45 Things That Now Lie Hidden Beneath Deep Murky Water
By Jo A
There has always been something about the deep blue waters that frighten, intrigues, or downright mesmerizes most of us mere mortals. For some, seeing the iconic film Jaws brought on a never before felt fear of the ocean and everything that swims dangerously below the surface, while for others, Jacques Custeau’s love of all things maritime grew into a fascination with anything water-related. For many of us, there’s either a love of the treasures found deep down below the surface, and for the rest, there’s a fear of the unknown, whether that fear might be rational or not. The thought of swimming off the coast of Spain and seeing a statue of Neptune rising out of the water leaves most of us awestruck. For others, it’s the history of the Titanic that still lays beneath murky waters, more than 100 years after it sank that triggers something deep within. Whether it’s fear or curiosity, take a moment and check out these amazing finds and decide for yourself if you would be keen to go deep sea diving, or if you, like us, would rather lie poolside sipping a cold beverage. No judgments either way. To each his own.
Need a Hand?
Lorenzo Quinn’s humongous hand sculpture in Venice, Italy, is definitely a statement piece. The sculpture is aptly named “Support” and shouldn’t be missed when visiting the area. The idea behind the hands, according to experts, is it reflects man’s ability to destroy the globe while also having the ability to ensure the world’s continuation at the same time. If that isn’t a lesson about the duality present in all things, we don’t know what is.
Installed in 2017, it’s been regularly featured in the media ever since and most tourists to the area make sure that they get the perfect photo of this amazing site for the ‘gram. Quinn, the artist, developed the much talked about art piece with the aid of the Halcyon Gallery in London, yet it was built in Barcelona, Spain, before being placed in the canals of Italy as its final home.
Good Luck Finding This Street on the Map
Yeah, finding this address might be hard for some folk. French Street in Lumberton, Texas, after a recent hurricane, was fully submerged underwater. It is not hard to understand why this area has been renamed ‘Flash Flood Alley. The more insane part of the story is that this unfortunately was not the work of a once-in-a-century kind of storm, and violent weather phenomena seem to be on the rise all across the planet.
This particular image was taken in 2017, but a simple web search shows that this has happened at various times over the past years. Some useful trivia is that it takes about 40 inches of nonstop rain to achieve this level of submersion as seen on the now-infamous French Street. Researching this state, we were saddened to learn that flooding is the primary cause of death due to extreme weather. Here’s hoping this city manages to better prepare for the elements in the future.
Boat or Island? You decide
We’re not sure what to make of this image. We see it’s a boat grounded in the middle of nowhere with trees growing out of it. This boat has turned into some sort of makeshift island, and the creator just might be on to something, as we predict this as some kind of eco tourism future trend. To be honest, it is just an abandoned boat wreck that, over the years managed to morph into a patch of floating vegetation. Nature really does always find a way to survive in the most extreme locations.
The more amazing fact is that the creator of this vision is none other than Mother Nature herself. This took some 50 years to get to this point. Believe it or not, during WWII, Dutch Marines actually hid their ships from enemy planes using foliage for camoflauge. They figured that turning their naval ship into an unassuming island would help them remain safe, and we can only hope that it did.
This is One Way to Handle a Drought
Sure, it looks like a swimming pool design that has gone horribly, horribly wrong, but this was in fact planned and built like this for a very important reason. It’s also not a swimming pool at all, but rather a reservoir to preserve water during droughts. This particular reservoir is located in Emmendingen, Germany, and is quite successful at routing water during times of need.
We get that this design is functional and intentional, but still, it gives us goosebumps. We still can’t help but let our imagination run wild and think of a bad horror flick with teens meeting up there late at night and things going terribly wrong when some kind of mysterious and terrifying water monster rises from the depths and, well, you know, how that would end. Come to think of it; it might be the next big blockbuster we just thought of. Calling a big deal Hollywood agent while we write this.
Not Sure What the Artist Had in Mind
J. Seward Johnson’s unique and somewhat freaky sculpture, The Awakening, can be found at National Harbor. The much-buzzed-about art piece is a must-see when heading to Washington D.C. The statue measures 72 feet and shows a giant man-like creature seeking to claw his way out from the deep dark waters he was submerged in.
