The team of 10 divers held their breath as they plunged to the ocean floor to get a better look at the Douglas Dakota DC-3 plane.

The aircraft, which once flew more than 8,000ft above the Earth, now lies in the watery depths of the Mediterranean Sea, just off the coast of Kas, Turkey.

It was deliberately sunk in July 2009 and has become an underwater playground for divers ever since.

Underwater photographer Andrey Nekrasov, from Odessa, Ukraine, captured the amazing images as his companions explored the aeroplane.

The 43-year-old said: "I went to the Mediterranean Sea, just off the coast of Kas in Turkey, to take photographs of the group freediving.

"We all went there to see the plane - it is not far from Kas. 

"Most freedivers like to dive at wreck spots and it is complicated to translate those feelings you experience when touching pieces of history underwater. 

"The skill to hold your breath is now becoming an essential tool to explore the world.

"The airplane lies on the sandy bottom and you can go inside of the plane through the side hatch to see the pilot's cabin.

"There are a lot of devices and switches inside."

The clear waters of the Mediterranean mean that divers are able to get a good look at the wreck.

Mr Nekrasov added: "The wreckage is beautifully bright and if you are lucky to dive there before noon, it gives you a joyful feeling of peace and calmness."