The South Korean Ministry of National Defense’s Remains Recovery and Identification Team has announced a joint underwater excavation with the U.S. Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). The investigation will take place from the 3rd to the 27th in the Haeundae area of Busan.
Following an effort last year, this marks the second joint underwater investigation between South Korea and the U.S. The U.S. requested this investigation, which led to discussions beginning in July. After a site survey, the teams will commence the investigation this month.
The investigation centers on a B-26 bomber from the U.S. 5th Air Force, which crashed into the sea after taking off from K-9 Airfield in Busan during a mission in January 1953 amid the Korean War. The DPAA has confirmed that three U.S. servicemen were killed in this incident.
The investigation will cover about 12 square kilometers of coastal waters off Haeundae. Teams will first use underwater detection equipment to search for anomalies, including side-scan sonar and magnetometers. If any items of interest are found, divers and remotely operated vehicles will then explore the seafloor to confirm the presence of wreckage and other relevant objects.
Twenty-two specialists will participate, including Remains Recovery and Identification Team members, divers, and underwater archaeologists from the DPAA. The Navy Operations Command and Busan Coast Guard will provide support, including maritime weather information and overall situation management.
Based on the results, the Remains Recovery and Identification Team and DPAA will assess whether further investigations and excavations are needed.
Captain Patrick Hennessy, head of the DPAA investigation team, said, “We are committed to honoring the heroes who sacrificed for their country. We approach this investigation with a sense of duty and will dedicate all our efforts, even if success seems unlikely.”
Director Lee Geun Won of the Remains Recovery and Identification Team added, “We hope this joint investigation will strengthen collaboration between South Korea and the U.S. We are determined to diligently search for the remains of U.S. servicemen who defended the freedom and prosperity of South Korea.”