Darwin documentary reveals Imperial Japanese Navy submarine secrets

A documentary team surfaced the secrets of a WWII submarine in Darwin’s waters. Watch the film here.

A piece of Darwin’s iconic history is featuring in a new documentary, following the country’s deepest archaeological dive.

The 15-minute documentary details the stories of those who inspired and carried out the scientific survey of the Imperial Japanese Navy I-124 submarine.

NT government senior heritage officer and maritime archaeologist David Steinberg previously said the expedition was a huge breakthrough.

Marine archaeologist David Steinberg presents Takenobu Hamaguchi with sand from the vicinity of the Japanese WWII wreck of I -124 submarine as a dive expedition returns from a Heritage documentation trip. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“We’ve collected very significant baseline data so that we can start to ask ourselves both research questions, and share that knowledge with the Japanese,” Dr Steinberg said.

“The level of accuracy and detail that’s been captured is just remarkable with these new technologies and new advances in maritime shipwreck mapping.

“It’s got us so much new information, it’s basically a game-changer in how we understand our shipwreck resource.”

Dr Steinberg said the survey had not previously been attempted due to difficulties associated with the depth of the site such as poor visibility and strong tidal movements.

The Japanese submarine sank during WWII. Picture: Supplied

The submarine sank 150km northwest of Darwin on 20 January, 1942 after the HMAS Deloraine detonated dozens of depth charges.

There are 80 submariners still on board – sand from the wreck site was sent to their families in place of ashes.

Arts, Culture, and Heritage Minister Chansey Paech said the submarine was one of the NT’s “fascinating war stories” and one of the most significant wartime wrecks in Australian waters.

“The findings provide insight into the design of the submarine, and the historic engagement with Allied forces that led to its sinking,” he said.

“Understanding the wreck at this level of detail and accuracy will be invaluable in managing it into the future.

“This documentary highlights the importance of nations working collaboratively to protect fragile and significant places of shared heritage.

“It is a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the historic voyage down to the wreck and is an interesting addendum to the fascinating story that began in Japan and ended in Darwin’s deep seas.”

Originally published as Darwin documentary reveals Imperial Japanese Navy submarine secrets