Scientific Analysis Key to Mystery Over Loss of HMAS Sydney II

14 August 2009

Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today commended the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) for its work in support of the Commission of Inquiry into the loss of HMAS Sydney (II).

Mr Combet praised the efforts of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation and the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) whose reconstructive work was crucial in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the loss of the ship.

"Through the Commission of Inquiry's report we now have a better understanding of the circumstances which resulted in Australia's greatest naval tragedy, the loss of HMAS Sydney (II) and all 645 crew members," Mr Combet said.

"The expertise of DSTO and RINA was invaluable in assisting the Commission's determination of what happened to the Sydney."

A key piece of evidence placed before the Commission was a computer-generated simulation produced by DSTO to depict the final hours of the ship.

The simulation, based on extensive scientific computer models, an exhaustive analyses of video imagery and photographs of the wreck site, as well as historical documents and photographs, illustrated the extent of the torpedo and shell damage sustained by the vessel.

"While some World War II vessels survived single torpedo hits or damage from larger calibre shells, the Sydney endured sustained attack at close range," Mr Combet said.

"I hope the publishing of this report ends the controversy that has surrounded the loss of the HMAS Sydney (II).

"The relatives of the crew can take some comfort from the comprehensive and dedicated work undertaken to determine the final hours of the tragedy," Mr Combet said.

A copy of the report can be found on the Defence Internet site at: http://www.defence.gov.au/sydneyii/finalreport