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Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 30 July 2009 WATERY GRAVE FOR MIDGET SUB GIVEN LIFE ONLINE A website dedicated to the Japanese Midget Submarine that attacked Sydney Harbour has been launched by the NSW Government, uncovering its secrets.
NSW Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, said the new web-based exhibition on the M24 midget submarine would give all generations a chance to learn more about the historic shipwreck.
“This interactive web site provides a valuable opportunity for the whole community to learn more about this fascinating part of Australia’s and especially Sydney’s wartime history,” Ms Keneally said.
“The site has been developed by the Heritage Branch, NSW Department of Planning, and showcases the history and mystery of the 1942 submarine attack on Sydney Harbour.
“There is an innovative 3D animation of the Japanese midget submarine, photos, witness accounts of the attack, underwater footage of the wreck and much more.
“The 3D animation of the midget submarine, brings the historical plans of the vessel to life, while the underwater footage and interviews with the divers who found the wreck, are amazing.”
Ms Keneally said the wreck of the missing M24 was located off Bungan Head near Newport in November 2006 by a recreational dive club, No Frills Divers.
“The M24’s discovery off Newport in 2006 and the Heritage Branch’s archaeological investigations at the site since that time have contributed greatly to this fantastic website,” Ms Keneally said.
“I recommend everyone visit the new site entitled Managing the Missing Midget Submarine M24 to learn more about this amazing submarine and its history, from attack to discovery.
“Just go to the Heritage Branch website www.heritage.nsw.gov.au and follow the links that are on the Heritage Branch homepage.
“The site will be a valuable way of ensuring that the heritage significance of the midget submarine attack is preserved, together with the physical remains of the M24 wreck site.”
The M24 wreck was added to the State Heritage Register in 2007 under the NSW Heritage Act 1977. Under the Act, anyone caught damaging or removing any part of the wreck will face penalties of up to $1.1 million and or six months in jail.
The site showcases the State Government’s best-practice archaeological management of the wreck, acknowledged by the National Trust (NSW) through the premier maritime heritage award at their April 2009 ceremony.
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