The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon today congratulated the Finding Sydney Foundation following the release of the first pictures of HMAS Sydney II. “The incredible photos of the underwater wreckage bring home how fierce the battle must have been for the brave men onboard the Sydney,” said Mr Snowdon.

“Seeing these pictures for the first time will be very emotional for the relatives of the crew of HMAS Sydney II and my thoughts go out to them. The search team continues to work under difficult conditions, so to capture these revealing pictures with the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is an outstanding achievement.”

“The wreck-site and resting place of the crew of the Sydney continues to be treated with the respect and dignity it deserves and I can confirm that the ROV has not touched the wreck nor has anything been retrieved from HMAS Sydney II,” said Mr Snowdon.

Further examination of the wreck of the Sydney, the battle-field site and the Kormoran is expected to continue over the coming days, subject to acceptable weather conditions and operational issues with the ROV. The search vessel is expected to return to Geraldton later this month.

“I am also pleased to announce that the Navy has received 536 registrations from relatives of 236 crew members of HMAS Sydney II via the toll free number and web site.”

Planning continues for a private Navy commemorative service onboard HMAS Anzac over the site of the Sydney and Kormoran on 16 April and the national memorial service on 24 April at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney.

Other images of the HMAS Sydney II can be found at: www.findingsydney.com