Illusionist Blaine starts breathtaking stunt

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2006

NEW YORK (AFP) — Illusionist David Blaine started his latest stunt -- living in a water-filled tank for a week before attempting the world record for holding his breath.

The 33-year-old American lowered himself into an eight-foot (2.5-meter) high water-filled acrylic sphere in the plaza of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, where he will remain submerged for seven days.

"My only fear is the unknown," said Blaine before descending into the transparent sphere in front of several hundred people. He admitted that the world would see something "pretty insane" if his plan goes wrong.

A mask and air line will keep Blaine alive, while food will be provided in the form of liquid nutrition through a tube.

He said that after the week is up, he would...