Logo Polskiego Radia

US WWII bomber hoisted from Baltic seabed

PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge 07.10.2014 11:25
The wreckage of a US bomber has been raised from the Baltic seabed 70 years after it crashed near Gdynia, northern Poland.

The
The wreck of the Douglas A-20 bomber. Photo: PAP/ Adam Warzawa

The Douglas A-20 Havoc plane was first spotted a year ago during routine checks 4 km out to sea off Cape Rozewie.

However, retrieving the wreck was a formidable task, as the area is particularly susceptible to strong winds, coupled with severe waves.

“Raising the entire plane from the bottom of the sea was a very ambitious challenge, requiring specialist knowledge, experience and the precise coordination of the project team,” commented Iwona Pomian, Head of Research of the National Maritime Museum in Gdansk.

The task was carried out with the help of the Polish Navy, and the plane emerged in remarkably good condition.

The bomber will now be sent to the Aviation Museum in Krakow, where it will undergo further research and conservation.

America's Douglas A-20 Havoc planes were widely used by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF), the Soviet Air Forces (VVS) and the Royal Air Force (RAF) of the United Kingdom during World War II.

At present it is unclear which air force was flying the newly raised plane. (nh)

Source: PAP/Dziennik Baltycki/IAR

Print
Copyright © Polskie Radio S.A About Us Contact Us