Catalina Society thanks locals for help in Loch Ness rescue mission for WWII Miss Pick Up seaplane
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THE Catalina Society has thanked locals for their help in rescuing the last flying WWII seaplane in the UK from Loch Ness.
In a meticulously planned manoeuvre, Miss Pick Up was taken from her mooring on a buoy in the middle of the loch and lifted out of the water by a crane.
The 10-tonne 32-metre wingspan plane has been taken to a nearby workshop for an engine change – before attempting a flight between the loch and Inverness Airport.
A gofundme support page has been set up asking for donations of £29,400 to pay for the work required for the seaplane.
Once at Inverness Airport, final checks to Miss Pick Up will be made, before she returns to her home at the historic Duxford Airfield.
Volunteer pilot, Matt Dearden, from The Catalina Society, said: “The response from everyone has been amazing. Thank you to everyone who helped.
“The operation was delicate and difficult and the cost was more than £13,000. Three volunteers and an engineer will undertake the work.”
Related: Unexpected sighting makes waves in Loch Ness
