RAN concludes initial search for wreck of lost WWI sub

[Tim]

MINASSIST 012/2007

Thursday, 1 March 2007

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has concluded a search for the RAN submarine HMAS AE1, which was lost near Rabaul with its entire crew in September 1914 the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Bruce Billson said.

The RAN survey vessel, HMAS Benalla, searched for the submarine during a routine survey operation in waters off New Britain in Papua New Guinea over the period 26 to 28 February 2007.

Mr Billson said during a wide search, of an area of interest, Benalla discovered what has been assessed as a large man-made object on the sea floor.

"The object is approximately 25 to 30 metres long and four metres high and in order to protect the site from unauthorised activity, no further details will be released about its position," he said.

The search was conducted using a towed side scan sonar, as well as hull-mounted survey equipment. The search area was provided to the Navy by the leader of Project AE1, Commander John Foster, RAN (Rtd) who has conducted over 30 years of research into the loss of AE1. Commander Foster was onboard Benalla during the search.

"I must stress that it is far too early to speculate about what the object detected by HMAS Benalla is and further investigation using a remotely operated vehicle with imaging capabilities would be necessary to make a positive identification," Mr Billson said.

"I am grateful for the assistance of the Government of Papua New Guinea for providing the necessary clearances to conduct this important search. Any future search operations will only be conducted with the full agreement of Papua New Guinea authorities," he said.

"Locating the AE1 would help solve one of our country's most enduring naval mysteries. It would also provide some closure to the descendants of the 35 crew members who tragically lost their lives while serving our nation."

[Andy in West Oz]

Exciting and moving stuff. Foster must be beside himself after 30 years of research.

Cheers

Andy

[DaveMurphy]

Let's hope they find her.., good on the droggy's!

The stories of AE1 & 2 are nothing short of amazing, in particular the feats to stand up the original Australian Submarine Arm and the sailing of the boats to Australia, especially considering they were at the forefront of submarine technology of the time; you couldn't have convinced me to serve in a 1910 vintage boat let alone a 2000 vintage!

Who knows what feats AE1 may have acheived alongside her sister AE2 in the Marmara.

Hopefully further attention will then be turned to finding Sydney II... now that one is a real needle in a haystack!

Dave

[sadsac]

Sorry to dampem hopes the wreck being AE1, but the given size of 30 m is only half of that of an E Class Sub.

Sadsac