PP118 was a GR5 Sunderland flying boat assigned to 235 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) on 29th Aug 1949 and flying under the registration number 'TA-G'. While moored at Calshot on the 3rd Feb 1950 a storm blew up and water entered the aircraft through an improperly secured hull access door and caused her to sink. By February 22nd she had been partially refloated and in order to reduce the risk of explosion from the fuel tanks, the marine markers were being removed from the aircraft. During this delicate operation an explosion did in fact occur and the two airmen working on the aircraft were thrown into the sea. Leading Aircraftman Peter 'Andy' Anderson (3059642) was nearby and navigated his boat through the water, that was ablaze with aviation fuel, and rescued the two men. Anderson was awarded the George Medal for his actions (see attachment).

Photo of Peter 'Andy' ANDERSON courtesy of his son, John ANDERSON.

Dive Wight and Hampshire (Site 31 Page 51) states that the site was discovered in 1971, about 700ft to the North of Calshot Light Buoy. At that time the wreck was reported to be nearly intact (apart from the tail section that was missing), upside down and buried in the mud.

Talking to the locals recently reveals that the Sunderland is in about 50ft of water in a very busy area. The lifeboat mooring is nearby and the actual lifeboat often swings over the wreck. Local fishing has been blamed for the condition of the aircraft, but this is only based on sonar scans. The sonar reportely shows about 25% of the aircraft above the mud, but we are unsure exactly which section this is. Visibility and currents, as well as shipping, make this a not very attractive dive.

The Sunderland supposedly lies on a line between the end of the pier and the Hamble.

Attachments:

File	Description	File size
Sunderland_Salvage.gif	Newspaper report about the recovery incident and the Geroge Medal awarded to Anderson	210 Kb