One of the remaining maritime mysteries of World War II 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 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.
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.
"This new information was shared during recent high-level Navy to Navy talks conducted in Colombo," Rear Admiral Mead said.
"We have always known roughly where the Vampire went down but its exact location has proved elusive.
