The incredible images of a WWII fighter jet that a diver managed to get from the bottom of the sea

A diver dove into the deep waters off the Croatian coast and managed to catch shocking images of downed planes of World War II.

His name is Martin Strmiska, he is 40 years old and his homeland is Vietnamska (Slovakia). Last year he visited the Croatian island of Vis in the hope of capturing footage of the famous Bombardier B17, nicknamed “The Flying Fortress”, and, although it was not an easy trip, he succeeded.

The B-17 is an American heavy bomber, which was used during World War II. The aircraft was designed by the Boeing aviation company in response to a 1934 Army Air Corps specification, which called for a four-engine bomber at a time when two engines were the norm.

The plane made its last flight in November 1944 bound for Vienna, before sustaining too much damage and having to make an emergency landing in the Adriatic Sea, about 50 km off the Croatian coast. This allowed the crew to evacuate in inflatable rafts.

However, the co-pilot, Second Lieutenant Ernest Vinneau of the United States Air Force, died at the scene because the crew failed to rescue him in time. before the plane fills with water and sink.

He was only 25 and grew up in Millinocket, Maine, and served in the 340th Bomber Squadron, which is part of the 97th Bomber Group.

The remains of the B-17 on the Adriatic seabed They are one of the best-preserved plane wrecks from WWII due to its depth of over 60m, which makes it difficult for divers to reach.

Martin’s footage shows a plane as time has passed wreaking havoc. Its nose is flattened but the cockpit is visible as the windshield was smashed.

The plane’s wheels begin to sink into the seabed, raising the question of how long the wreckage will remain before it disintegrates. Their engines and wings are covered with algae, sand and dead crustaceans.

The aircraft was famous for its defensive capabilities, and a turret with two machine guns was placed on the tail.

The robust four-engine aircraft They were built for the United States Air Force Corps (USAAC) at a time when twin engines were the norm.

But it wasn’t the first time he dived into the depths to find an item used in the most famous and bloodiest war conflict. Strmiska is also used to sailing Norwegian waters and diving in search of Umbria, a historic ship that sank in those days of wars.

“Diving in Umbria, 500-foot ocean liner sunk with thousands of bombs on board during WWIII feel similar to the popular Thistlegorm further north in the Red Sea. He is roughly the same size and has a similar character and charm. The hard corals growing on the railings remind me of colorful little nests. Many are home to small coral creatures such as banded dascyllus and red spotted coral crabs. “

There are over 40 wrecks in the surrounding fjords, some are still waiting to be discovered. Cruisers, planes, and even a German submarine lie beneath the surface. However, many of them are at depths reserved for technical divers.