CANBERRA, April 22 (Xinhua) -- The wreck of the ship at the center of the worst maritime disaster in Australian history has been discovered more than 80 years after it sank.
Japanese transport ship the SS Montevideo Maru was carrying more than 1,000 prisoners of war, including more than 900 Australian troops and civilians, when it was torpedoed by a U.S. submarine on July 1, 1942.
The location of its wreck, one of Australia's largest war graves, had remained a mystery ever since until its discovery was announced on Saturday.
After 12 days of searching in the South China Sea, a team of experts found the wreckage more than 4,000 meters below the surface.
The site will be recorded but no remains or artifacts will be removed.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he hoped the discovery would offer comfort to the families of the victims.
"We hope today's news brings a measure of comfort to loved ones who have kept a long vigil," he said in a media release on Saturday. ■