Two WWII Aircraft Wrecks Found In Norwegian Depths — Watch

As the year 2022 was winding down, a group from the Royal Norwegian Navy, called HUGIN Team 1, went deep into the waters of Trondheimsfjorden for an exploration. What they discovered deep down was quite amazing. They found two aircraft wrecks from World War II sitting at the bottom, hidden away for nearly 80 years. These aircrafts, resting silently, serve as a silent reminder of the history from the depths of the fjord.

Deep-Sea Detectives: Uncovering Sunken Secrets

The HUGIN Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), with its ability to dive up to 6000 meters, was a key player in this discovery. Equipped with the latest in sonar, echosounders, and cameras, this advanced technology allowed the team to map the seabed in detail. Under the direction of the 1st Minesweeper Squadron, the HUGIN AUV first identified the BV-222 aircraft at 318 meters deep in September 2022. Following this, in March 2023, the team discovered the HE-115 aircraft at a depth of 253 meters.

These discoveries in the Norwegian fjord are like windows into a history that has been hidden under the sea for decades. Their existence in Trondheimsfjorden points out that there are still many secrets in the depths waiting to be explored.

Blueye Robotics, a team passionate about underwater exploration, jumped at the chance to examine these wrecks closer. By using sophisticated drones, they were able to share the first images and stories of the BV-222-Wiking-V2 and the HE-115 S4+DK with the world.

Giant Ghosts of the Fjord: The Story of Two Sunken Planes

The first of the wrecks, the BV-222 Wiking V2, was a massive German seaplane during the World War II era. Only 13 of these six-engine giants were built, and they were initially used as passenger planes. The BV-222 stood out because of its size; it was the largest of its kind with a wingspan of 46 meters and a length of 37 meters.

This particular aircraft’s history in Trondheim is well known among those who love aviation stories. After Germany surrendered in 1945, two of these planes were taken to Trondheim. One was sent to England for further study, while the other was intentionally sunk in Trondheimsfjorden in October 1945. The exact location of its sinking was unknown until its discovery in 2022.

The second aircraft they found adds another layer to Trondheim’s relationship with World War II. This is the Heinkel HE-115. Unlike the already known HE-115 wrecks at Ilsvika, this one was spotted at 253 meters off Høvringen, marking it as a new piece of the puzzle for historians.

The Sunken Scout Plane’s Story

This plane, known by its identification S4+DK, was part of a group operating from Trondheim, mainly used for scouting missions. After it was damaged during a clash with an RAF flying boat, the crew had to make an emergency landing in the fjord, where it eventually sank and became a part of history until now.

Trondheim, a notable location during World War II, holds many secrets within its waters. These war relics, now part of the underwater ecosystem, offer a glimpse into a turbulent time. The recent findings of the BV-222-Wiking-V2 and HE-115 S4+DK provide new coordinates on this map of underwater history, keeping the stories of the past alive under the sea.

Watch the video below: