‘Measure of comfort’: Wreckage from Australia’s worst maritime disaster found

Silentworld’s director John Mullen said families had waited years for news of their missing loved ones.

“Some never fully came to accept that their loved ones were among the victims,” he said. “Today, by finding the vessel, we hope to bring closure to the many families devastated by this terrible disaster.”

The team set out on an expedition to find the wreck in the South China Sea, northwest of Luzon, on April 6 and discovered it after 12 days, thanks to an autonomous underwater vehicle.

After finding the wreckage, they then took a few days to confirm it was, in fact, the Japanese ship.

Chief of the Australian Army Simon Stuart said Australian soldiers, sailors and aviators who had fought hard to protect the New Guinea town of Rabaul had enlisted from across the country to serve, before they were captured and met a terrible fate at sea.

Loading

“Today we remember their service, and the loss of all those aboard, including the 20 Japanese guards and crew, the Norwegian sailors and the hundreds of civilians from many nations,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said finding the shipwreck had been a remarkable effort by a passionate team of researchers and Defence personnel.

“I also acknowledge the generous support from the Philippines authorities in permitting this search,” he said. “These Australians were never forgotten. Lost deep beneath the seas, their final resting place is now known. This remarkable discovery is a reflection of who we are as a nation and remarkably close to our day of national commemoration; Anzac Day. We will remember them.”