[imagesource: The Telegraph]

In 2016, a mysterious aircraft was discovered underwater at a depth of 85 metres off the coast of a tiny island south of Sicily.

Historians, divers, and locals began trying to put the puzzle pieces together to uncover the origin story of the wreck, which they finally managed after six years of hard work.

The plane has been identified as a Martin Baltimore light attack bomber with a touching story from World War II.

After 80 years of sitting on the seabed, this particular bomber ranks as one of the best-preserved in the world, per The Telegraph, with heritage experts from Sicily in awe of the valuable historical discovery:

“Once again, collaboration between local people, fishermen, divers and maritime heritage specialists has led to the discovery of an exceptional wreck,” said Alberto Samona, the official in charge of cultural heritage for Sicily.

…They relied on a mixture of British, Commonwealth and Italian military records as well as the recollection of locals, one of whom is still alive, who saw the aircraft fall from the sky.

Behold:

History nerds, assemble – you’re about to hear how this plane ended up 500 metres off the coast of Linosa.

Flown by 69 Squadron of the RAF on a reconnaissance mission from its base in Malta on June 15, 1942, the aircraft was either struck down by enemy fire or suffered from engine trouble, but either way, it fell into the waves:

It floated for a few minutes before dipping beneath the waves, giving local fishermen time to row out and attempt to save the four crew members.

Image: San Diego Air Space Museum

[source:telegraph]