Wreck of a giant plane from the Second World War

Off the coast of Sardinia, divers and history buffs have made an amazing discovery. While searching for the wreck, they came across the remains of a completely different vessel. The unit they found turned out to be a giant German plane from World War II – the Messerschmitt 323. The ME-323, the largest transport aircraft

ByTomasz Andrukajtis

Published: September 18, 2012 - 18:35

Updated: July 22, 2023 - 04:48

Wreck of a giant plane from the Second World War

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The ME-323, the largest transport aircraft of its time, was on its way from a German base in Sardinia to one of the towns in the Tuscany region of Pistoia. It did not reach its destination, as its path crossed with a British Bristol Beufighter in July 1943.

Aldo Ferruci, who photographed the wreck, reported one of the dive participants: “The fact that we came across this plane was a complete coincidence. In fact, we were looking for the wreck of a completely different plane. We were very lucky. The wreck of ME-323 is in excellent condition. It is practically in one piece, and all six engines are still in place.

Experts agree that this is a discovery of great historical significance. It turns out that it may be the best preserved example in the world. The giant machine was very slow and without proper cover, it was a great target for enemy units.

The aircraft was the result of a German requirement for a large transport aircraft, in preparation for Operation Sea Lion, aimed at the invasion of Britain. It is estimated that a total of 213 of these machines were built.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

About author

Tomasz Andrukajtis

Editor-in-chief of the DIVERS24 portal and magazine. Responsible for obtaining, translating and developing content. He also supervises all publications. Achived his first diving certification – P1 CMAS, in 2000. Has a degree in journalism and social communication. In the diving industry since 2008.