The art is made of aluminum and was installed in the harbor in 2008. It’s definitely up to the viewer to determine what the artist intended, but either way, it shouldn’t be missed when visiting the area. We feel that it is important to mention that the area is full of other outdoor art installations that visitors are allowed to touch and admire up close and personal.
Egypt’s Deep, Dark Treasures
Imagine the excitement and sense of awe and wonder that the divers that came across this beauty must have felt the first time they caught a glipse of her. Thonis-Heracleion was at one time in the long and ancient history of Egypt, its main trading port. The city was originally located on the Nile and was a major stopping point for merchants and visitors to what would later become known as modern-day Alexandria.
This treasure buried deep beneath the surface is Hapi, the fertility god. The divers couldn’t believe their luck when they came across temples, antique money, statues, and jewels in the area, all submerged below the surface of the waters. The city was discovered in 2000, 1300 years after it became immersed. Archeologists, needless to say, were thrilled to discover this long-lost and treasure-filled ancient city.
Nothing Goes to Waste
Much like bell-bottoms and flower-covered VW vans, subway cars can also become outdated and replaced with newer and more modern versions. We were surprised to learn that when subway cars are no longer in use, they aren’t sent to some metal scrap yard as we would have assumed. Nope, they are given a new purpose in life, well, sort of anyway. At last count, some 2,500 older model subways found a new home and important role to play.
Their new home, though, is at the bottom of the ocean! Yep, that’s right; they’re discarded in deep waters. Many were dropped off in New Jersey, Maryland, South Caroline, and Georgia, amongst other locales. Whoa, calm down all you naysayers out there. The metal equipment is stripped of all toxic paints and other hazards and is totally safe for the environment and makes a sheltered new home for many fish and other sea creatures and plants.
Beware: Water Filled Tunnel
These images are a bit off-putting and phobia inducing. Even more so because it’s an underwater tunnel intended for motorists. The fact that the tunnel was built for driving and still has water pouring in it, had us wondering who thought this one up. The tunnel is the Baltimore Tunnel and is made up of two-way traffic and is between 50-100 feet underwater. The road is used regularly by local commuters, and we’re just thinking about how it would feel during peak traffic hours, to be stuck in gridlock and watching water pour in… hard pass and no thanks!
This image is not an unusual sight for the locals who use the tunnel regularly. Water regularly flows onto the driving lanes, and most drivers are adept at navigating the water-filled lanes. Slow and steady driving is required normally, and in this tunnel, even more attention and care is needed. Drivers, pay attention and drive with caution.
A Bit Too Life Like
Even the biggest fans of the “Jaws‘ films would flinch if they came face to face with this menacing grin while out for a swim. Thankfully, this bad boy is just a prop, made for a film, but it still caused us to flinch when first seeing it. Jaws was released in 1975 and became an instant blockbuster. Many moviegoers admitted to being terrified of the ocean after seeing the film. Some of our staff, who were around to see the movie way back when admitted it was a groundbreaking film and terrified them to the core.
The film was directed by then-newbie director Steven Spielberg and his career catapulted to superstardom thanks to ‘Jaws.’ Universal Studios realized the popularity of the film, and they went ahead and created one of the most popular rides in the amusement park to be enjoyed on their iconic tour trams. We’re still just glad to know that this underwater monster is a prop and not a long lost pre- historic mega shark species.
This Organization Needed an HR Team
We’re envisioning the hiring process at Silver Islet. For those who aren’t aware, Silver Islet is a relatively small island near Ontario, Canada. It was home to one of the most lucrative silver mines on the globe. Sure, it shut down in 1884, and we’re pretty sure we know the reason for that. Maybe it is the fact that the mine was located underwater, and the staff they hired weren’t notified about this minor fact until they were welcomed on the job.
As you can well imagine, the majority of the new hires left upon seeing where the mine was located, but those brave workers who remained were in for an adventure. The area boasted huge quantities of pure silver found in 1868, thanks to the Montreal Mining Company. The area was developed over the years, and a mining town was soon erected close to the site. The mines operated for more than 16 years, and it shut down in 1884, after over 3 million dollars worth of silver were successfully mined.
Italy’s Ghost Towns
Long before “ghosting” was a term of an insensitive thing to do to people, ghost villages were a real thing, and many places around the world are reported to be haunted by the souls of those who passed there unable to find peace. To better understand the concept, take a look at the picture of an Italian town below. It’s not the only ghost village in Italy, there’s actually a tour of ghost towns that are located around the country, and their popularity is rising. It’s a great way to see how life in the boot-shaped country once was, and it’s an eye-opening experience.
This submerged village can be found in Tuscany. It dates back to the 12th century and is known as Fabbrice di Carregine. The village was a vibrant community up until 1946, when it became submerged after a massive flood. Every few years, the lake is drained in the area, allowing the village to resurface. We suggest checking this area out while sipping some vino in Italy.
Just Another Day in the Mines
Mining has got to be one of the most arduous and dangerous jobs out there; no one is debating that. It’s a given that the job usually consists of working upwards of 12 hours per day and is mostly done in the darkest of surroundings, deep underground. Check out this partially submerged coal mine. It makes us cringe just thinking that someone was subjected to working here day in and day out for long periods of time.
Nowadays in the tech industry, we certainly take for granted the perks we have on the job today. Break rooms and coffee stations are the most basic things we take for granted, but what about employers like Google? Can you fathom a Google employee working even one day in these dangerous conditions? Hallelujah to state regulators and workers’ rights. Amen, people!
We Guess Those Seats Really Didn’t Turn Into Flotation Devices
Wow, just look at this submerged aircraft. If not for the diver, you can barely tell it’s underwater. What’s odd is that the plane appears to be totally intact and seems to be waiting for the passengers to board for a flight to some exotic destination. There sure does seem to be a lot of space between the seats, which has us thinking this was downed long before low-cost travel became an unfortunate thing.
Seeing this image does make us take a mental note to pay more attention next time we travel, and when the flight attendant starts her safety lecture. We wish we knew the reason why this plane found its demise underwater. If anyone recognizes this, we’re happy to hear more details. Till then, we’ll just assume the inflight movie was Poseidon Adventure.
Burying Our Heads in the Sand
Next time you find yourself in Cancun, make sure to visit the Punta Nizuc Museum. It’s a treat for the eyes and the mind. The museum tour is as educational as it is enjoyable and is a must when in the area. The museum’s focus on protecting the reefs and the ocean is to be admired as much as the visions one comes across while on the tour. One thing that you need to know before going though, is that flippers and an oxygen supply are needed, as the word we omitted from the museum’s name is “underwater”.
Everyone knows that Cancun is famous for its coastlines and party atmosphere, but this bit of culture shouldn’t be overlooked. The museum has more than 500 underwater statues that must be seen to be believed. The museum was opened in 2009 with the purpose of attracting marine life to artificial reefs in the area, and bringing attention to the conservation of the ocean.
Dinosaur Lovers, Pay Attention!
This image is for the budding paleontologist in us that is just dying to get out. When Jurrasic Park ruled the box office, kids everywhere were dreaming of becoming archeologists and digging up long-lost pre-historic creatures. Oh, and let’s not forget Ross Geller from ‘Friends‘ who made being a geeky paleontologist ultra-cool. Now imagine walking along the French beaches and seeing this on your stroll.
The official name is Serpent D’Océan, and it’s located in Saint-Brevin-Les-Pins, France. This art installation is made entirely out of aluminum and is meant to be a Chinese mythological dragon. It is the creation of French/Chinese artist Huang Yong Ping and was completed in 2012. The artist was making an environmental statement to bring attention to man’s mishandling of the ocean and all its’ creatures.
Stephen White’s Holland Island
This image at first glance, seems to be a painting, the tractor on the water, and deserted scene seem unimaginable, but in reality, it’s an actual terrain. The location of this haunting structure can be seen on Holland Island, in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. The area was once home to farmers and fishermen but is now abandoned and damaged after years of neglect. The area is slowly but surely disappearing due to rising water levels in the area.
The house in the image is appropriately named ‘The Last House’ and is currently owned by Stephen White. He bought the residence for only $70,000 in the hopes of preserving the structure and ended up creating the Holland Island Preservation Foundation. Until 1914, Holland Island was a bustling town of merchants, visitors, and a local post office. Due to rising shorelines, the only house remaining is this solitary structure, making the image even more haunting.
Another Shipwreck in Lake Superior
We aren’t exactly sure why Lake Superior is the final resting place of many underwater ships and vessels. It’s been rumored that the lake contains over 350 sunk vessels, yet most haven’t even been found. Many believe that due to the fact that there are no harbors in the area, challenging to navigate water currents, and extreme weather conditions throughout the year, many ships and boats simply never make it to their destination. This could explain the underwater graveyard that has accumulated there over the years.
Just take a look at the eerie image this underwater photographer managed to take. It’s almost as if we can imagine life aboard this cozy ship before it sank. Amazing details and intact furniture makes it seem that it’s caught in some sort of time warp just waiting to be set free.
History Lives On
The Axis Alliance was comprised of Italy, Japan, and Germany. These nations understood Germany’s power during WWII and her control over the region of the Mediterranean. U-boats were an integral part of this alliance. They were used to prevent US ships from bringing much-needed supplies to Europe to boost the war effort. The U ironically really does stand for ‘underwater’ when it came to these particular vessels.
It has been reported that nearly 3000 u-boats were used during WWII. It’s hard to imagine that only four of these boats remain, while some 50 others remain yet to be accounted for. This u-505 submarine can be seen at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. The tales surrounding the u-boat are vast, and it’s not surprising that so many books and movies have been made about these notorious stealth sea vessels.
One Sad Wet Roller Coaster
Hurricane Sandy slammed into the East Coast of the United States in 2012. The Jersey Shore was hit particularly hard, and the damages were astounding. For those who don’t know, the Jersey Shore is more than the home to a cheesy reality show of stereotypical people; it’s a popular beach town in New Jersey. The area boasts a famous boardwalk and amusement park that was also damaged during the hurricane.
It’s been well over a decade since the violent hurricane, and most of the damage has long been repaired. One victim hard hit was the iconic Jet Star roller coaster, which found itself underwater after the hurricane passed through the beach town. The damaged coaster remained in the water for some seven months after the storm, before rebuilding the area took place. The roller coaster has been replaced by a newer version as of 2017 and millions of dollars have been spent in repairs.
This is No Yellow Submarine
Before one is ready to work on a submarine, much training is required and done. Training and simulations aren’t carried out on actual subs though, rather they are carried out in specially designed towers made for this exact purpose. The first such tower was built more than 70 years ago in the UK called the Gosport. Training required submerging the trainees in a tank of water that was at least 100 feet deep while using breathing equipment. This was done to give the diver the feeling that they were really deployed to a submarine deep underwater. We think its probably similar to the grueling training astronauts do before getting to ride in a space shuttle.
The Gosport training center was closed down in January 2020. The historic facility has since been replaced by the newer and more advanced SubMarine Escape Rescue Abandonment and Survival Training Facility aka SMERAS TF. The staff from The Gosport have all moved to the new facility as well. We would love to take a look at the new training facilities in SMERAS TF, they must be next level, and even more challenging for trainees.
King of the World at the Bottom of the Ocean
No one will ever forget Leonardo DiCaprio standing on the bow of the most famous ship in the world. He stood there with his arms spread out , shouting ‘I’m the king of the world,’ and even though we knew how it would end, we still hoped and prayed against all odds that he’d survive. Alas, unlike a fairy tale, there was no happy ending for most of those traveling on that now infamous, and supposedly “unsinkable” ship on its maiden voyage across the Atlantic.
The Titanic sank in 1912, it’s in the history books, and many films have been made; we get that. Many experts believe that we only have a few years left to view the remnants, which some predict will disappear forever by 2030. Some specialists have stated that the bacteria in the water will cause the ship to fully disolve within the next few years. Let’s hope that there is a way to lift up what remains of her left on the ocean floor and have her preserved in a museum where she truly belongs.
The World Discoverer Sadly No Longer Discovers
Before it became a sad state of affairs, this once impressive cruise ship was proudly named The World Discoverer. The ship was designed in Germany by Schichau Unterwese. The stately ship cruised French Polynesia, Antarctica, and the waters around Argentina. All that came to an abrupt and unexpected end in the Spring of 2000 when the cruise liner was in the Solomon Islands and hit a reef that caused to ship to become immobilized.
Thankfully, there were no casualties, and all the passengers were safely taken ashore, unlike the doomed Titanic in 1912. The ship was never moved, and to this very day, remains in the waters where it became un-sailable in the region of the Ngeela Islands. The shipwreck is now a macabre tourist destination in an otherwise exotic and pristine locale.
