Bid to Sink the Ark Royal in Torbay
A pair of marine enthusiasts in Torbay are setting their sights on acquiring the HMS Ark Royal and turning into an artificial reef- targeting the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games as the date for its submergence.
James Doddrell and Michael Byfield beleive that this would be a fitting way for the old war vessel to meet it's end as it would provide life to marine animals and to the British tourist industry.
Michael Byfield says the Bay needs to be prepared and warns of problems unless they get behind the project.
They say that given the ship's place in British heritage, it would be a win-win situation for all involved and have even suggested that the sinking of it would be a revolutionary end to the 2012 Olympic Games which would eclipse anything that has gone before.
It wouldn't be the first time that this kind of thing has happened. In 2004 the HMS Scylla was laid to rest in Plymouth and generated £30million from it's submergence over five years and has become home to over two hundred and fifty species of marine life.
Benefits would include:
- Millions of pounds to be made from tourism and marine conservation
- Long term job opportunities
- Legacy for the HMS Ark Royal
To find out more about the project and to get involved
email: arkroyalreef@hotmail.co.uk
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