The following description of the expedition was written by Tim Smith.
In Istanbul we met our Turkish hosts led by Mr Selçuk Kolay. Mr Kolay, Director of the Rahmi M. Koç Museum in Istanbul, had discovered the wreck site after searching for the elusive remains since 1995. Earlier last year, the Australian team had inspected another wreck located nearby which proved to be the remains of a coastal steamer and not the AE2 (for a report on this expedition, see the April issue of Heritage NSW).
Selçuk Kolay, 2000
Photo courtesy of Mark Spencer
After traveling by boat to Karaburun Point, we reached the AE2's original rendezvous point, the last known location of the submarine. It was here in 1915 that AE2 encountered an Ottoman torpedo boat and crew members were forced to abandon the submarine, but not before deliberately scuttling it. Now, 83 years later, the search team donned dive gear and entered the water over the wreck.
Encumbered by up to 50 kilograms of mixed gas tanks and other equipment, the divers descended into the completely dark depths below. The only illumination was by torch light and the demanding depth of 73 metres meant that only ten minutes could be spent on the bottom. The divers had a slow 80-minute ascent to the safety of the surface.
For those of us waiting on the research vessel, the scene when the divers broke surface was one of jubilation and emotion. Landing near the conning tower, the divers had been able to confirm that the wreck was indeed the Australian submarine. Even the conning tower hatch by which the crew made their escape was still ajar. Boat horns echoed around the Sea of Marmara as the team signalled the success of the moment. The mystery of the AE2 was finally solved.
AE2 submarine conning tower, 1998
Photo courtesy of Mark Spencer
After over 80 years submerged, the submarine's hull is in amazing condition. Lying upright on the sea floor, the hull is intact; the torpedo tubes, hydroplanes and propellers are clearly visible.
Work will now concentrate on the analysis of the discovery. I am completing an archaeological report for the Navy, based on the findings of the project's divers. This involves using photographs taken by expedition director, Dr Mark Spencer, video footage and on-site measurements to provide an assessment of the site and to develop possible management models to ensure the long-term survival of the remains. This work will continue with discussion between the Heritage Office NSW and the Australian and Turkish governments.
