HMAS Mallina was a 3,213 GRT cargo ship built by Harland & Wolff, Belfast in 1909 as Mallina for the Australian United Steam Navigation Company for the Rockhampton to Sydney cargo route.

While steaming in the Sulu Sea, Philippines on 24 September 1944, she was attacked by American aircraft of Task Force 38 and sunk with the loss of 158 of the 2,382 people on board.

[4] Mallina was built as yard number 407 in 1908–09 by Harland and Wolff, Belfast for the Australian United Steam Navigation Company at a cost of £70,000.

[8] Mallina departed from Belfast on 30 April for her maiden voyage, which was for delivery to her owners.

[14] Mallina was requisitioned by the Royal Australian Navy in May 1914 for use as a store carrier and collier.

[15][16] She participated during the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force occupation of German New Guinea and later in concert with HMAS Australia in its search for Vizeadmiral Maximilian von Spee's German squadron in the Pacific Ocean.

[5] In February 1915,[16] HMAS Mallina was decommissioned and returned to the Australian United Steam Navigation Company.

An example of this use is that she departed from Ujina for Qinhuangdao on 18 December 1942, carrying troops of the 55th Independent Engineer Battalion.

[5] On 20 September 1944, Siberia Maru departed from Manila for Negros, Philippines as a member of Convoy C-203.

There were 2,382 people on board, comprising 86 crew, 26 guards and lookouts and 2,270 troops and air force personnel.

The convoy sheltered in Loc Bay, off Masbate on 21 September to avoid an American task force.

The next day, the convoy was joined by the Imperial Japanese Navy supply ship Shinyo Maru and minesweeper Wa-7.

The convoy was north west of Pulanduta Point, Masbate when it was attacked by 23 aircraft of Task Force 38.