Defensie is recovering a German warplane, a single-seat Messerschmitt BF 109, from the water in the Gelderland village of Veessen, where it crashed in 1944 during World War II.
- Defensie is recovering a German warplane.
- The aircraft is a Messerschmitt BF 109.
- It crashed in 1944 in Veessen, Gelderland.
- The recovery operation costs approximately 2.3 million euros.
- No remains of the pilot have been found.
- The operation is part of a national recovery program.
The aircraft had been lying on the bottom of the Hank, a side arm of the IJssel, along with its engine, armament, wheels, and cockpit. Defensie was aware of the aircraft’s presence after a depth detection survey conducted last year.
Coen Cornelissen, the staff officer for aircraft recovery, stated that the excavation is significant as there have been no interested parties at the wreck site over the decades. The operation is dangerous due to the presence of munitions and hazardous materials like radium and asbestos, requiring a specialized team for a controlled recovery.
“Dat is bijzonder, omdat men in het verleden altijd op zoek is gegaan naar metaal.”
— Coen Cornelissen, Staff Officer Aircraft Recovery
The municipality of Heerde has advanced the operation’s cost of approximately 2.3 million euros. The entire recovery operation is expected to be completed by early October.
Originally reported by nos.nl as “Duits oorlogsvliegtuig na ruim tachtig jaar uit het water gehaald” on 2025-09-23 23:20:00.
