Escape Artist Takes on Melbourne Aquarium
Created: Feb 19 2010
Related articles: Lifestyles
A year-round attraction for locals and tourists alike, the Melbourne Aquarium boasts a large number of exotic and local species.
But today the crowds aren’t here to see fish.
[Cosentino, Escape Artist/Magician]:
“Wish me luck and I’ll see you on the other side.”
They’re here to see the Aussie escape artist known as “Cosentino” attempt a dangerous underwater escape.
[Jesse Habener, Aspiring Magician]:
“We’re diehard fans of the guy, and he’s brilliant at what he does.”
Clamped into 60 kilogram concrete boots, chains and five padlocks, he’s lowered into the water. Handcuffs on and one last gasp of air, before trying to escape.
[Adam Cosentino, Cosentino's Brother]:
“He wants to push the boundaries, he loves the adrenalin, he loves the feeling, it’s like going sky diving or something like that, he enjoys that ruch.”
With only one breath, Cosentino is underwater longer than expected.
But after a suspenseful three minutes and 39 seconds, he’s free.
To hold his breath for so long, he says it's important to keep a lowered heart rate and to stay calm.
[Cosentino, Magician/Escape Artist]:
“The worst thing that you can do as an escape artist is panic, I had to be as calm as possible. I knew it was a possibility that things would get caught, I’d be slowed up, so I had to basically just be calm.”
Something easier said than done for his mother Rosemary.
[Rosemary Cosentino, Cosentino’s Mother]:
“My heart is still racing so fast, I’ve got tears in my eyes, I was getting really worried.”
[Cosentino, Escape Artist/Magician]:
“My poor mum has to site here and witness me holding my breath.”
The escape was a tribute to the famous Harry Houdini, who 100 years ago had performed a similar feat in Melbourne.
Cosentino already has another challenge in the making.
[Cosentino, Escape Artist/Magician]:
“I’m sure I’m going to come back with something more spectacular, more dramatic, more dangerous.”
But for now we’re told, the details are under lock and key.
Robert Apicella, NTD, Melbourne.
But today the crowds aren’t here to see fish.
[Cosentino, Escape Artist/Magician]:
“Wish me luck and I’ll see you on the other side.”
They’re here to see the Aussie escape artist known as “Cosentino” attempt a dangerous underwater escape.
[Jesse Habener, Aspiring Magician]:
“We’re diehard fans of the guy, and he’s brilliant at what he does.”
Clamped into 60 kilogram concrete boots, chains and five padlocks, he’s lowered into the water. Handcuffs on and one last gasp of air, before trying to escape.
[Adam Cosentino, Cosentino's Brother]:
“He wants to push the boundaries, he loves the adrenalin, he loves the feeling, it’s like going sky diving or something like that, he enjoys that ruch.”
With only one breath, Cosentino is underwater longer than expected.
But after a suspenseful three minutes and 39 seconds, he’s free.
To hold his breath for so long, he says it's important to keep a lowered heart rate and to stay calm.
[Cosentino, Magician/Escape Artist]:
“The worst thing that you can do as an escape artist is panic, I had to be as calm as possible. I knew it was a possibility that things would get caught, I’d be slowed up, so I had to basically just be calm.”
Something easier said than done for his mother Rosemary.
[Rosemary Cosentino, Cosentino’s Mother]:
“My heart is still racing so fast, I’ve got tears in my eyes, I was getting really worried.”
[Cosentino, Escape Artist/Magician]:
“My poor mum has to site here and witness me holding my breath.”
The escape was a tribute to the famous Harry Houdini, who 100 years ago had performed a similar feat in Melbourne.
Cosentino already has another challenge in the making.
[Cosentino, Escape Artist/Magician]:
“I’m sure I’m going to come back with something more spectacular, more dramatic, more dangerous.”
But for now we’re told, the details are under lock and key.
Robert Apicella, NTD, Melbourne.
