History

A partially buried Second World War aircraft lies on the eastern side of Gibraltar, approximately 20 metres east of the runway and immediately north of the rock groyne. Resting upright in only around 2 metres of water, the wreck is positioned with its nose pointing towards open sea.

Although much of the aircraft remains concealed beneath shifting sand, several significant features have been recorded. The surviving aluminium fuselage includes an upper defensive gun turret, while the cockpit area is exposed. Two engines remain attached to the wings, and a third engine lies nearby on the seabed. A steel cable connected to the wreck has led to suggestions that the aircraft may have been moved from its original position during the Second World War, possibly to remove an obstruction close to the airfield.

The site was first examined archaeologically in August 2001, when favourable seabed conditions exposed a substantial portion of the forward fuselage, allowing an initial survey to begin. However, the constantly changing movement of sand along this stretch of coastline has meant that the aircraft is periodically reburied. On later visits, only the tips of the propeller blades remained visible above the seabed.

The precise identity of the aircraft has not yet been confirmed. Based on the visible structural features, it has been suggested that it may be either a Consolidated B-24 Liberator or a Handley Page Halifax, although further archaeological evidence will be required before a positive identification can be made. The site continues to be monitored whenever changing seabed conditions expose additional sections of the wreck.

Further Reading

Those interested in Gibraltar's underwater aviation heritage are encouraged to read Underwater Gibraltar: A Guide to the Rock’s Submerged Sites, by Phil Smith and Darren Fa, which provides a detailed account of the Rock's submerged aircraft wrecks and other underwater archaeological sites. Copies are available from the Gibraltar National Museum and selected booksellers.

East side aircraft fuselage.

Aircraft wing.