A CROWDFUNDING project is being launched to help scuba divers on a mission to preserve a Second World War flying boat, which sank more than 75 years ago and is part of a unique heritage project.

Members of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) need £9,000 to buy a new engine for their boat, so they can keep diving on the Sunderland flying boat which sank off Pembroke Dock in 1940.

Divers from BSAC branch of the Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust (PDST) Dive Group are the only divers permitted to dive on or remove artefacts from the protected wreck, which has featured on both Channel 4’s Wreck Detectives and on BBC Wales.

They have spent almost a decade salvaging historic artefacts from the wreck, including the aircraft’s front gun turret’s machine gun, which are on display to the public at the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre.

Dives have had to be put on hold after the engine on the group’s rigid inflatable boat failed.

Now the divers, keen to get back diving on the wreck of the iconic seaplane, have launched a fundraising appeal in an effort to raise the £9,000 they need for a new outboard engine.

The Sunderland is one of only four such flying boats left in the world and the only surviving Mark 1 which saw operational service with the RAF in the Battle of the Atlantic Campaign.

The PDST Dive Group’s diving officer Nick Hammond, discovered the wreck in 1998.

“It’s an iconic aircraft which played a massive part in World War Two. It would be great if people could get behind the campaign so we can preserve her for future generations to see.”

The crowd funding appeal is being run by an honorary PDST Dive Group member Mark Pittman, 64, a retired RAF sergeant.

Mark, of Haverfordwest, said: “The BSAC members who make up the PDST Dive Group branch are really dedicated to the task of recovering and preserving the wreck of T9044.

“They do dive at other sites but the majority of what they do concerns Pembroke Dock’s Sunderland flying boat.

“I have set up a crowd funding appeal complete with video. We are looking at any individual or business who can help in any way.

“The divers are really enthusiastic and dedicated to their work on the wreck. If we can possibly recover the rear turret and another one of her engines that would be amazing.”

To learn more about Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust Dive Group, visit www.pdstdivegroup.co.uk