Let the Games Begin!
This impressive work of art was created in honor of Australia’s Riot Games. The artificial reef was made to mirror the characters in the popular video game. It’s believed that over 42,000 contestants completed the games and have had their names engraved on the reef for posterity. The reef is situated east of the wreck titled ‘Rock Driller’ in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
For those, like many of our staff, who don’t know what the Riot Game is, here goes. Riot Games aka ‘League of Legends’ is a video game that was first launched in 2009 and became insanely popular. So popular that statues have been erected in its honor. At one point in 2013, the game boasted the most players by count. We hope this clarifies the situation for those who never heard the term ‘Riot Games’ before today.
Beware the Wrath of Neptune
This is for the Greek mythology lovers out there. This impressive statue of Neptune protruding from the water can be found in Spain. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, this Greek God can be seen from the beaches and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Depending on weather conditions, the waves breaking on the statue have an awe-provoking effect that leaves one speechless and mesmerized.
The statue is the creation of talented sculptor Luis Arencibia and is made entirely out of bronze. Legend says Neptune is standing guard, protecting the picturesque island. This statue is situated on the Melenara shoreline and, while appearing ominous to some, and protecting to others, stands in what is considered a mostly peaceful town.
An Environmentalist’s Worst Nightmare
It is safe to say that every environmentalist seeing this image is rolling their eyes and shouting at their screen. This oil rig weighing in at an impressive 17,000-tons was left stranded in 2016 when weather conditions made it impossible to tow. This rig was supposed to end up in Malta, but the towline broke and leaving the crew in need of rescue and evacuation from the stranded rig.
The rig, as you can imagine, contained nearly 300 tons of diesel fuel, and some 80 liters managed to make their way into the surrounding waters before the flow was able to be plugged. Local environmental agencies, as well as the Coastguard and Marines immediately initialed water testing to monitor the amounts of oil in the water.
More Pandemic Victims
The recent global pandemic claimed more than just human lives; it also destroyed businesses and many industries and took away people’s way of making a living. One such industry that was terribly affected was the shipping industry, whether freight or travel. The cruise ship industry was hard hit during Covid 19, and this image illustrates the damages so perfectly. This abandoned cruise ship hasn’t left the dock since March 2020. It has been stripped of anything useful, nothing but a bare metal skeleton of it was left.
Metal yards had a hard time keeping up with the need for bits and pieces from abandoned ships. Due to spacing issues, many cruise ships were left just sitting in harbors in Greece, just waiting to be picked clean for parts. It was a sad state of affairs when luxury cruise ships were left to become nothing more than hunks of metal rotting in the sea.
Toxic Waste or Natural Wonder, We’re Not Sure
Okay, we’ll admit it, it’s a beautiful image. But, always remember a picture is worth a thousand words, and that’s exactly the case here. This snapshot looks heavenly and serene, but all is not as it appears. This is Geamăna, a beautiful village in the Carpathian mountains in Romania. Yet, it’s also the home of a toxic disaster of immense proportions. The water in the image we’re viewing is full of cyanide, copper, and other toxic waste that’s a health hazard too big for us to even comprehend.
The village boasted some 400 families in 1978 when all hell broke loose. The families that had called this place home, were transported and relocated more than 100km away. The government, led by Communist Nicolae Ceausescu, emptied the village to make room for the toxic dumping ground he needed, thanks to the nearby copper mine. It is estimated that close to 30 million tons of toxic waste have been dumped from here since1978.
We Prefer Yachts to Cargo Ships
Yeah, we’re thinking a three-day Below Deck-style cruise in the Mediterranean or Caribbean would be much more appealing than this option. We’re still wondering if these are staff or stowaways on this cargo ship. We get that it’s a great shot that leaves much to the imagination. We’re also seriously trying to understand how you get back on board the ship once the thrill of a quick dip in the ocean has worn off. We also shudder to think about the sharks, whales, and other sea creatures that lie waiting for these guys right below the surface.
We’re figuring it’s a staff-approved break, especially because the swimmers have on swimming trunks. I guess we think of cargo freighters as more business only, getting from Port A to Port B in the fastest time possible, but we are glad to see the other side of things. It only makes sense that the crew would also be in need of a break after making what is sure to have been a long journey.
