A research team from Purdue University, accompanied by terrestrial and maritime archaeologists, has officially arrived at Nikumaroro Island in the Republic of Kiribati. The expedition is focused on investigating a submerged object in the island's lagoon, often referred to as the 'Taraia Object,' which some researchers hypothesize could be the remains of Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Electra aircraft.
The mission, which received formal approval from the Kiribati government, involves a 17-person team conducting a detailed survey of the site. If the wreckage is positively identified, the team is prepared to initiate a full-scale archaeological excavation. Findings from the expedition are expected to be announced around October 16, 2026.