Modern/Post-War Photos

Bottom the Liguria’s sea: a dramatic story

Davide Bolsi via Wikipedia

The unique exemplar still existing of the Italian bomber Fiat BR.20 rest underwater at 45 meter of depth in front to Santo Stefano al Mare, near Imperia, Liguria, position 43° 47' 17"N; 7° 55' 25" E. Despite the long permanence in the sea water, beyond 70 years, the aircraft’s structure is substantially still complete and even now is an attraction for the sub and underwater photography’s fans. But that of this plane is a dramatic story. The aircraft, Fiat BR.20M military code MM21503, of the Regia Aeronautica’s 3rd Squadriglia, 43rd Gruppo, 13th Stormo - crew 1st pilot Tenente (lieutenant) Simone Catalano, 2nd pilot Maresciallo (warrant officer) Ottavio Aliani, flight engineer 1st Aviere (sergeant) Farris, armorer Sergente Maggiore (master sergeant) Tommaso Ferrari, wireless operator 1st Aviere (sergeant) Salvatore Gaeta - took off from from Cameri together other BR.20s for a raid against French targets, the airfield of Fayence and Hyères. Inbound from the targets the MM 21503 was strafed by French fighters Dewoitine D.520. Catalano was serious wounded and Aliani took the plane’s controls. With the right engine and hydraulic system out of order and the left engine in troubles, Aliani diverted from the route with fly over the Alps to the sea in front to Liguria. Over the sea also the left engine stopped and Aliani attempted an emergency splash down. At moment of the impact with the water, because high waves, the glazed nose was destroyed (and in effect the wreck is without the nose) and the plane was flooded and sunk immediately. Catalano, Ferrari and Gaeta was sweep away and never recovered (MIA), while the Aliani and Farris was rescued after two hours by a patrol boat. Catalano was awarded of gold medal to memory. Victor Sierra