British Sea Harriers are formidable jet fighters known for their vertical take-off and landing capabilities. In 1983, these aptitudes would make international news during one of the most spectacular emergency landings in recent history. During a routine training exercise, Sub-Lieutenant Ian Watson, a young 25-year-old pilot flying the 7-million-dollar aircraft, became lost in the middle of the sea. His navigation systems malfunctioned, and his radio wasn’t able to reach base. Desperate, the pilot began an ardent physical search for the carrier. After traveling tens of miles with no results, Watson realized he was running out of time, as his fuel tanks were almost empty.Knowing he had few options left, the pilot made peace with the possibility of ejecting from the plane and letting the precious jet sink to the bottom of the sea. But just as his meter marked that he had fuel for less than a minute of flying time, Watson spotted a small Spanish cargo ship. This would be the only chance he would have to save the Sea Harrier and himself from a guaranteed demise.The space on the ship’s deck was reduced by the various containers it carried, and Watson would have to land on top of them. The maneuver was perilous, the results were caught on camera, and the incident caused an international scandal…