Maldives sinks two retired aircraft to create an unusual underwater reef; coral restoration begins in 2026​on October 22, 2026 at 5:30 am

Two decommissioned Dornier 228 aircraft are submerged near Kudagiri Island to create a diving attraction. Conservation teams are working to establish an artificial reef by attaching coral fragments to underwater frames. The project aims to combine marine tourism with aviation history while promoting coral growth. Various organizations are collaborating to monitor the ecological impact of this initiative.