According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Australian newspaper, Australia`s first Royal Navy submarine, AE1, was mysteriously missing during World War I. Australian searchers have finally solved the mystery of the submarine`s disappearance after 103 years of search.
The last known photo of a AE1 submarine. (Australian newspaper photo)
In September 1914, a Royal Australian Navy ship, (HMAS) AE1, disappeared off the (Duke of York Islands) coast of the Duke of York Islands, carrying 35 people on board.
In recent years, searchers have made 12 private or goverment-funded trips to explore wrecked submarines in vain. Last week, under the leadership of Briggs (Rear Admiral Briggs), (Submarine Institute of Australia) chairman of the Australian Submarine Institute, searchers took the Furgro Equato submarine to the crash site and decided to conduct a final search. Searchers finally found the wreckage of the wrecked submarine on the sea floor 300 metres deep in the waters of the Duke of York Islands.
The wrecked submarine was found in the waters of the Duke of York Islands. (photo by Aussie)
It is understood that the search cost nearly A $1 million, funded by the Federal goverment,Silentworld Foundation, Australian National Maritime Museum (Australian National Maritime Museum) and Find AE1 Ltd Enterprises.
After discovering the wrecked submarine, all members of the Furgro Equato submarine attended the memorial ceremony, bearing in mind the officers and sailors who had lost their lives.
Defense Secretary Payne (Marise Payne) said in his speech: "I sincerely believe that this discovery will bring peace of mind to the families of all the victims. Maybe it`s time to explore the reasons behind the submarine crash. "
It is reported that the exact location of the shipwreck will be confidential. Australia`s goverment is working with Papua New Guinea`s goverment to protect underwater sites and plans to hold permanent commemorations.
