HMAS Sydney

(17th March 2008)

The wreck of missing Royal Australian Navy cruiser HMAS Sydney (II) has been found.

HMAS Sydney (II) was tragically lost in November 1941 off Western Australia with its entire crew, following a fierce engagement with the German raider HSK Kormoran.

The search first focused on finding the German raider Kormoran which was located on 12 March approximately 112 nautical miles off Steep Point, Western Australia lying in 2,560 metres of water.

The discovery of the main battle site, less than four nautical miles south of Kormoran’s position, was then used to direct the team’s effort in searching for Sydney. The wreck of the Sydney was confirmed , approximately 12 nautical miles off Kormoran , under 2,470 metres of water.

Finding Sydney Foundation now has photos and ROV (remotely-operated submersible vehicle) video footage of the wreck. The ABC has a documentary on the hunt for the Sydney which will air April 15. MG also has a post on the memorials at Geraldton here. 645 crewman lost their lives when the Sydney went down.