Deep-sea explorers found the wreck of the World War II Japanese transport ship Montevideo Maru In South China Sea. Which was attacked by a US submarine off the coast of the Philippines. Killing approximately 1,000 Australian prisoners.
The ship, which went down on July 1, 1942, was discovered at a depth of more than four kilometres (2.5 miles). According to the Silent world Foundation, which organised the mission.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he hopes discovery “brings a measure of comfort to loved ones who have kept a long vigil”.
The Montevideo Maru catastrophe was Australia’s worst-ever maritime disaster. Killing an estimated 979 Australians, including at least 850 military.
According to the organisation, civilians from 13 other countries were also aboard. In addition to the total number of detainees slain to almost 1,060.
They had been kidnapped a few months before by Japanese soldiers at the fall of Rabaul. A coastal township in Papua New Guinea.
Found After 81 Years
“At long last, the resting place of the Montevideo Maru’s lost souls has been found,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked.
“Among the 1,060 prisoners on board were 850 Australian service members — their lives cut short,” he wrote on social media.
“We hope today’s news provides some solace to loved ones who have kept a long vigil.”
On April 6, explorers began searching for the wreck in the South China Sea northwest of the Philippines’ main island of Luzon. After five years of planning.
They made a successful encounter 12 days later. Moreover using high-tech equipment such as an autonomous underwater vehicle outfitted with sonar.
The wreck of ship found will be left alone on the seafloor of South China Sea. Where it is deeper than the Titanic. Out of respect for the families of those who died. According to the charity. There will be no removal of artefacts or human remains.
“The discovery of the Montevideo Maru closes a terrible chapter in Australian military and maritime history,” said John Mullen, director of Silentworld