News
C-130 Hercules sunk in Aqaba to create new artificial reef
A C-130 Hercules military aircraft has been scuttled off Aqaba, Jordan to create a new artificial reef for divers in the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea.
The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, in cooperation with the Royal Jordanian Navy and the Aqaba Port Corporation, sank the plane today (November 16, 2017) approximately 300m off the coast.
The C-130 Hercules now lies at a depth of around 17m. Over time, it will become an artificial reef that attracts fish, coral and other marine species as well as divers from all over the world. The C-130 Hercules’s proximity to the M42 Duster tank wreck also makes it a premiere dive location in the Gulf of Aqaba.
Before the sinking, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority removed all fuel, oil, paint and hazardous materials from the aircraft in order to comply with environmental best practice. The aircraft was towed from the Royal Jordanian Air Force’s headquarters in Amman to Aqaba, to be repurposed for its new life as an artificial reef.
“The entire marine ecosystem benefits from creating an artificial reef like the C-130 Hercules,” said H.E. Mr. Sharhabeel Madi Commissioner of Tourism and Economic Affairs. “Whenever we are able to add a new structure like this, the whole area benefits from the added habitat and species diversity.”
A Scubaverse contributor attended today’s historic event alongside international media and dive operators so check back next week for more on this story.
Blogs
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News
Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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