Volvo on the Rocks
We’re not sure where in the world this image was taken. All we know for sure is that this Volvo 850 was found submerged in a lake that was frozen over and it hasn’t been disturbed in several years. It’s been rumored that a tragic car accident occurred in the area but that the driver was luckily rescued.
We found this image on a social media site that had gone viral. The image sparked a lot of rumors and theories. It’s a talking point; we get it. We like that it may even one day become an urban legend. We do wish we had some more facts to be able to give an opinion either way, but for now, we’ll leave this here in hopes that more details will come to light, including where exactly this car is located.
Underwater Church
Try to envision this scenario; it’s 2008, fishermen are going about their daily routine, trying to catch some seafood to sell. All of a sudden, they come upon a church cross protruding from the lake. Seems unlikely, we know. Well, this is exactly what happened, and it happened in Tachira, Venezuela. Under the cross, the entire church was found intact, totally submerged underwater. Sadly this wasn’t a natural disaster but rather a human decision that submerged the Church of Potosi and the area around it.
In 1985 the city of Potosi was intentionally flooded due to the building of a damn nearby. The town’s residents were moved to neighboring areas, and the town was then flooded. What’s even more surprising is that this isn’t so uncommon. In St. Thomas, Nevada, the same flooding was implemented to solve drainage issues, and the town is now submerged deep down under what is now, Lake Mead.
Naval Mines Are Still a Thing
Princess Diana brought the issue of land mines to the forefront. The media couldn’t get enough of her, and she brought much-needed world attention to the danger of land mines. The same can’t be said for naval mines, which apparently still exist. For those less knowledgeable, naval mines are explosive devices that are found in the oceans. They were used to attack approaching vessels. It’s not surprising, or maybe it is, that some countries still use this form of weapon.
Many countries and governments also employ minesweepers to find and destroy naval mines in various bodies of water. According to international law, anyone employing naval mines is obligated to disclose their whereabouts. Sadly, some countries still refuse to abide by international treaties and laws and this poses a great risk to vessels everywhere.
Warning: No Shallow Waters to be Found
Many tourists to Italy are looking to see some frescoes in churches and to indulge in some delicious fresh pasta and creamy gelato, and to be fair; we are down for it. However, there are a few thrill-seekers out there who need a little more adrenaline-pulsing activity when visiting the land of pizza and Michaelangelo. The Y-40 Deep Joy pool fits the bill perfectly. The pool, the deepest in the world, is the design of Emanuele Boaretto and can be found in Padua, Italy.
At over 42 meters deep, it’s a bit intimidating to most mortals, but we’re sure there are a few extreme sports lovers who simply love to give it a try. The pool opened in 2014 and even landed in the Guinness Book of World Records. The project was initially intended for divers and boasted thermal waters, making it a major attraction for water enthusiasts. For those who are not as adventurous and prefer watching others, there’s also a tunnel to view the pool, not requiring the visitor to get anywhere near those deep waters.
Be Sure to Check Out the USS Speigel Grove
If you’re ever in the Florida Keys and looking for a real adventure, consider diving near the USS Spiegel Grove. The ship, measuring 25 meters, sank in 2002 and has remained in the same spot ever since. The highlight of exploring the ruins of the ship and the marine life that now calls it home, shouldn’t be missed. Between the manta rays, sharks, and colorful fish, there’s an array of sights to be enjoyed.
The vessel remains shipwrecked and untouched. It’s still upside down, leaving the bow to be seen from above the water. The ship has become home to the ocean’s inhabitants and a stop for many tourists and diving enthusiasts. Be careful though; some six lives were lost over the years while exploring near the wreckage. This diving adventure isn’t for amateurs or newbies, and even experienced divers should be aware of the harsh conditions.
Underwater Sea Life
Our staff was amazed at what they learned while researching this article. For instance, in Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland, there are a plethora of underwater art installations that are simply breathtaking. While, for most, the area isn’t top of the ‘must-see place’ on our respective bucket lists, we’re sure you might reconsider after checking this out. Take a look at this sea dragon statue located just under the water at Lake Neuchâtel.
