They sank an Mi-2 helicopter in a lake

In the Biała Lake, near Lublin, a group of divers sunk a specially prepared for this purpose Mi-2 helicopter fuselage. The wreck rested in the middle of the lake, where it will be a tourist attraction for divers visiting the place and a training ground for diving groups such as the fire brigade. The whole project was a joint initiative of the Scuba Extreme diving centre from Lublin and the University of Life Sciences in Biała Podlaska.

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Photo gallery of the sinking of the helicopter

On February 19, 2012, taking advantage of the conditions created by strong frosts, the helicopter was transported over the ice to its resting place and sunk in a specially prepared hollow. According to Piotr Tokarski from the Scuba Extreme diving centre in Lublin, the helicopter was specially prepared before it sank to the bottom.

“The fuselage of Mi-2, was cleaned in Świdnik of all elements that could pose a threat to divers and the environment

However, this is only the first part of the operation of placing the machine under water, because in spring, it is planned to lift it and place it on a specially prepared platform. This will further improve safety and facilitate diving.

The Mi-2 has been marked on the map and on the lake with a special buoy. Together with the sunken yacht, it will be the biggest underwater attraction in the area. The State Higher School in Biała Podlaska applied for permission to sink it last year.

The whole situation caused a real wave of indignation among the local community. A lot of negative comments appeared on the Internet, and complaints started to pour in to the authorities. The civic attitude is praiseworthy, if… it was supported by proper knowledge. The organisers of the action obviously had all the permits and the blessing of the authorities. However, a whole campaign in all local media was needed to calm down the home-grown environmentalists.

It has been known for some time that the controlled dumping of anything that might be an underwater attraction for divers is being carried out all over the world. From boats, through cars, tanks, planes to underground cars and huge aircraft carriers. However, the magnet for the diver-tourist is only one of the advantages of having an artificial reef. The local fauna and flora very quickly appreciate the sunken objects and make them sources teeming with life. One dive on such a wreck is enough to see that it provides shelter and habitat for many species.

The wreck of the helicopter settled at a depth of 20m, so there is no question of it posing a threat to tourists or anglers resting in the area. The latter can only be annoyed by the fact that a fish hidden inside the Mi-2 will be much harder to tempt with a hook.

Source and Photo: Scuba Extreme Diving Centre