The divers carried out the operation about 7 miles off the island, at a challenging depth of 150m. The plane was discovered when a fishing boat snagged its nets on the wreckage.

The Greek air force has stated that most of the plane is present, except for part of the tail section. It is not clear whether human remains were found in the two-seater cockpit.

During cleaning and conservation, the air force hopes to be able to identify the plane's serial number and thus its squadron and crew. A number of Stukas operating from Rhodes were lost in engagements with allied ships and planes in 1943.

The air force expects to put the plane on display at its museum near Athens, where a raised German Junkers 52 transport plane and a British Spitfire fighter also reside.?