Ju 88 wreck discovered off Mallorca

As far as I could see there was no instrument panel and no propellors suggesting perhaps that the aircraft has been pilfered over the years. The airframe looked in a very crumbly state. Difficult to imagine a successful recovery. I wonder if we are reaching the point in terms of elapsed time where WWII airframes in salt water are no longer worth recovering (At least not with the intention of obtaining a complete airframe) because of their deteriorated condition.

What is it with the desire to raise stuff from the sea. It’s almost always in horrible condition requiring large sums of money (not to mention quantities of chemicals etc and time) to stabilise it before you get to deciding what to do long term. As its identity is unknown at the moment there is no clue as to whether there are human remains on board or probably more importantly what lies beneath/within the aircraft. Just imagine lifting it and finding the bomb load on board or a torpedo just waiting to go bang and then having to destroy it in situ. Certainly not a candidate for recovery to the UK, we already have a Ju88 in much better condition.

If the Spanish wish to recover it let them, it has more of a connection to there than it does to these islands, even if the aircraft was probably looking for British shipping when it was lost. Given the on going financial woes of Spain expect it to remain where it is, and that’s probably for the better.

Hi All,
DavidIsby,
Many thanks for the posting looks like it’s either full of holes or has sea cucumbers or whatever over a wide area ?

Geoff.

Seems to be in a remarkably good condition, given the age and landing on water. Not much of destruction. Though I doubt someone will part with the needed cash to lift her. Very nice find, and good video.

Michael

Remarkable condition. Great find.

Another candidate for the Cosford Poly Tunnels !

Don’t give the Cosford team nightmares !

Quick! Send Ian Thirsk (RAFM) right away! Tally ho!

Really? all i got were a load of stills with text on, then it ended… will try again

Edit,

Tried again and i’ll be blowed, I got the film this time as well Excellent 😀

Bloody annoying text contantly stuck over the images though, you don’t get a chance to actually really look at it. 🙁

Don’t understand this criticism as only few preview b & w stills have text over them – if you watch the lengthy and good quality colour video which then follows, it provides a very clear and detailed look at all aspects.

Any intention to retrieve it, like the Do.17 ?

Post deleted 🙂