A remarkable discovery near Heraklion may have brought a tangible piece of World War II history to the surface. On January 24, 2025, a local fisherman made an unexpected catch when his nets drew up aircraft wreckage from the Aegean waters off Ammoudara Beach, approximately 2 kilometers west of Heraklion city.
The recovered wreckage, consisting of two wings without the fuselage, was found at a depth of 25 meters and required crane assistance for recovery. The Hellenic Air Force is currently examining the artifacts to determine the aircraft’s identity and origin.
If confirmed as World War II wreckage, the discovery site’s proximity to Heraklion would hold particular historical significance, as this region witnessed intense aerial combat during the Battle of Crete in May 1941. This battle marked a pivotal moment in military history as the first major airborne invasion, with the German military launching Operation Mercury using hundreds of transport aircraft and paratroopers.
Historical Context and Potential Significance
The Battle of Crete resulted in substantial losses for the German forces, with approximately 7,000 casualties out of their 22,000 deployed troops. Numerous aircraft were lost during the operation, shot down by Allied forces and Cretan civilian defenders. While the newly discovered wreckage could potentially be traced back to this historic confrontation, its exact identity and era remain under investigation.
Similar Discoveries in Greek Waters
This finding adds to a growing catalogue of World War II aircraft discoveries in Greek waters. A notable previous discovery occurred in 2018, when divers located an almost intact German transport plane near Rhodes. The Aegean Sea, which served as a crucial theater for both Allied and Axis operations, has preserved numerous such wartime artifacts in its depths.
If confirmed as World War II wreckage, the aircraft could potentially be one of several types commonly seen during the Battle of Crete, including:
- German transport aircraft such as the Junkers Ju 52
- Combat aircraft like the Messerschmitt Bf 109 or Stuka dive bombers
- Allied aircraft, including British Hurricanes used in defense and evacuation efforts
The Hellenic Air Force‘s investigation of the wreckage may provide valuable insights into this piece of history. As archaeological and historical investigations continue, this discovery could help piece together more details about the aircraft’s origins and its potential role in the region’s wartime past.
Published on: January 27th, 2025
Further Reading: Cretan Mountain Partisans: The Unsung Heroes of World War II Resistance
