Discovery of U.S. Fighter Jet at the Seafloor of Amami Oshima
In a joint venture with Setouchi Town, the first-ever underwater survey of the Oshima Strait has led to the discovery of what is believed to be a U.S. military fighter jet, likely a Lockheed P-47, from World War II. The jet was found on the seafloor, where it is thought to be one of over 60 American aircraft pursued by the Japanese military in July 1945. The survey employed multi-beam sonar measurements and underwater robot cameras.
As Part of a Social Contribution Initiative
The research was conducted over a 10-day period, following a proposal to Setouchi Town for a no-cost survey, which the town readily accepted. Local divers had previously reported sightings, which were used as the basis for the investigation. Using sonar equipment, the team located objects on the seafloor, and almost immediately after starting the survey, they detected a signal. An underwater robot camera was deployed, confirming the presence of the aircraft at a depth of 45 meters, overturned.
Underwater Drone Footage Released at Press Conference
At a press conference following the investigation, footage from the underwater drone was shown, capturing the aircraft resting on the sandy seafloor. Although the tail section was missing, the wings were still intact. A representative from Setouchi Town expressed excitement over the discovery, noting that it was a groundbreaking find, both from a historical verification standpoint and as evidence of a U.S. military aircraft.
It is believed that many more artifacts remain in the Oshima Strait, and this discovery could play a significant role in further examining the area’s wartime history.
EN 
JA