^SYDNEY, Australia, April 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The wreck of the Montevideo
Maru, a survivor from one of the world’s worst international shipping disasters
History, is at a depth of more than 4,000 meters off the coast of
Philippines has been located – 80 years after it was located in World War II by a
American submarine was sunk.
The whereabouts of the Japanese transport ship have been a mystery ever since it…
It was torpedoed by the USS Sturgeon on July 1, 1942. What the
Crew of the submarine did not know that was on board the Montevideo
Maru POWs and civilians who were several months earlier at the fall
captured by Rabaul in Papua New Guinea.
About 1060 prisoners – soldiers and civilians – were missing.
An estimated 979 Australians died in the disaster, which
worst in Australian maritime history. On board were
33 crew members from the Norwegian freighter ‘Herstein’, who together with
20 Japanese security guards and crew members died.
At least 14 countries were affected by the tragedy, including: Australia,
Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, Holland, Japan, Ireland, New Zealand,
Norway, Scotland, the Solomon Islands, Sweden and the United States.
The wreck was discovered as part of an extraordinary mission
by the Australian Silentworld Foundation dedicated to maritime archaeology
and history, and the Dutch company Fugro, a
Deep Sea Survey Specialists, assisted by the Australian
Department of Defense.
The search began April 6 in the South China Sea, 110 km northwest of
Luzon. After only 12 days (April 18th) with the help of the latest technology,
including an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with onboard sonar, a
positive sighting can be recorded.
It took several days to locate the wreck with the help of expert analysis from the
Project teams consisting of marine archaeologists, conservators, operational and
Research specialists and former naval officers to verify.
It took almost five years of planning by Silentworld and 20 years by the
Engagements of the Montevideo Maru Society to support the expedition team under the
Led by the Australian businessman and explorer with a passion
for maritime history John Mullen, director of Silentworld,
to put together.
?The discovery of the Montevideo Maru closes a terrible chapter in the
international military and naval history,” said Mullen.
?Families have been waiting for news of their missing loved ones for years
waited before they found out about the tragic outcome of this catastrophe.
Some have never quite come to terms with the fact that their loved ones are among the
victims were. Today we hope that by finding the ship we will
help many families affected by this terrible catastrophe
can.
I would like to thank the entire dedicated team at Silentworld who are involved in this
Expedition was involved, the excellent crew of Fugro and the technical
team aboard the Fugro Equator and the Australian Department of Defense
thank you for your tireless support.
I am proud to be a citizen of a country that never forgets or
stop looking for those who died in the line of duty
have come, no matter how many years may pass.”
The wreck of the Montevideo Maru, which lies deeper than that of the Titanic, will not
to be disturbed. No artifacts or human remains will be taken.
Out of respect for the families of the victims on board, the location for
recorded for research purposes.
Details of any commemorative events will be announced in due course
given. descendants of those who were on the Montevideo Maru,
can register at the following address to be up to date
to be held: https://www.army.gov.au/our-work/unrecovered-war-
casualties/register-us
Media content HERE (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1n77GAta71VvO9nDX-
Wuo2hig6SmUdBZm?usp=sharing) (includes b-roll, images from discovery
and archive).
For interviews please contact eckfactor (for the Silentworld
Foundation): +61 (0) 438 532 569 [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]).
About the Silentworld Foundation
John and Jacqui Mullen are the founders and leaders of the Silentworld Foundation.
John Mullen is also Chairman of Telstra and Brambles Ltd. as well as
Chairman of the Australian National Maritime Museum. The nonprofit
Silentworld Foundation based in Sydney supports and promotes the maritime
Archaeology, history, culture and heritage of Australasia. Also operates
they have a private museum dedicated to understanding early seafaring history
dedicated to our nation, supporting annual expeditions and others
Activities to better understand our past. The discovery
the Montevideo Maru is another success story that is causing a stir.
Among other things, Silentworld 2017 was involved in the discovery of the HMAS AE1, Australia
first submarine involved. In 2009, the foundation solved a 180-year-old mystery
by locating the wreck of HMCS Mermaid, which sailed in 1829 on a
coral reef lost off the coast of Queensland.
Website: https://silentworldfoundation.org.au
(https://silentworldfoundation.org.au/)
A photo accompanying this announcement can be found at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d4a43de6-
0588-4282-87c8-568b33132578
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