Boeing 737 becomes artificial reef off Vancouver Island

Nearly twenty years after being submerged in the Strait of Georgia, a Boeing 737-200 has successfully transformed into a thriving artificial reef off the coast of Chemainus on Vancouver Island, Canada.

Originally built in 1975, the aircraft flew for Pacific Western Airlines, Canadian Airlines, and Air Canada, accumulating over 73,000 flight hours before its retirement in 2001. Following its decommissioning, the fuselage was acquired by the Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia (ARSBC) to serve as a marine habitat.

The project required four years of preparation and extensive volunteer work to ensure environmental safety. All contaminants, including grease and insulation, were removed, and openings were created to facilitate marine colonization and safe passage for divers. The deployment required environmental permits from Environment Canada and approval from six First Nations communities.