Fishing vessel Chavdar sunk off Sozopol to create artificial reef and dive site

Built in 1964, the fishing vessel Chavdar was sunk to the seabed at a depth of 30 metres off the Black Sea town of Sozopol. The operation, which lasted about an hour, was initiated by writer Mihail Zaimov and his associates. The aim is to transform the ship into an artificial reef.

A cage from the Institute of Marine Biology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences has been installed on the vessel to facilitate black mussel research.

The ship will also be used by the Sozopol diving centre to train recreational divers.

President Rumen Radev observed the sinking and was among the first to dive to the 'Chavdar' after it reached the seabed.

Over 15 years ago, the "Pioner" was also sunk near Sozopol in a similar manner, marking the beginning of a long-term project to create artificial habitats for marine life and attractive sites for divers.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Posted in English by E. Radkova

Photos: BTA