Sri Lankan and Australian Navy to solve a maritime mystery

Colombo (News 1st): One of the remaining maritime mysteries of the Second World War may soon be solved, thanks to a joint operation between the Royal Australian Navy and the Sri Lankan Navy. Nine sailors died when the destroyer, HMAS Vampire I, sank after enduring an intensive Japanese air attack off the Sri Lankan coast. The vampire had been attempting to protect the Royal Navy aircraft carrier, HMS Hermes, on 9 April 1942. According to the Royal Australian Navy, Commander of Australia’s Fleet, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead said the ship’s precise location had never been confirmed but that a new lead had recently emerged. Further research by both Australian and Sri Lankan hydrographers in recent months concluded that there was a strong chance HMAS Vampire’s final resting place had been identified.