This was posted on the Battlecruiser Board by Kevin Denlay :-
"Gentlemen, without too much ado I would like to confirm the discovery of and first dives on HMS Exeter and HMS Encounter in the Java Sea, both on 21/2/2007. Yes, 2007, that's not a typo but, owing to contractual obligations, I was not at liberty to announce the discoveries until we had obtained sufficient photographic and videographic evidence to substantiate said discovery. A recent expedition, just completed, has not only obtained extensive photographic evidence but made a detailed survey of the two wrecks, with the results proving beyond a shadow of a doubt, to even the most hardened skeptics, that the two wrecks are exactly what we knew they were from day one.
However, given that they are approximately 1) 60 nautical miles from Exeter's Capt Oliver Gordon's estimated sinking position, 2) 30 nautical miles from the nearest Admiralty position for Encounter, and 3) a whopping 350 nautical miles from Sunda Strait, we thought it best we better put our money (or in this case concrete photographic proof) where our mouth was going to be before we 'went 'public. Hence the delay in the 'news' being released until this most recent expedition could be mounted and successfully completed.
The RN/MOD has been duly notified and a press release from our exploration group announcing the discoveries has been forwarded to both Australian and UK media today.
Now without meaning to be rude, having just returned home and being swamped buy numerous responsibilities, inc the dissemination of above info to news media, etc, I can only check here occasionally, so please excuse in advance any unanswered questions. I will however return in a several days (I hope) with a more detailed survey summary. I just wanted to give you all a heads up ahead of the general public as it were so you could say you "read it here first"!
Anyway, enough said, although it's a shame I cant post the photo (as I have on a couple of other forums) of the Royal Navy Ensign we left attached to the empty port side triple torpedo tubes, the 'highest' or shallowest point on the wreck (she lays on her stbd side), flying proudly once again over Exeter, but this time in the ocean currents that sweep over the hull, in honour of her gallant crew and those that remain in the eternal embrace of the sea.
Kevin"
.
"Gentlemen, without too much ado I would like to confirm the discovery of and first dives on HMS Exeter and HMS Encounter in the Java Sea, both on 21/2/2007. Yes, 2007, that's not a typo but, owing to contractual obligations, I was not at liberty to announce the discoveries until we had obtained sufficient photographic and videographic evidence to substantiate said discovery. A recent expedition, just completed, has not only obtained extensive photographic evidence but made a detailed survey of the two wrecks, with the results proving beyond a shadow of a doubt, to even the most hardened skeptics, that the two wrecks are exactly what we knew they were from day one.
However, given that they are approximately 1) 60 nautical miles from Exeter's Capt Oliver Gordon's estimated sinking position, 2) 30 nautical miles from the nearest Admiralty position for Encounter, and 3) a whopping 350 nautical miles from Sunda Strait, we thought it best we better put our money (or in this case concrete photographic proof) where our mouth was going to be before we 'went 'public. Hence the delay in the 'news' being released until this most recent expedition could be mounted and successfully completed.
The RN/MOD has been duly notified and a press release from our exploration group announcing the discoveries has been forwarded to both Australian and UK media today.
Now without meaning to be rude, having just returned home and being swamped buy numerous responsibilities, inc the dissemination of above info to news media, etc, I can only check here occasionally, so please excuse in advance any unanswered questions. I will however return in a several days (I hope) with a more detailed survey summary. I just wanted to give you all a heads up ahead of the general public as it were so you could say you "read it here first"!
Anyway, enough said, although it's a shame I cant post the photo (as I have on a couple of other forums) of the Royal Navy Ensign we left attached to the empty port side triple torpedo tubes, the 'highest' or shallowest point on the wreck (she lays on her stbd side), flying proudly once again over Exeter, but this time in the ocean currents that sweep over the hull, in honour of her gallant crew and those that remain in the eternal embrace of the sea.
Kevin"
.
