Wreckage from Australia’s worst maritime disaster found after 80 years

The wreckage from the maritime catastrophe that killed extra Australians than some other has been discovered, greater than 80 years on.

The wreck was present in a collaboration between Australian maritime archaeology group Silentworld Foundation, and Dutch deep-sea surveyors Fugro.

The seek for the vessel started on April 6, and the wreck was sighting 12 days later.

In subsequent days, the searchers verified the wreck was the lacking ship.

“The discovery of the Montevideo Maru closes a terrible chapter in Australian military and maritime history,” Silentworld’s director John Mullen stated.

“Families waited years for news of their missing loved ones, before learning of the tragic outcome of the sinking. 

“Some by no means totally got here to simply accept that their family members had been among the many victims. 

“Today, by finding the vessel, we hope to bring closure to the many families devastated by this terrible disaster.”

The prisoners-of-war had been being transported to Hainan in occupied China on the Montevideo Maru.

Unaware of who was aboard, the USS Sturgeon torpedoed the vessel. The ship took simply 11 minutes to sink.

The single shipwreck killed twice as many Australians as died within the entirety of the Vietnam War.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the invention.

“At long last, the resting place of the lost souls of the Montevideo Maru has been found,” he stated.   

“We hope today’s news brings a measure of comfort to loved ones who have kept a long vigil.”