Fighter jets sunk off Florida coast to form artificial reef

Two F101 Voodoo fighter jets have been gutted and sunk off Panama City Beach in Florida as part of an artificial reef in an effort to attract divers and fishermen.

Before being sunk on Friday of last week, the retired jets were on display at a downtown marina and local college.

Officials and local divers say the new artificial reef will attract all kinds of reef fish and will be a great experience for new divers because they aren’t too deep. Dive shop owner Patrick Green says that at 76 feet, the jets make for a perfect nonchallenging dive.

Boaters gathered to watch the sinking of the jets, honking and cheering as they were lifted off a barge and suspended above the water before sinking.

Prefabricated concrete reef modules were also sunk to help attract marine life to the area.

Source: www.mysuncoast.com