Ju 87 Stuka (Žirje)

A Junkers Ju 87 'Stuka' dive bomber, most likely an Italian-operated Ju 87R-2 shot down on 12 April 1941, lies off the west side of Žirje. Found in 2014, it sits on its wheels at 26–28 m almost intact; only the engine broke off and lies nearby. Very few Ju 87s survive anywhere.

Facts

• Region: Adriatic – Dalmatia
• Area: Šibenik & Rogoznica
• Depth: 26–28 m
• Level: intermediate
• Current: low
• Type: wreck
• Coordinates: 43.65489, 15.63442
• Highlights: intact Second World War dive bomber, aircraft resting on its landing gear
• Permit: Protected cultural good: may only be dived with a dive centre holding a Ministry of Culture and Media permit for this zone under the 2024–2029 underwater-activities programme; individual diving is not allowed and groups are limited to 15 divers per guide. Touching and entering the aircraft is prohibited. Check current rules. (Source: Ministry of Culture programme 2024–2029)
• Issuer / contact: Ministry of Culture and Media of Croatia (Directorate for the Protection of Cultural Heritage / competent conservation department)
  • Phone: +385 1 4866 200
  • Website: https://www.gov.hr/hr/ronjenje-na-kulturnim-dobrima/1556
• Tips: Touching and entering the aircraft is prohibited under the permit conditions.

Sources

• https://total-croatia-news.com/lifestyle/zirje-4/
• https://min-kulture.gov.hr/program-obavljanja-podvodnih-aktivnosti-u-unutarnjim-morskim-vodama-i-teritorijalnom-moru-republike-hrvatske-u-podrucjima-gdje-se-nalazi-kulturno-dobro-za-2024-2029-godinu/25860
• https://www.gov.hr/hr/ronjenje-na-kulturnim-dobrima/1556