A new dive site in Bahrain, the world’s largest underwater park, is being developed, and will feature a rather extravagant attraction: a 70m-long sunken Boeing 747. The dive site is set to span 100,000m2. The development of the underwater park is an attempt to draw international divers to the Persian Gulf country and its waters.
In addition to the jumbo jet, the site will have artificial coral reefs, art sculptures and a replica of a Bahraini pearl merchant’s house. Artificial coral reefs have become a popular way of attracting visitors to certain dive sites. Adriana Humanes, a marine specialist, says, “As corals reefs in good health state become less abundant and divers become more skilled and experienced, artificial reefs have become popular alternatives used by governments and the tourism industry to attract visitors to certain areas of interest.”
Wreck diving such as this is an exciting and unique way to explore the underwater world. The downside is that over time, the materials will begin to erode, leaking heavy metals into the ocean and ultimately affecting the nearby marine life. “Corrosion will also lead to the subsequent loss of structural integrity, potentially affecting marine life living in the area or becoming a safety threat to visitor divers.” says Humanes.
The project is a result of the collaborative efforts of the Supreme Council for Environment, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and the country’s private sector. The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Agency confirms that the airoplane will be decontaminated with bio-friendly cleaning materials before being lowered into the water. All wires and mechanical structures will also be removed.
The underwater theme park is set to open in the Bahrain summer months later this year. This attraction is not the first of its kind. In 2016, Turkey lowered an Airbus off the Aegean coast to create an artificial reef. Florida boasts an underwater museum with statues and sculptures dotted around it for divers to marvel at.
Image: Pixabay
