MP says sink a ship and then dive on in!

Tobias Ellwood's idea is to clean up a warship and remove the engine, then sink it to a depth of about 25 metres off the coast of Bournemouth.

"It would soon become inhabited with marine life and can provide a whole new water sports attraction," said Mr Ellwood, MP for Bournemouth East.

The idea may sound novel but it has already happened in several places.

The frigate HMS Scylla was sold for £200,000 to the South West Development Agency, and then sunk off Plymouth in 2004, becoming a popular diving attraction.

The Ministry of Defence gets rid of surplus equipment through the Disposal Services Authority (DSA).

A DSA spokesman said: "There are a number of vessels that may be suitable for such a venture that are likely to be disposed of in early 2008.

To open discussions, prospective purchasers should contact the DSA. There are strict requirements to clean the vessel prior to sinking, but the idea is certainly feasible."

Mr Ellwood said: "It would have to be sunk so it would not interfere with shipping or attractions like Boscombe's surf reef.

"It would also help stabilise the erratic sand movements.

"Bournemouth needs to keep re-inventing itself to succeed in the increasingly competitive tourist market. It is the area's key local industry."

Mark Smith, head of Bournemouth tourism, said: "An attraction that enhances water sports has strong appeal. However, an exciting idea like a sunken warship would need careful consideration."

The RNLI said: "We would need a lot more detail and time to assess the concept and determine the impact it could have."

A 30,800-ton former aircraft carrier, the USS Oriskany, was sunk off Florida in 2006 in an attempt to create the "Mt Everest" of diving attractions. One local diving firm said it was getting 25-40 calls a day about the ship.

The idea of deliberately sinking ships comes from the popularity of diving to the wrecks of ships sunk in battle.