THE FINDING SYDNEY FOUNDATION SEARCH TEAM RETURNS HOME - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
The Finding Sydney Foundation will hold a media conference in Fremantle following the successful filming of the wrecks of HMAS Sydney II and HSK Kormoran.
Where: NWS Shipping Theatre, WA Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay, Fremantle
When: 12.30 hrs Thursday 10th April 2008
Background
HMAS Sydney II was tragically lost in November 1941 in the Indian Ocean off Western Australia with its entire crew of 645, following a fierce engagement with the German raider HSK Kormoran. HSK Kormoran was damaged and consequently scuttled, with 317 of her nearly 400 crew surviving the engagement.
On Wednesday 12th March, the wreck of HSK Kormoran was located approximately 112 nautical miles off the West Australian coast. Subsequently on Sunday 16th March the wreck of HMAS Sydney was located some 12.2 nautical miles from the German wreck. Filming of HMAS Sydney and HSK Kormoran was successfully completed 8th April and the vessel is currently in transit back to Geraldton to complete demobilisation activities.
Media Notes
1. The Directors of The Foundation (Ted Graham, Keith Rowe, Bob Trotter, Don Pridmore and Mrs Glenys McDonald); Commodore Rick Shalders, RAN, Senior Naval Officer WA; Ms Diana Jones, Acting CEO WA Museum; David Mearns Foundation Search Director; Dr Michael McCarthy, Curator Maritime Archaeology, WA Museum; and Lieutenant John Perryman, RANR, will be available for interview after the media conference.
2. The SV Geosounder is returning to the Port of Geraldton on Wednesday 9th April, following the successful discovery and filming of the HMAS Sydney II and HSK Kormoran. Filming of this will be completed by WIN TV and made available on a pool basis. No media interviews will be conducted onboard the vessel or at the quayside upon arrival.
Media Contacts:
Ted Graham
Chairman
The Finding Sydney Foundation
media@findingsydney.com
(+)61-8-9261 7749
Mr Gary Booth
Defence Public Affairs (WA)
+61-418 223 807
Ms Caroline Lacey
WA Museum
+61-417 970 239