A retired Boeing 747 was recently sunk to become an artificial reef off the coast of Bahrain, where it will rest at around 24 meters/79 feet below the surface to allow novice divers access to the aircraft at shallower depths.
The 70-meter/230-foot-long aircraft will be the centerpiece of the largest underwater theme park in the world, which will total 100,000 square miles/259,000 square kilometers and include a replica of a traditional Bahraini pearl merchant’s house, artificial coral reefs, and sculptures made from eco-friendly materials.
Additionally, the sunken Jumbo Jet and other attractions will provide shelter for fish and marine life, and promote the importance of conservation in the region. The plane itself has been subject to a rigorous decontamination process, which has lasted several months. The park will open this summer and is located 30 kilometers/19 miles north of the Amwaj Islands.
Spearheaded by DiveBahrain, the underwater park will include a site-specific PADI distinctive specialty course once it’s officially opened this summer.
For more info, check out the PADI Pros Blog.
(Photo credits: PADI)
