A long-standing World War II mystery surrounding the fate of a Finnish passenger plane, shot down over the Baltic Sea by Soviet bombers in 1940, has finally been unraveled after more than 80 years. The plane, carrying American and French diplomatic couriers, was downed just days before Moscow annexed the Baltic states, resulting in the tragic deaths of all nine passengers on board.
An Estonian diving and salvage team recently located the well-preserved remains of the Junkers Ju 52 aircraft off the coast of Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, shedding new light on the historical event. The discovery marked a significant breakthrough in the investigation, offering closure to families and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Unveiling the Past
The downing of the civilian plane, named Kaleva, is a pivotal moment in Finnish history, reflecting the complex relations between Finland and the Soviet Union during wartime. The incident, shrouded in secrecy for decades, now emerges as a crucial piece of the Nordic country’s WWII narrative.
As the wreckage resurfaces, providing insights into the tragic event, the legacy of Kaleva lives on, commemorating the lives lost in a pivotal moment of European history.