Wreckage found in far north Queensland waters has been confirmed to be that of an Royal Australian Air Force plane that crashed more than 70 years ago, killing all 11 people on board.
The wreckage of RAAF Number 11 Squadron Catalina A24-25, which crashed in February 1943, was found 56km south of Cairns by a diver in 2013, but weather and planning challenges delayed the final dives to complete the investigation.
"The discovery of this Number 11 Squadron Catalina is important for the Air Force and our ongoing commitment to account for our missing personnel from past conflicts; currently 3124 from the Second World War and 18 from Korea," Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies said.
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"It is even more important for the families to finally have some closure in knowing the resting place of the aircraft and their loved ones after such a long time."
A supplied image obtained Monday, Sept. 21, 2015, An engine mount from Catalina 24-25. The aircraft was discovered in waters off Cairns in far North Queensland. Source: AAP
Catalina aircraft stationed at Cairns were used from late 1942 to fly long-range missions against Japanese shipping and submarines during World War II.
On 28 February 1943, Catalina A24-25 and its 11 aircrew were on a 17-hour mission to provide anti-submarine cover to a convoy heading for Milne Bay in Papua New Guinea.
The aircraft crashed at sea after running out of fuel and there were no witnesses or wreckage sightings during later searches.
The RAAF will leave the aircraft where it was found as a mark of respect to the crew.
A memorial service will be held in Cairns early next year.
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