A Pan Am Douglas DC-4, known as Clipper Endeavor, disappeared shortly after takeoff from San Juan on Good Friday and was later found off Puerto Rico, marking a historic underwater discovery.

Researchers and volunteers led by Russ Matthews of the Air/Sea Heritage Foundation spent years digging through Civil Aeronautics Board records, eyewitness accounts, and archival materials to locate the seabed wreck site, aided by a map from U.S. Air Force pilots.

The wreckage was identified by high-definition sonar imagery and visuals showing the Pan Am logo, the plane’s name, landing gear, and other identifying features, confirming the aircraft as the DC-4.

The discovery highlights the use of modern underwater search technology, including an advanced drone from Deep Sea Vision, and a high-cost support vessel and equipment, marking a milestone in locating long-missing deep-sea aircraft.

The find offers closure to families of victims and enriches aviation history, while the wreck remains undisturbed with no plans to recover remains or exhume the site.

Experts and descendants noted the wreck’s relatively intact condition for its age, the significance of the finding, and the decision not to recover remains, aligning with memorial and preservation priorities.

The reporting and publication on the discovery followed updated timelines and background history from The Sydney Morning Herald.

The location is confirmed as more than 70 years after the crash, reinforcing the historical context of the incident.

Discovery Channel’s Expedition Unknown documented the search and is set to feature the moment of discovery, including footage of the first confirmation from drone imagery.

Key moments include the drone-confirmed identification of the wreck on the evening of June 2, with images showing the Pan Am insignia and the aircraft name.

Visual evidence showed a remarkably intact airframe, including landing gear and cabin windows, though surface erosion affected some markings.

More than 350,000 photos were taken of the wreck, which remains untouched and unrecovered, with memorial protections and no plans to exhume the site.