A new action-packed underwater sport has seen scuba diving competitors race around a stricken ship in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
The Formula H20 event was part of an underwater propulsion vehicle racing league. The Wes Skiles Memorial Shootout was the third event on the racing calendar for competitors, who completed five high-speed laps around the Benwood shipwreck.
The 344-foot-long Norwegian freighter sunk five miles off Key Largo in 1942, but proved to be the ideal focal point for the race. Divers raced around the superstructure of artificial reefs using diver propulsion vehicles.
The Expedition A category was won by Orlando’s Michael Vivona, who was crowned Grand Champion. His sea scooter was designed to minimise drag and to make the most of underwater thrust.
“It is all about drag,” said Mr Vivona. “There are things like in horse racing where it takes a small guy.
“I am a small guy and I think that it really paid off this time so that was a good thing.”
