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Japanese WWII Submarine Information
In November 2006, recreational divers located a submarine wreck off the northern beaches, with subsequent identification by the Royal Australian Navy and the Navy Heritage Collection confirming the wreck as the World War II Japanese midget submarine M24.
The submarine had been missing since 31 May 1942 when three Japanese midget submarines slipped into Sydney harbour to attack naval shipping. Two of the Japanese submarines were sunk, but the M24, which sank the the converted ferry HMAS Kuttabul, killing 21, disappeared under heavy fire. Many theories on the whereabouts of the M24 have developed in the years since the attack.
The wreck of the long-sought submarine was found by recreational divers in deep water 3 nautical miles (5.5 km) off Sydney's north coast.
The NSW Minister for Planning, Frank Sartor MP announced that an interim heritage order (IHO) has been gazetted over the Imperial Japanese Navy midget submarine (M24) wreck site. This order will allow both Federal and State agencies to adequately protect and monitor this fragile archaeological site. The Federal Minister for the Environment and Heritage Ian Campbell has warned divers and boaters to stay away, saying unexploded weapons could be on board. Senator Campbell said an inspection by had confirmed the wreck was the M24.
Senator Campbell said he had declared a protected zone, to extend 500 metres in every direction from the wreck.
NSW Planning Minister Frank Sartor said anyone caught damaging the site could face fines of up to $1.1 million or up to six months' jail.
Senator Campbell said that the Japanese government had been informed and the wreck would stay in place pending a decision on whether the sub would be raised or remain as a war grave.
Parts of the two other submarines sunk in the raid on Sydney harbour were raised and have been on display in Australia's National War Memorial in Canberra since 1943, with parts of the submarines also having toured rural Australia in1943 in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the war effort.
More information on the Japanese submarine attack on Sydney harbour can be found at the Australian War Museum.