Latest Blaine stunt begins

David Blaine has begun his latest stunt: spending seven days underwater in his "human aquarium" challenge in New York.

The 33-year-old lowered himself into an eight-foot acrylic sphere filled with water at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

A mask and air line will keep the illusionist alive, while food will be provided through a tube. "My only fear is the unknown," David Blaine said before descending into the sphere.

Hundreds of people turned out on yesterday to see him begin his latest stunt. After seven days he will attempt to break the world record for holding breath under water, which currently stands at eight minutes, 58 seconds.

Blaine entered the "bubble" wearing trousers, rubber shoes and a special diving mask.

He has also undergone intensive training for the challenge, shedding 50 pounds in body weight since January to improve the efficiency with which his body uses oxygen.