In December of 2024 and January of 2025, our team at Addicted2H2O embarked on two exhilarating dives to explore the wreck of the Junkers Ju 52/3m off the coast of Sounio. Resting at a depth of 63 meters for technical divers, this wreck is a silent relic of World War II aviation history, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

A historical relic beneath the waves, the Junkers Ju 52/3m was a tri-motor transport aircraft that played a pivotal role during World War II. Known as “Tante Ju” (Aunt Ju), it was widely used by the German Luftwaffe for troop transport, supply drops, and even paratrooper deployments. During the war, Greece became a significant theater of operations for the Luftwaffe, particularly during the Battle of Crete in 1941, where Ju 52s were instrumental in deploying Fallschirmjäger (German paratroopers). Many of these aircraft were shot down over the Aegean, and some, like the wreck we explored, met their fate in the waters surrounding Greece.

The wreck we dived lies off the Greek coastline, discovered by local divers Antonis Grafas and Panos Bletsas and historian Dimitris Galon was eager to document this submerged wartime artifact. Unlike other aircraft wrecks that have deteriorated significantly, this Ju 52 remains relatively intact, providing an incredible opportunity for exploration. The fuselage, engines, and even parts of the cockpit structure are still distinguishable, though marine life has begun to claim the site as its own.

Descending into the deep blue, we were immediately struck by the eerie silhouette of the Junkers resting on the seabed. The once-mighty aircraft, now encrusted with marine growth, serves as both an artificial reef and a historical monument. Approaching the wreck, the first thing that caught our attention was the distinctive corrugated metal skin of the Ju 52—one of its most recognizable features. The three-engine configuration was still visible, though time and the elements have left their mark. One of the engines lay separated from the fuselage, a reminder of the aircraft’s violent end. Inside the wreck, we found remnants of the cockpit area, though much of the instrumentation has long since disappeared. The cargo hold, which once carried troops or supplies, is now home to schools of fish weaving through the skeletal remains. We took great care to navigate around the wreck without disturbing it, adhering to strict wreck diving protocols to preserve this piece of history for future explorers.

The Junkers Ju 52 played a significant role in German operations in Greece. During the invasion and occupation, these aircraft were used extensively to ferry troops, weapons, and supplies across the Mediterranean. However, they were also highly vulnerable to enemy anti-aircraft fire and fighter aircraft, leading to many being lost over Greek territory and its surrounding waters. One of the most well-documented operations involving the Ju 52 was the airborne assault on Crete. While ultimately successful, the German forces suffered heavy losses, with hundreds of aircraft shot down or damaged. Many Ju 52s crashed into the sea, where they remain as underwater relics, similar to the wreck we explored.

Diving a wreck at such depths requires careful planning, proper gas mixes, and strict decompression procedures. Our team utilized trimix to minimize nitrogen narcosis and conducted staged decompression stops on the ascent. Visibility was excellent, allowing us to fully appreciate the wreck, but the presence of fishing nets and debris meant that careful navigation was essential. Every wreck tells a story, and as divers, we have a responsibility to respect and preserve these underwater time capsules. The Junkers Ju 52/3m is not just a dive site—it is a historical monument that serves as a testament to the events that shaped the world. We took only photographs and left only bubbles, ensuring that future divers can experience this incredible piece of history just as we did.

Diving the Junkers Ju 52/3m wreck was an unforgettable experience, blending adventure, history, and technical challenge. For those with the training and experience, it is a must-visit site that offers both a glimpse into World War II aviation and the thrill of deep wreck exploration.