Storm destroys wreckage of Lockheed plane in Gulf of Aqaba - gallery

A powerful storm destroyed the wreckage of a Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft that rests sunk as an artificial reef at the bottom of the Gulf of Aqaba in Jordan.

Bad news comes to us from the staff of the friendly Red Sea Dive Center Aqaba. The Gulf of Aqaba region was hit by a powerful storm that severely damaged the artificial reef created at the bottom of the bay. Various parts of the underwater installation suffered, but the wreck of a Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport plane was the most damaged by the storm.

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In recent months, the artificial reef created at the bottom of the Gulf of Aqaba has been very loud around the world. Stunning photographs by talented underwater photographers have not only been a delight, but have also convinced many people to visit this until recently not very popular diving destination. After all, who would not want to dive into the azure blue surrounded by a mass of magnificent wreckswhich were increasingly inhabited by local fauna and flora?

Unfortunately, the violent storms that hit the region simply tore to pieces one of the oldest and most popular underwater attractions in the Gulf of Aqaba. It is, of course, the wreck of the C-130 Hercules aircraft, which has been lying submerged at a depth of 18-20m for several years. The huge Lockheed is now well established on the seabed and has been overgrown by more and more soft corals.

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Painful loss

This is an even greater loss for the local diving community, but also a blow to the environment. The Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft was sunk with the aim of relieving coral reefs in the Red Sea. It was supposed to stimulate coral growth and increase the population of sea creatures. There is no shortage of places in the Gulf of Aqaba that are barren deserts, so the idea was received very enthusiastically.

Today, the wreck of the Hercules no longer bears any resemblance to the mighty vessel sunk as an underwater attraction. Because when confronted with the destructive forces of nature, the fuselage of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules was shredded to pieces. In turn, the wings of the plane sank to the bottom and it now looks as if it crashed here in a plane crash. Thanks to films and photographs, however, we will remember it as a very special artificial reef.

Although it is comforting to know that nature has time and aesthetic considerations are not a determinant for it. Undoubtedly, the flora and fauna of the Gulf of Aqaba will start colonising the plane wreck an ew and will certainly do so successfully. While for divers, the site will lose some of its luster and spectacularity. However, knowing the attitude of the local authorities, it will certainly in the near future make amends to everyone this loss.