The Mediterranean Sea is home to an incredible wealth of wrecks that span the millennia, and while we might have an entire list of shipwrecks we want to visit, this beautiful blue sea is also the scene of an entire list of wrecked aircraft that are certain to be some of the most awe-inspiring you have ever seen. With dozens of downed warbirds, including Spitfires, German Junker 88's, Focke-Wulfes, Hurricanes, massive B-17 Flying Fortresses, and many more, choosing the best can be a difficult task. Here are five that are certain to impress.
Malta's Bristol Blenheim
An RAF bomber which was probably stationed at the Luga airfield, this wreck is located about an hour from the Divewise Dive Center. Lying beneath 39 meters of clear, blue water, and visible from a distance of about 20 meters away, this wreck is equipped with enormous wings and on the right-hand engine, a huge propeller is still poised as if for flight. This aircraft is the victim of some attempts at raising and is fairly broken up, but it is impressive nonetheless.
Malta's Bristol Beaufighter
Another RAF aircraft, this time belonging to the 272nd Squadron, this Bristol Beaufighter was piloted by Sgt. Donald Frazee, who reported engine trouble prior to landing on the water and escaping the wreck with his navigator. Both men were saved by local fishermen. With many recognizable components, this splendid aircraft lies at a depth of 38 meters. The tail boom is separated from the fuselage, but lies only two meters away from the main portion of the wreck.
Crete's Messerschmitt ME-109
After its 1941 invasion during WWII, Crete served as a base for Luftwaffe fighter and bomber units. While it's not certain, this bomber was probably one of those stationed on Crete. It lies to the east of Heraklion, and at a depth of just 23 meters, is fairly easy to reach. Some lucky divers are able to see this wreck from the surface, and though it lies upside down, it is still in excellent condition, with both wings and the central portion of the fuselage still intact. The airplane's Daimler-Benz 601 engine rests a short distance away, as does the propeller, with bent blades attesting to the fact that the engine was running when the plane went down. Inside the chassis hatches, you can see the plane's wheels and tires. About 15 meters away, the tail section awaits. Thanks to excellent light conditions and relatively shallow depth, this is one aircraft you can explore at length.
Turkey's Savio Marchetti SM-79
Located off Sparviero, this Italian bomber dates back to WWII, as so many of these wrecked aircraft do. Most likely shot down in 1941, it is washed by a strong current and lies beneath 61 meters of water. Featuring three well-preserved engines crowned with rusty, growth-covered propeller blades, a well-preserved tail section, and many other recognizable components, this aircraft had wooden spars which have long since been eaten away.
Italy's Fiat BR-20
Shot down on June 13th of 1940, Italian bomber MM21503 lies off Cicogna. Three of the five crewmen onboard lost their lives in the incident that took this twin engine bomber down to a depth of 47 meters. Strong currents and visibility at about 12 meters add a modicum of difficulty to the dive, but once you reach the wreck, you'll find yourself blinking in amazement. Nearly intact and lying flat on its belly, this wreck is still equipped with its 12.7mm Breda SAFAT machine gun, which is still mounted on a swivel, plus a full belt of ammunition.
These are just a few of the wrecked military aircraft you'll find lying beneath the blue waters of the Mediterranean. There are several others off France and Italy, Croatia, and Greece; and, there are many which have yet to be discovered. Remember to bring your camera - these ghostly aircraft just beg to be photographed.