Diver explores the Boeing 747 sunk off Bahrain

Incredible footage shows an intrepid diver exploring the Boeing 747 that was sunk to form part of the world’s largest underwater theme park

  • The decommissioned aircraft will be the centrepiece of the world’s largest underwater theme park 
  • The park is set to open in August and will span at least 100,000 square metres (over one million square feet)
  • The clip shows the diver swimming around the wreck before entering the interior via a door 

The Boeing 747 that was towed out to sea off the coast of Bahrain to form an artificial reef has been successfully submerged and is now in position.

And captivating footage has surfaced showing an intrepid diver exploring it. 

The Boeing 747 has been submerged to a depth of 20 metres (65.6 feet) to form part for the world’s biggest underwater theme park. The clip shows the diver swimming around the wreck before entering the interior via a door.

Captivating footage has surfaced showing an intrepid diver exploring the Boeing 747 that was recently submerged to a depth of 20 metres (65.6 feet) to form part of the world’s biggest underwater theme park

The clip shows the diver swimming around the aircraft wreck before entering the interior

All of the interiors have been stripped out, with only the aluminium shell remaining.

The diver swims to the flight deck and along one of the wings, as shoals of fish dart in and out of the fuselage.

The 70-metre-long (229 feet) decommissioned Boeing 747 is the centrepiece of the theme park, which will span at least 100,000 square metres (over one million square feet). 

The attraction is set to open in August and is located off the north coast of mainland Bahrain, 18 miles (30km) from the Amwaj islands.

In addition to the plane, the diving attraction will also feature a 900-square-metre (9,687-square-foot) replica of a traditional pearl merchant’s house, artificial coral reefs and colourful sculptures. 

All of the interiors have been stripped out, with only the aluminium shell remaining

The 70-metre long (229 feet) decommissioned Boeing 747 will be the centrepiece of the underwater theme park, which will span at least 100,000 square metres (over one million square feet)

The diver swims towards the cockpit and its stripped out instrument panel

Fish are seen swimming around the aircraft. The archipelago’s tourism agency says the underwater park will be a safe haven for coral reef growth and habitat for marine life

The archipelago’s tourism agency emphasises that the project is eco-friendly.

It has stressed that the park’s features will all be made from green materials, providing a safe haven for coral reef growth and habitat for marine life. 

The project is to incorporate 12-metre (39ft) wind towers planted on the seabed, which it is hoped will promote the development of coral nurseries. 

Bahrain’s traditional corals have suffered from extensive damage and bleaching in recent decades.

The incorporation of a replica pearl merchant’s house is a nod to the kingdom’s huge oyster population and its pearl diving history. 

This legacy is also reflected in the theme park’s site – it is to be developed next to one of the Unesco World Heritage Sites in Bahrain – The Pearl Trail.

The Boeing 747 was tugged into position earlier this month, with large buoyancy aids keeping it afloat 

The plane was specially prepared prior to its descent to the bottom of the Persian Gulf to guard against corrosion

The plane pictured during its journey from land to sea, which made global news 

Meanwhile, the plane was specially prepared prior to its descent to the bottom of the Persian Gulf to guard against corrosion.

To help preserve the marine environment all potentially toxic substances – including wires, fuel systems, adhesive, plastic, rubber and chemical materials – were removed. 

Commenting on the unique project, Bahrain’s minister for industry, commerce and tourism, HE Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, said: ‘We are proud to launch this unique eco-friendly project in partnership with local diving companies, the Supreme Council for Environment and the private sector. 

‘The new theme park will undoubtedly emerge as a global tourist attraction. 

‘The world-class project covers an extensive area, and will provide an unforgettable experience for both tourists and diving enthusiasts alike.’ 

 

Source: Read Full Article