A search began only five days after the battle , when the Sydney had failed to return to port in Fremantle . The wreckage of Sydney II was found in March 2008 off Australia 's western coast . Reports in announcing the boat 's loss in 1941 fueled various theories over the loss . Inquiry summary : Some number of theories can be allowed to present their case .
The wreckage of Sydney II was found in March 2008 off Australia 's western coast . Reports in announcing the boat 's loss in 1941 fueled various theories over the loss . Inquiry summary : Some number of theories can be allowed to present their case .