RAN: No Evidence That Wreck Is The HMAS Sydney II

Navy Finds No Evidence That Wreck Is That Of HMAS Sydney II

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has concluded its investigation of the area located near Dirk Hartog Island in Western Australia that was claimed to be the site of the wreck of the RAN’s World War II cruiser, HMAS Sydney II.

The Navy Hydrographic survey ship HMAS Leeuwin was diverted from surveying duties earlier in the week and arrived in the area early on Friday morning, 17 August 2007.

The ship examined the prime location of interest with its high definition multi-beam and towed side scan sonar equipment. That work is now complete.

The Leeuwin detected a relatively small wreck that had none of the characteristics normally associated with that of a warship, particularly one the size of Sydney II.

The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Bruce Billson said today: “The wreck reportedly detected by the Leeuwin was about 30 metres in length and lacked the overall dimensions and features of a military vessel of the scale of the Sydney.

“The Leeuwin also examined a one-mile radius around the wreck site and found no evidence of additional wreckage or features of interest.”

The locations examined were based on coordinates provided by the Western Australian Maritime Museum, representatives of the amateur research group, which made the initial claims, and other third parties of goodwill.

Data from the investigation will now be sent to the WA Maritime Museum for further analysis. Mr Billson said he welcomed advice that the research group would also provide any imagery or other information it gathered from the wreck site.

“While all the evidence gathered points to what this wreck is not, further analysis by the museum may enable it to formally identify what it actually is,” he said.

“The Howard Government considers solving the mystery of the Sydney II an issue of national importance, particularly to bring closure for relatives of the 645 crew members who died while bravely serving their country.”

ENDS

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