recent JU-52 discovery in Greece

[Steve Sherlock]

Here are a couple of pictures of a JU-52 being recovered from the sea in Greece. Pretty neat!!
http://www.warhistoryonline.com/war-...in-greece.html

Steve

[-Ray-]

I love these interesting archeology threads. Actually in surprisingly condition. Thanks for the intel.


-Ray-

[Totenhead]

Amazing how it all stayed together while it was lifted out

[dersturmer78]

This operation actually took place back in 2003 (October 3rd). Members of the Underwater Operations Team (KOSYTHE) lifted out (carried out) the historic Ju-52/3m carrier aircraft from the sea near the island of Leros.

The aircraft had been shot down on November, 13th 1943, during the second day of operations of the Battle of Leros. The previous day 400 German paratroopers had landed on the island, during a dangerous operation in a very narrow area between the Bays of Alinta and Gourna. Despite suffering extended losses, the Germans managed to create a bridgehead, in order to conquest the island’s middle part, essentially cutting it in two.

The operation started by videotaping the wreck, in order to find the best possible way for its safe recovery. Each of the diving’s performed on a daily basis from the pre-arranged points lasted between 10 and 12 minutes, as was initially planned, also making auxiliary use of the Dive Computer. Overall seventy diving cycles took place, whose total duration was twenty two hours.

In cases when the underwater operations at the depth of 41 metres lasted long, the ROV underwater vehicle played an important role in minimising the effects of the divers’ disease. Moreover, the Dive Master had the advantage of a real-time view of the situation on the site. The use of a full face mask and the utilisation of an intercom system by the members of the underwater operations team and the Dive Master, were also extremely helpful in cases when the need for very precise movements occurred. Special parachutes were also utilised for finding the best possible way to make use of the wire ropes and belts, in order to ensure the safe attachment of the fuselage to the floating crane.

After the aircraft had been securely tied to the crane, on the rear of the fuselage the remains of one of the crew members were found and later collected under the supervision of the team’s doctor.

Nikos

Some more photos from the operation :





...and this is what JU - 52 looks like today :

[Steve Sherlock]

Thanks, Nikos, for the information and the great pictures.

Steve

[Hank C.]

...edit....

...and this is what JU - 52 looks like today :

...edit...

VERY interesting! Any idea if it's going to be moved inside some sort of building to minimise further deterioration? Or other restoration efforts planned?

best
Hank

[dersturmer78]

Thanks, Nikos, for the information and the great pictures.

Steve

You are welcome Steve!

VERY interesting! Any idea if it's going to be moved inside some sort of building to minimise further deterioration? Or other restoration efforts planned?

best
Hank

I'm not sure if it's going to be moved somewhere inside.As far as i know it remains the tail section & 3 engines assembly and then to be coated for further protection against corrosion.If i get any more info i'll let you know Best regards,
Nikos

[Hank C.]

You are welcome Steve!



I'm not sure if it's going to be moved somewhere inside.As far as i know it remains the tail section & 3 engines assembly and then to be coated for further protection against corrosion.If i get any more info i'll let you know Best regards,
Nikos

Thank you Nikos! Much appreciated.

Hank