Built in Fremantle, Western Australia, she was one of a class of 32 wooden motor vessels intended for the Department of Commerce, but later allocated to the Army.

[3] Shortly before 1000 hours, during the dumping operation, Marshall observed a crew member pick up a flare that appeared to have its parachute deployed and tangled.

As the crew member attempted to dislodge the parachute, Marshall heard a crack and was temporarily blinded by a bright flash as stores being raised from the hold exploded.

The distress signal was responded to by HMAS Quickmatch and HMS Cavendish, engaged in exercises a few miles from Woomera's position.

[3] Arriving on the scene at around 1030, Quickmatch launched boats to pick up survivors seen in the water, while Cavendish positioned alongside the burning Woomera, attempting fight the fire.

[1][5] Following a board of inquiry, two storesmen from the RAN Armament Depot Sydney were reprimanded for not adhering to standing orders around the handling of explosive stores.