Finding HMAS Sydney (II)

Search Area and Research

The following is an excerpt from Section 1.2.6 of the Final Report.

In the early stages, the FSF successfully implemented a number of technical reviews and established the framework and requirements for both shallow and deep-water searches for first the Kormoran (considered a pre-requisite for finding Sydney) and then Sydney.

FSF considered the German testimonies held the key to determining the search box. In particular, the work of Kim Kirsner and John Dunn, which was funded by the University of Western Australia, the Australian Research Council and the Australian War Memorial, together with the work of David Mearns and Peter Hore was considered pivotal.

The confluence of the above research led the Royal Australian Navy, Department of Defence and Australian State and Federal Governments to agree that a search area was definable and that success was technically possible such that they all became supportive of FSF’s endeavours.

Even following receipt of Commonwealth funding, the final search box was undergoing continual refinement as further information came to light.

Studies using the latest technical advances in hind casting, ocean current and meteorological data were commissioned in early 2008. Determination of the final search box was the responsibility of the offshore Search Director David Mearns.