Body of pilot found at bottom of Sea of Galilee after 56-year search

The military says divers have discovered the remains of a pilot, Lt. Yakir Naveh, who has been missing since his plane crashed into the Sea of Galilee 56 years ago.

The remains were discovered on October 25, along with pieces of the aircraft on the bottom of the Sea of Galilee, the army says.

Once they were found, the remains were sent to a forensic laboratory for identification, the IDF says.

On May 6, 1962, Naveh was training a cadet on a Fouga Magister when their plane got too low over the water and the engine cut out. The nose of the plane hit the water, sending them into a fierce spin, wing over wing.

A year later, a search team found the body of the cadet who had been flying the plane, Oded Kouton, but no trace of Naveh.

In 2000, the Israel Defense Forces renewed its searches for Naveh.

On October 16, the military began its 12th round of searches for the pilot’s remains.

Until now, Naveh has been considered a soldier who is confirmed dead, but whose burial place is unknown.

The pilot’s family has been informed that his remains were found, the army says.

The time and location of his funeral have yet to be announced.

— Judah Ari Gross