Japanese I-124 submarine sunk by Royal Australian Navy: Virtual experience 80 years on

The sunken wreck of Japanese submarine I-124 will now be able to explored virtually, 80 years after its dramatic final battle. WATCH THE VIDEO

EIGHTY years after it sunk in a dramatic battle with the Royal Australian Navy, a Japanese submarine wreck will now be able to be seen like never before.

A virtual reality experience has been launched to mark the anniversary of the sinking of the I-124, part of an Imperial Japanese Navy squadron.

History buffs and navy enthusiasts alike will be able to pretend they’re on a deep sea dive and explore the wreck, thanks to leaders in underwater archaeology.

“Drawing on our data, and historic ship plans and photographs, we’ve created a virtual reality dive experience which takes the viewer through the data gathering process, and then down into the deep, to experience the wreck firsthand,” Flinders University Maritime Archaeology Lecturer Dr John McCarthy said.

“The archaeological survey shows that the wreck is in good condition, but with some signs of degradation of the outer hull that require further investigation. Our aim was to create a realistic virtual experience with an accurate digital reconstruction of the submarine, given the historical significance of the wreck in Australia and Japan.”

The location of the I-124 submarine, now a war grave. Picture: Supplied

It was a joint project between the Northern Territory Government’s Heritage Branch and the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chansey Paech said the heritage site is of significance to both Australians and Japanese residents.

“This virtual reality dive experience is an innovative and inclusive way to be able to explore the wreck of the submarine and to gain a better understanding of the Northern Territory’s critical involvement in the defence of Australia during World War II.”

Japanese Consul-General to Sydney Kiya Masahiko was among those who attended a commemoration service to mark the 80th anniversary at a memorial at Dripstone Cliffs.

Mr Masahiko said the remains of submariners aboard the I-124 were still trapped within the vessel to this very day.

“It’s a symbolic moment, but it has substantive meaning” Mr Masahiko said.

“Japan and Australia fought against each other 80 years ago, and the Japanese submarine was sunk 80 years ago (on Thursday).”

“We need to remember what took place, we need to pay respect (to) the sacrifices made on both sides.”

The sinking of the I-124

ON January 20, 1942 an unsuccessful attack on a US oil tanker by I-124’s sister ship prompted the Royal Australian Navy to send three corvettes between Darwin and Bathurst Island.

The I-124 fired a torpedo at the HMAS Deloraine, the first ship to arrive.

The attack was again unsuccessful, but Deloraine retaliated.

Six depth charges were detonated, irreparably damaging the I-124.

It was the first Japanese warship sunk by the Royal Australian Navy.
All 80 crew members died on board.