT) on Wednesday.
The Manoora's captain, Commander Paul Mandziy, said the seas were calm and the weather ideal for the first anniversary service to be held over the site where 645 sailors died when the Sydney sank on November 19, 1941.
"It's a wonderful morning, 120 nautical miles off the coast of Western Australia," Commander Mandziy told ABC Radio.
"The sun is shining, the sea is calm, the wind is light and variable."
The wreck of the Australian light cruiser was only found in March this year, after it sank following a battle with the disguised German merchant raider Kormoran.
Commander Mandziy said arrangements for the service for the 285 family members aboard Manoora were being arranged on the ship's large flight deck.
The current HMAS Sydney was positioned 100 metres away to provide a backdrop for the service, which was to be attended by Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Nigel Coates.
"We have our navy chaplains as masters of ceremonies to commemorate the service, we have an honorary guard and the pinnacle of the service is the laying of the wreaths - both official as well as personal wreaths from the family members," Commander Mandziy said.
He said others wanted to throw tokens, plaques and mementos at the wreck site, "to provide some recognition for their loved ones and their sacrifice".
Commander Mandziy said it had been an "electric occasion" for the 285 relatives who had joined the ship in Geraldton to travel to the site above the wreck.
"It's been a time to reflect. A lot people have been exchanging stories about their loved ones," he said.
"A lot of memories have been brought up. It's been a wonderful experience."
Among those travelling on the ship are two brothers who have carried their father's ashes to be thrown over the place where their father's brother died when Sydney went down.
Commander Mandziy said that among other notable stories on board had been the meeting of two distant cousins who had not known that each had applied for a berth on the Manoora.
"They met for the first time in 30 years yesterday, so it was a really touching moment for them to see each other and share their thoughts about their relatives," Commander Mandziy said.
"We also had the story where the son of the surgeon commander on board the Sydney II was here with us and met the daughter of one of the sailors that was treated by that surgeon commander just before Sydney went down.
"People are feeling quite emotional about exchanging their particular piece of history.