On December 2, 2023, the United States Navy achieved a significant feat by completing the recovery of the P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, tail number 169561 YD-561, affiliated with Whidbey Island, Washington-based Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 “Skinny Dragons.”
This aircraft encountered an incident when it overshot the runway at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) and landed in the shallow waters of Kaneohe Bay.
The event occurred on November 20 around 14:00 local time, as confirmed by reports. Images released by Hawaii News Now depicted the aircraft situated approximately 50 yards offshore, submerged in waters ranging from 5 to 25 feet deep, according to nautical charts.
Following the incident, the Navy swiftly initiated protective measures by deploying floating barriers and engaging divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1 to stabilize the aircraft throughout the night.
Efforts to retrieve Poseidon from Kaneohe Bay commenced at 06:30 AM on December 2, with the final part of the airframe—the nose wheel—successfully lifted out of the water by 7 PM on the same day.
A compelling timelapse video, released on December 15, showcases the extraction of the P-8A Poseidon from the waters adjacent to the Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay runway.
The P-8 currently sits in a designated parking spot, available for investigative teams and the commencement of the reclamation and repair process by Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Ten.
Later U.S. Navy Sailor washed P-8A Poseidon after extraction from the waters of Kaneohe Bay just off the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay.
The aircraft was washed and decontaminated of any potential foreign substances as well as salt water from its exterior.
