After more than eight decades, the enigmatic fate of a Finnish passenger plane that was shot down by Soviet bombers over the Baltic Sea during World War II seems to have finally been unraveled. The discovery of well-preserved parts and debris from the downed aircraft has provided long-awaited answers to the historical puzzle.

The incident occurred in June 1940, just days before the Soviet Union annexed the Baltic states. The Finnish carrier Aero, now known as Finnair, was operating a Junkers Ju 52 passenger plane named Kaleva, which was carrying American and French diplomatic couriers. Tragically, all nine people on board perished, including the two Finnish crew members and the seven passengers from various nationalities.

A diving and salvage team in Estonia recently announced their success in locating the wreckage of the aircraft. The well-preserved parts were found at a depth of approximately 70 meters (230 feet) near the small island of Keri, close to Estonia's capital, Tallinn. The Estonian company, Tuukritoode OU, credited their achievement to a fresh approach to the search.

The downing of Kaleva sent shockwaves through international diplomatic circles. The incident was particularly remarkable as it occurred during peacetime and on a regular scheduled flight. Finland, wary of provoking Moscow, chose to keep the details of the incident secret for many years, only acknowledging a "mysterious crash" over the Baltic Sea.

The discovery of the aircraft's remains sheds light on Finland's complex history during World War II and its strained relationship with the Soviet Union. Moreover, the timing of the plane's destruction, just before the Soviet Union's annexation of the Baltic states, highlights the critical juncture in the region's history.

Among the victims was American diplomat Henry W. Antheil Jr., who is now recognized as one of the first casualties of the Second World War. Antheil was carrying sensitive diplomatic pouches on his mission to evacuate U.S. missions in Tallinn and Riga, Latvia, amidst Soviet preparations to absorb the Baltic nations.

The potential significance of the plane's cargo and the retrieval of debris by a Soviet submarine have given rise to conspiracy theories. The precise reason behind the Soviet Union's decision to shoot down a civilian Finnish passenger plane during peacetime remains unclear. Speculation regarding sensitive materials and documents exiting Estonia has been rampant, but some suggest it may have simply been a mistake by the Soviet bomber pilots.

Multiple attempts to locate the wreckage of Kaleva have been made over the years since Estonia gained independence, but none were successful until now. The challenging seabed terrain, including rock formations and valleys, made the search difficult. However, advancements in technology and the use of underwater robots allowed the Estonian diving team to capture clear images of the airplane's landing gear, motor, and fragments of its wings.

The finding of Kaleva's wreckage brings a sense of closure to a decades-old mystery, providing insight into an important chapter of Finland's history and the turbulent geopolitical landscape of the time. The tragic event remains a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II and offers an opportunity for deeper reflection on the consequences of historical events.