The same area also boasts an underwater shark statue that has frightened many an unsuspecting diver. It’s almost like every installment of the “Jaws‘ franchise becomes a bit too real when checking out what’s on display in this area of Switzerland. FYI, the dragon sculpture was created by Jean-Pierre Zaugg and measures 8 meters high, which made our team do a double-take and shudder at the thought of encountering it in the murky waters of the lake.
The Biggest and the Best
For many years Russia and the former Soviet Union were a force to be reckoned with. When they developed the world’s largest submarine in 1981, the world sat up and took notice. The submarine was capable of carrying nearly 200 nuclear weapons, and a crew of 120 could reside aboard for months at a time without needing to break the surface. The underwater wonder was nuclear-powered and had stashes of ballistic missiles, just in case, wink, wink.
This image shows the inside of one of the pressure hulls that sported a swimming pool for the crew that sometimes lived for some 120 days at a time totally underwater. We’re trying to envision the interior of the sub before it was decommissioned, during its heyday, and can see the crew chugging down their vodkas while singing the national anthem. Any sub that caters to the crew with swimming facilities gets a thumbs up from us, regardless of our nationality or allegiance.
Jason Voorhees Sighted at Crystal Lake
Fans of the classic horror flick genre always smile when one mentions the ‘Friday the 13th‘ franchise. Interesting fact, there are currently 12 films in the series, and we’re all hoping that a 13th installment will be considered. For those who never viewed the classic films, it all basically takes place at Crystal Lake Camp, where serial killer Jason Voohees is on the loose, killing innocent and not-so-innocent humans that come across his path in a murderous and horrifying rampage.
Crystal Lake is a real place and is located in Minnesota. For movie buffs who weren’t aware, there’s a life-sized statue of Jason Voorhees underwater in a lake in Crosby, Minnesota. It’s been there since 2013 and pays homage to the 4th installment of ‘Friday the 13th.’ The site has become a popular tourist attraction, and many divers are seen in the area getting a first-hand look at the immortal murderer. We do not like the thought of tempting fate and will be giving Crystal Lake, and Minnesota a miss from now on.
The USS Midway is Still A Classic
Many history buffs can recite the historical facts of the USS Midway. It took nearly 18 months to build, and it never partook in any active duty during WWII but saw a lot of action during the Cold War. This aircraft carrier is the longest-serving carrier of the century. Completed in September 1945, it only went into operation in 1946, with Operation Frostbite. At the time, it was the first ship to work primarily in the sub-Arctic.
By 2010 over 5 million visitors have seen the impressive ship, making it a popular tourist destination. The historic ship was decommissioned in April 1992. It has since been residing in the waters of San Diego to welcome the many visitors that regularly make their way to see the ship. At the time it was built, it was the largest vessel in the world, until it lost that spot in 1955 when an even bigger ship was commissioned.
A Great Way to Spend 45 Minutes
This 45-minute adventure is a must for those visiting the island of Oahu. The historic submarine is located deep underwater amongst some 25 acres of wondrous choral scenery. It’s not the cheapest thing to do in Hawaii, but it is rated highly, and at over $150 per person; it’s important to do your research and holiday budgeting beforehand.
The tour of the submarine requires booking in advance, as it’s quite popular. A tour guide will detail the history of the sunken submarine, and you’ll walk away not only amazed at what lies beneath the surface but also more knowledgeable on the subject. The excursion is a popular destination for visitors to the island and is highly rated on numerous travel sites. Consider checking it out if you are lucky enough to be planning an exotic Hawaiian getaway.
Let’s Give Em Something To Talk About
We’re not sure how to even get started on this one. We can’t decide if it’s a work of art, a talking point, a statement piece; or a just plain silly thing to do, we’ll just leave that for our readers to decide. The creator of whatever you want to call this is an avid lover of all things maritime-related. He’s a sailor and lover of the ocean, but many times he’s left alone too long, which may explain how this came to be.
The ‘artist in question, spent long periods of time alone on his boat, needing a break from the solitude, but had a hard time getting strangers to come aboard and visit. So what’s a sailor to do? How about creating an image of a sinking vessel requiring immediate assistance. Boats and ships sailing by would see the sinking boat, offer to help, only to find out that the scene was intentional. We have to admit; it’s a great way to meet people and make for some interesting conversation.
