Picture: Omrop Fryslan, Jantine Weidenaar

The salvage operation of the warplane Lancaster ED 603 was temporarily halted last week. The weather conditions on the IJsselmeer are too turbulent to continue working. The salvage operation commenced four weeks ago under splendid weather conditions with high temperatures, providing an ideal work environment. Given the aircraft’s location in the middle of the IJsselmeer, the elements must always be taken into account.

Leemans Aircraft Recovery is dealing with human remains during the salvage, making careful and safe work a top priority. The recovery mission is aimed at locating three airmen who have been missing since 1943. During the first week, it was already confirmed that human remains had been discovered.