AICRAFT ENGINE

SARONIC GULF

In 2022 Greek divers Antonis Grafas and Nikos Vardakas dived near Patroklos island at a location indicated to them by a friend. Subsequent research by Dimitris Galon identified a type V twelve cylinder engine (12-Zylinder-V-Motor) from a German aircraft from WWII era was discovered. Although it was not possible to determine the identity of the airctaft manufacturer it was certain it was German.

This was made possible due to the technical characteristics of the engine but also due to a fuel link baring the construction label NW32 ARGUS. ARGUS was a German company which made parts for Junkers Ju 87 (Stuka) and Messerschmitt Bf 109 aircraft. The engines for the Junkers Ju 87 (Junkers Jumo) and Bf 109 (Junkers Jumo for types Bf 109 B, Bf 109 C, Bf 109 D and Daimler-Benz DB 601 for types Bf 109 E, Bf 109 T, Bf 109 F, Bf 109 G6) had common characteristics, thus making the identification of the aircraft the engine belonged to, not possible for the time being.

It is very likely that in the past a fish trawler dragged the engine to its current resting place. Archival research revealed that between the islands of Patroklos and Kythnos three Messerschmitt Bf 109 and one Junkers Ju 87 (Stuka) were lost. Possibly this engine located near Patroklos island belongs to one of these aircraft.

The location has become a diving spot for local dive centers for recreational divers especially durring the summer months. Our team visited this location in 2024 and conducted an enjoyable dive.

Divers:
Erikos Kranidiotis
Stelios Stamatakis
Ioannis Simiridis
Nikos Harakakos
Vasilis Adamopoulos

Boat Captain:
Marios Papavasileiou

Supported By Diver’s Corner

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