Wreck of Stuka dive bomber found in Adriatic Sea

[imalko]

Regional newspapers published this news yesterday. The wreck was found accidentally near Žirja island on the Croatian Adriatic coast and is apparently in very good condition. It lacks the engine which probably broke off during the impact and is found on the seabed nearby.

According to available data it is believed that this is a Ju 87R-2 of Italian Regia Aeronautica shot down by Royal Yugoslav Navy during April War in 1941. On 12th of April 1941 Three Italian Stukas from 239. Squadriglia 97. Gruppo attacked Royal Yugoslav Navy ships and seaplanes dislocated in coves around Jadrtovac.

Two Stukas were hit by anti aircraft fire that day. One crashed with crew killed. The other one made forced landing on the sea surface and then sunk, where she remained hidden until now.The wreck is located on the depth reachable by divers which enables a good quality photos to be taken (see the attachment bellow).

More pictures and a short clip on fallowing links:


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwedQaJDzMU

 

[Wurger]

Interesting.... THX for sharing.

 

[vikingBerserker]

Very cool!

 

[Shinpachi]

Awesome find!

 

[GrauGeist]

Very cool!

In the one photo, you can see the bomb's swing-arm laying ahead of the fuselage, where the engine would be...

I wonder if they'll consider raising and restoring it?

 

[BiffF15]

Wonder if the gear survived mostly intact?

 

[Airframes]

Great stuff. It certainly looks to be in reasonable condition.

 

[Thorlifter]

I said it before, you guys have answered me, but I'll say it again. I just don't see how they can restore a rusted pile of junk...........but I sure hope they do!!!!

 

[GrauGeist]

I said it before, you guys have answered me, but I'll say it again. I just don't see how they can restore a rusted pile of junk...........but I sure hope they do!!!!

Here's a good example of what can be done.

A MiG-3 hauled up from the mud of a lake and restored to flying condition. It takes alot of time, money and dedication...and money.

Have a look: WW2 Plane Saved and Restored from the Bottom of Lake | English Russia

 

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

Very cool.

Looks just like the wreck at the Sinsheim Museum in Germany. Interesting how on all Stuka wrecks the engine is missing.

 

[tomo pauk]

Currently I can't think of any institution in Croatia that has both money and dedication to restore the Stuka (or other A/C) currently at the bottom of the sea. Eg. we have a 'decent' wreck of the Liberator near the island of Vis, and it's location is known for several years.
The salt water is far more aggressive than 'sweet' lake water, BTW.

 

[Gnomey]

Cool! Does seem to be in pretty good nick.

 

[Lucky13]

Nice find!

 

[A4K]

Bloody brilliant! Thanks for posting Igor!