Discovery of shipwreck solves 50-year-old maritime mystery
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Crew members who survived the sinking were not found for two weeks, researchers said.
Australian researchers have found the wreck of a coastal freighter that sank half a century ago.
The ship was never recovered, even as Australia conducted the largest maritime hunt in the country at the time. The search was called off after seven days.
Even after the crew members were found, there was no information about where the ship could have sunk. On Apr. 12, a research vessel named the Investigator was studying a massive underwater landslide off the west coast of Tasmania. CISRO said the Investigator was also conducting a "piggyback" project to investigate an unidentified shipwreck in the area, which had been located with fishing vessels and previous seafloor surveys.
The Investigator's research team began by mapping the shipwreck with multibeam echosounders, which are sonars that use sound waves to map seabeds. There was also a visual inspection of the wreck using underwater camera systems. The seafloor mapping showed that the shipwreck matched the dimensions and profile of the MV Blythe Star. Distinctive features were used to confirm the ship was the MV Blythe Star, and part of the ship's name was visible.
When the ship was found, it was under 150 meters or about 500 feet of water. The bow is pointed towards the northeast, and the wreck was found in "relatively good condition," with minimal growths of algae and seaweed, though sea life was found living in the ship. The underwater cameras saw fish, crayfish and even several fur seals inside the vessel.
Even though the wreck was found, it's still not clear why the ship began to take on water before sinking. Further research will hopefully find an answer, CISRO said.
"The MV Blythe Star was lost at sea less than a lifetime ago. Confirming its resting place holds an important meaning for many in the community," CSIRO said in the news release. "We are pleased to be able to assist in providing closure to this 50-year mystery and confirm the final resting place of the MV Blythe Star."
The 50th anniversary of the sinking will be commemorated in Australia this October.
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