As ‘metal pirates’ loot seabed treasures, there are fears Australia’s first submarine could be next

The location of HMAS AE1 is a closely held secret but some worry the first world war wreckage will be found by thieves

Scavengers, trophy hunters and metal pirates" are looting the treasures under the seas - and there are fears Australia's first submarine could be next.

The location of HMAS AE1's wreck is a secret closely held by a small group of people, including relatives of the 35 men who were on board when the Royal Australian Navy vessel sank at the outbreak of the first world war.