A Warning to Divers
This art installation, created by Duilioi Marcante in 1954 and is titled ‘Christ of the Abyss.’ It can be found 17 meters underwater off the Italian coastline. The statue is in tribute to the artist’s friend Dario Gonzatti, who was the first Italian to ever don scuba diving gear. Dario, unfortunately, died as a result of a diving accident, propelling his friend to create this amazing work of art in his memory.
The statue of Jesus with his arms outstretched is made of bronze and was completed in August of 1954 and in honor of his close friend’s passing. The artist’s intent was to not only pay tribute to his dear friend but to remind other divers of the dangers of the ocean. This image only gives us an inkling of what it must be like to come face to face with this amazing work of art.
2019’s Photo of the Year
While most mortals are terrified of what goes on deep deep down in the ocean, others can’t get enough of the mysteries that lie buried beneath the blue waters all around the world. Take, for example, the famed photographer Matej Bergoc. Bergoc’s photos can be seen in National Geographic and other esteemed publications; just take a look at his Instagram and you’ll be amazed. It was this photo taken in 2019 that took everyone’s breath away, and rightly so.
Judges had to sift through more than 5k photos before they unanimously decided that Bergoc’s chilling image of a woman sitting on the bottom of a ship underwater deserved mention. The image was appropriately titled ‘My Place Under the Boat.’ Surprisingly, the photographer was only a runner-up in the competition, but in our books, he got the best photo of the century. Well done, Bergoc!
More Than a Bit Creepy
Someone in our office mentioned getting bad- guy vibes from this image. Flashbacks of Batman’s Joker came to mind after glancing at this art installation. For those who aren’t yet aware, in Austria every summer, there’s an art festival called Bregenz Festspielhaus. The festival is a huge event every July and August and the festivities are usually opened by the world renowned Vienna Symphony Orchestra.
Our staff was surprised to hear that events at the festival are booked well in advance, and many events are sold out thanks to the throngs are visitors. Floating barges are a must-see at the event, such as the one in the image above. The theme of one festival was Verdi’s Rigoletto, which explains the unusual floating art piece. The orchestra performed on the barge to the enjoyment of some 200,000 visitors that year.
Titanic Treasures Can Still Be Found
If you haven’t seen the iconic film ‘Titanic‘, you’re missing out. The history of the world’s most famous maritime disaster is world renowned for a reason. The historic ship was a sight to behold and was considered the height of luxury long before cruise ships became affordable for the masses. The workmanship that went into the ship’s building took three long years, and it was clear to see why.
Remnants of RMS Titanic’s propellers are still nestled deep underwater, some 4,000 meters in the North Atlantic. The ship sank in 1912, and over a hundred years later, the decay has taken its toll on one of the propellers, as seen in this image. It’s believed that more than 1500 crew and passengers died that fateful night. For those who still haven’t seen the film, let’s go, it’s not too late. You can thank us later.
The Story of The SS Probitas
This picturesque coast in Albania looks pretty run-of-the-mill for shorelines, but it’s got a real treat waiting for visitors. Nestled some 300 meters from the shore is a true treasure for history buffs. Tourists in the area, as well as locals, all make at least one visit to the SS Probitas, which is buried under the waterline. The Italian cargo vessel measures 115 meters long and is resting there just waiting for visitors.
While the main portion of the ship is submerged some 18 meters underwater, it is still visible from the air, and the clear waters do little to hide the ship laying on its side on the sea’s floor. The ship was originally built in 1919 and was damaged in 1943 during WWII by a military airstrike. The direct hit managed to destroy the ship’s ability to continue past the Santi Quaranta coastline. SS Probitas has been in the same spot ever since, in the Ionian sea.
The Wonders of Filtering Water
Environmentalists will be happy to know that Michigan takes water filtration seriously. They have to, considering the number of factories and other industries near the state’s lakeside. The governing body in Michigan isn’t playing around when it comes to filtering the area’s water, and keeping the local community safe.
This particular plant illustrates how water is filtered via the relevant shafts through the various processes of filtration. This specific plant was abandoned and sealed off. However, break-ins still happen, and why you might ask? Simple, curiosity to see a little bit of history of the state. We couldn’t understand why anyone would want to break into a closed-off water plant, which seems really a scary thing to do, but it’s a thing apparently.