Europe’s first artificial reef created in Plymouth

A decommissioned warship has been sunk to create the first artificial haven for divers.

The HMS Scylla, which took part in the Falklands War was retired from active service in 1993 and has been at Plymouth port ever since.

Now, the frigate, which weighs 2,500 and is 270 ft long, will be back in action – albeit this time as a man-made wreck that is hoped to attract divers from all over the world.

The ship was sent to the seabed in just four minutes by a number of explosions on 27 March.

HMS Scylla is owned by the National Marine Aquarium (NMA), which organised the sinking of the ship to an optimal diving depth of 25m.

Melanie Cowie, manager of the NMA, said: “Placing Scylla was a great success, which was viewed by thousands of spectators at Whitsand. We hope that her success will continue into the next phase of her life as a world-renowned diving site.”

Royal Navy divers immediately checked Scylla and issued a 48-hour stay-away recommendation after finding a number of air pockets.

Cowie said: “The Royal Navy’s safety recommendations are entirely sensible and we ask all divers to keep clear of the wreck until 5pm 29 March. After we get the green light, Scylla will be open for decades to enjoy.”

The team behind the project estimate that the attraction will generate around £1m a year to the local economy.