Retired Boeing Becomes Artificial Reef in Georgia Strait

A retired Boeing 737-200 aircraft has been transformed into an artificial reef in the Georgia Strait, Canada. The plane was deliberately sunk on January 14, 2006, after nearly four years of preparation and decontamination.

The Boeing 737-200 had accumulated over 73,000 flight hours before being retired due to age and structural issues. It was manufactured in 1975 and served in the fleets of Pacific Western Airlines, Canadian Airlines, and Air Canada.

Before its sinking, the aircraft underwent significant modifications, including the removal of grease, thermal insulation, and other pollution-inducing materials. The surfaces were also cleaned, and openings were made in the fuselage to encourage colonization by marine organisms.