KORMORAN-SIZED CLUE IN THE HUNT FOR HMAS SYDNEY II

There are high hopes that an enduring maritime mystery will soon be laid to rest, following the discovery of the HSK Kormoran off the West Australian coast.

Today the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, along with the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders, Chief of Navy congratulated the Finding Sydney Foundation on the discovery.

“HMAS Sydney II was tragically lost in November 1941 in the Indian Ocean with its entire crew of 645, following a furious engagement with the German raider HSK Kormoran,” said Mr Snowdon.

“Now that the Kormoran is found, her position can help pin-point the Sydney’s final resting place.” 

The wreck of the Kormoran was located approximately 112 nautical miles off Steep Point, Western Australia lying in 2,560 metres of water.

“Apparently the sonar imagery shows two large pieces of the Kormoran hull remaining,” said Mr Snowdon.

“And already, less than five nautical miles south of Kormoran’s position the search team have found what they believe is the main battle site.”

Chairman of the Finding Sydney Foundation Mr Ted Graham said it was great to have found the Kormoran so early in the search.

“We now have more time to refine and continue our search for HMAS Sydney II, and we have devised a new search box which will be explored over the next 25-30 days” he said.

Minister Snowdon said that the Federal Republic of Germany had been advised of the discovery of the HSK Kormoran, and the Minister for the Department of Environment, Water Heritage and the Arts is being consulted to ensure the wreck site is protected.

Media note: High resolution sonar imagery of the Kormoran wreckage will be made available at: http://presspass.findingsydney.com and www.defence.gov.au/download

Media contacts:

Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):                       02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689

Patrick Flynn (The Finding Sydney Foundation): 0488 555 008

Defence Media Liaison:                                    02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664