THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Thursday, 10 April 2008
034/2008
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED – SYDNEY SEARCH TEAM
RETURNS HOME
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP,
and the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders today applauded the efforts of the
Finding Sydney Foundation following the official conclusion of the search for HMAS
Sydney II.
The search vessel, SV Geosounder, returned to the port of Geraldton, Western
Australia yesterday after completing final surveys of HMAS Sydney II and HSK
Kormoran with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
“It was with high hopes of finding HMAS Sydney II that we wished the search team
well when they departed Geraldton in early May,” said Mr Snowdon.
“On behalf of the relatives of the HMAS Sydney II crew and all Australians, I would
like to thank all involved in the search for a job well done.”
“The ROV pictures have certainly provided a fascinating insight into the
circumstances in which Sydney and her crew was lost,” said Vice Admiral Russ
Shalders.
“Certainly some questions remain but with her final resting place now known the
focus for the Navy in the immediate future is to honour the memory of HMAS Sydney
II and her ship’s company,” he said.
Mr Ted Graham, Chairman of HMAS Sydney Search Pty Ltd and his fellow volunteer
Directors thanked the Navy and the Government for their ongoing support for the
search for HMAS Sydney II.
“Our objective was to locate and identify HMAS Sydney II and to give peace of mind
to the families and friends of the crew,” he said.
“It is very pleasing to note that we have achieved our objective by visual confirmation.
Both HMAS Sydney II and HSK Kormoran have been located within our search area,
schedule and our budget.”
Media contacts:
Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):
02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
Patrick Flynn (The Finding Sydney Foundation):
0488 555 008
NEWS 
