Maltese dive team recovers World War Two airman’s remains

September 13, 2023 Off By Destination Deep

A group of technical diving archaeologists in Malta have successfully recovered the remains of an American World War Two airman, Sergeant Irving R Newman, whose plane crashed in 1943. Newman’s B-24 Liberator bomber went down due to engine trouble and anti-aircraft fire, resulting in injuries to five crew members. Despite rescue efforts, Newman was unable to be saved. The University of Malta’s tech-diving team, led by Prof Timmy Gambin, discovered the wreckage in 2018 and played a crucial role in retrieving Newman’s remains. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) officially accounted for Newman in June of this year. The excavation efforts involved meticulous retrieval and verification processes, with the dive team working closely with the DPAA and various heritage organizations in Malta. Prof Gambin expressed his honor in being able to contribute to bringing closure to Newman’s loved ones, emphasizing the commitment of the US to never leave any servicemen behind. The entire team was dedicated to going the extra mile to bring Newman home. The photo credit goes to DPAA/University of Malta.
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