HYDROVIUS
JUNKERS JU 52 TRANSPORT
The first vision of this iconic WW1 German aircraft comes into view at around 45 mtrs. Clear water and the strong Mediterranean sun helps
produce such a haunting image. Despite being upside down and covered in a trawl, this is a challenging and worthwhile dive.
On the 13th November 1943,a flight of Junkers 52 from 6th squadron carrying troops was fired on by anti-aircraft fire. One aircraft was hit in the
tail causing severe damage and loss of life and crash landed in the sea near Zimi., on the Eastside of Leros.
Now lying upside down in 56 metres of clear water, this is a challenging dive to explore this iconic aircraft. At 36 metres the shadow of the plane
comes into view, outlined against a bright seabed. Her side door sits invitingly open, and inside the intact, if upside down interior is a blaze f
orange and red sea squirts, Her side guns hang with ammunition belts still visible and numerous instrument panels still remain.
It is possible to explore forward to the cockpit bulkhead, but after of the doorway the cabin is very narrow due to a partition and the narrowing of
the fuselage. This section can be viewed from outside as the tail is broken off.
The areas under her wings, eerily draped in net are again very colourful and are home to many large groupers and bream.
Two of her 3 engines can be located again shrouded in fishing net. Her wings reach out into the blue.
The cockpit is slightly crushed but again difficult to access due to the netting. Plans are afoot to remove the netting, but at this depth requires very
careful planning.
The paratroopers door bacons exploration-upside down and confined with drooping cables and sharp metal, this is not the place for the ill
equipped or poorly trained. (right)The view out from the observation window.