Key West, Florida  - A decommissioned US Air Force troop transport ship has recently been turned into a new habitat for marine life and an attraction for recreational divers in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

The 159-metre General Hoyt S Vandenberg was intentionally sunk in 42 metres of water some 11 kilometres south of Key West. Parts of the ship's superstructure are located just 12 metres below the ocean surface, Florida tourist officials said.

The 65-year-old vessel, which was retired in 1983, vanished below the waves in the space of just two minutes after the explosives on board were triggered.

The new attraction is the world's second-largest artificial reef and enhances the "Florida Keys Shipwreck Trek" which consists of several ships intentionally sunk in an area stretching from Key Largo to Key West.

The Vandenberg, named after a former Air Force chief of staff, had an illustrious career tracking space flights off Florida. It also appeared disguised as a Russian science ship in a 1999 feature film. The total cost of sinking the vessel, including the disposal of toxic materials, has been given as 8.79 million dollars.

Internet: www. fla-keys. com, www. bigshipwrecks. com (dpa)