THE SERENE waters of the Milford Haven Waterway, off the coast of Waterston, recently unveiled a hidden secret that had intrigued marine authorities for weeks. An unexplained obstruction, which prompted a warning to all marine traffic, has now been identified as the propeller and engine of what experts believe could be a legendary Sunderland flying boat.

The discovery was made last weekend after the Milford Haven Port Authority issued warnings about an “unnamed obstruction” located approximately 300 metres south-southeast of the Valero Pembrokeshire Oil Terminal. Standing at an impressive 2.5 metres above the seabed, between the 10-metre and 15-metre contours, the object’s identity remained shrouded in mystery until now.

Amidst much anticipation, the unnamed object has finally been linked to the engine and propeller of a remarkable aircraft, possibly a Sunderland flying boat, an icon of aviation history. The revelation has generated excitement and curiosity among experts and enthusiasts alike.

John Evans, the patron of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Trust, described the find as a significant discovery, emphasising the immense historical value it carries. Early examinations suggest that the engine could be a Pratt and Whitney, used to power later models of the Sunderland flying boats. Alternatively, there’s a chance it might belong to a Catalina flying boat that once served with the RAF.

Mr. Evans recalled the wartime incidents and accidents that plagued the Milford Haven Waterway, hinting at the possibility that the newfound engine and propeller could be linked to a Catalina that crashed in the area during 1941 or 1942.

Following its recovery from the Milford Waterway, the engine and propeller were temporarily transported to the Neyland Marina. Subsequently, they arrived at the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, where meticulous restoration and cleaning efforts are set to begin. Salvaging an item that has spent more than seven decades submerged in seawater is undoubtedly a challenging task, but experts are determined to identify the engine’s origins despite the corroded state of the aluminium.

The Milford Haven Port Authority has been praised for facilitating the investigation, revealing the waterway’s propensity for unveiling long-kept secrets, even after many years have passed. The find shines a spotlight on RAF Pembroke Dock, once the world’s largest flying boat station during the war years, which played a pivotal role in the history of aviation.

Throughout the war, nearly 750 Short Sunderland flying boats were constructed between 1938 and 1946, with many of them taking flight from the illustrious RAF Pembroke Dock. Tragically, some met their fate in the waters off Pembroke Dock, including the sinking of two Sunderland flying boats during a gale in November 1940, leading to the loss of two airmen.

While historical accounts of these incidents were heavily censored during the war, the efforts of dedicated enthusiasts and volunteers have brought some of these forgotten aircraft back into the spotlight. One of the lost Sunderlands, bearing the serial number N6138 of 201 Squadron, was eventually recovered, restored, and returned to the skies after five decades. Its story serves as a testament to the resilience and enduring legacy of these flying boats.

Today, the wreck of the other missing Sunderland, the T9044 of 210 Squadron, lies on the seabed, around 20 metres below the surface. Thanks to the dedication of passionate volunteers, its engine has been transformed into a captivating exhibit on display at the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, preserving its place in history for generations to come.

As the restoration efforts commence on the recently discovered engine and propeller, aviation enthusiasts and history lovers eagerly await the unfolding of this new chapter in the saga of the Sunderland flying boats. The Milford Haven Waterway has once again revealed its secrets, prompting us to reflect on the courage and sacrifices of the brave souls who took to the skies during tumultuous times. The legacy of these flying boats continues to soar high, inspiring awe and admiration for the golden age of aviation.