In 2017, Jordan sank a 100-foot C-130 Hercules cargo plane off Aqaba; marine life has been colonizing it ever since
A retired Jordanian C-130 Hercules plane was intentionally sunk offshore Aqaba. This created an artificial reef to foster marine life and coral growth. Studies show artificial reefs increase fish species diversity and invertebrate biomass. Marine life quickly colonizes these structures for habitat and protection. A storm later broke the plane, altering its underwater appearance.