James Miles

Established Wreck-Searcher, Jim Miles is on his 3rd attempt to locate the missing Australian WWI Submarine; 'AE-1".

The AE-1 was Australia's 1st sub.  She was lost, along with her crew of 30, without any trace while on a reconnaissance mission in the follow-up to the 1914 Australian occupation of Rabaul against Germany. 

Jim's search thus far has been centered on the deep waters off Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, based on archival records obtained from Australian Government Naval records, coupled with situation scenarios.  Jim had moral backing from the RAN and the Australian War Memorial, but as with all the previous wrecks he has located, is entirely self-funded.

Any 'Targets' located are filmed using Jim's innovative deep-sea camera system.

Now with over 60% of the 'Search-Zone' completed without result, Jim's current sonar equipment has placed a limit on the extent of the area able to be effectively searched due to its limited depth capability.  The final 40% of the area is in water between 200m and 600m deep, beyond his current sonar's ability.  He needs to acquire a more modern system (Aiming for a Lowrance HDS8 Sonar).  

By making a contribution here, you may actually make the difference in helping one of the regions greatest Naval mysteries.  Any donation will be greatly appreciated!!!

Jim now has an excellent rapport with the local villagers. He employs some of the young men to work as deck hands in the boat, helping to raise and lower heavy camera equipment into the depths to film any suspicious 'targets'.  The social and historical benefit to this community and ultimately the the nation of PNG are enormous.  To date, he has installed a micro-solar system into his host village on Utuan Island that gives the people 240v from the sun! (As well as selfishly charging Jim's 12v truck battery to run his portable sonar!!)

Success with this venture will be of major, international importance.  the mystery surrounding the disappearance has haunted authorities, historians and most of all the descendents of the 30 sailors for over 96 years.  It involves multiple nations; Australia, England, New Zealand, Germany and of course Papua New Guinea. 

Its sister ship, the AE-2 that was also in the Rabaul occupation, was lost at Gallipoli 7 months later (scuttled - no lives lost).   In 1998 her discovery was a great historical event, even though no lives were lost in this case and her sinking was well documented.

AE-1's discovery will be almost as important as the recent discoveries of the 'Sydney' and the Hospital Ship 'Centaur'.

Other wrecks to Jim's credit to date include; SS Florence D; sunk 1942 in Bombing of Darwin as well as the B24 Liberator Bomber, A72-80, lost with all crew in the Kimberley during WWII.  Once again; all privately funded with Museum and Govt blessing.  Both are now registered historical wrecks.  Jim's philosophy is to 'film, but not touch' in all historical cases.  'To preserve  for future generations - that they remember.'

Link to Florence D:  http://www.ozatwar.com/japsbomb/florenced.htm

Link to B24 Liberater Bomber: http://www.jackspax.com/acknowlegements_and_external_links.html