AHS Centaur was an Australian hospital ship that played a crucial role in World War II, tasked with providing medical care to wounded soldiers and civilians. On May 14, 1943, while operating off the coast of Queensland, it was attacked by a Japanese submarine, I-177. The submarine fired torpedoes at the Centaur, which was sailing under a flag signaling its medical purpose with prominent Red Cross symbols. The attack was unexpected, leading to the ship's immediate sinking. Of the more than 300 people aboard, around 268 lost their lives, resulting in one of the most significant losses of life for a hospital ship during the war. Survivors faced a harrowing ordeal as they struggled to find safety in the waters of the Coral Sea.

The aftermath of the Centaur's sinking had far-reaching implications for maritime law and the treatment of medical vessels during conflicts. Despite the international conventions protecting hospital ships, the attack raised serious concerns about the adherence to these rules by warring parties. The loss of life also prompted debates about the safety of medical personnel and the need for better protection measures. This incident remains one of the stark reminders of the brutality of warfare, where even non-combatants are caught in the crossfire.

The event also underscored the strategic importance of the Pacific theater during World War II. Japan's aggressive maritime strategies posed a significant threat not only to military vessels but also to humanitarian operations in the region. The sinking of AHS Centaur exemplified the broader context of warfare at sea, where conventional rules of engagement were often overlooked.