Famed illusionist Criss Angel and escape artist Spencer Horsman were at the State Theater in New Brunswick to promote Angel’s “The Supernaturalists” magic tour. As part of the act – which was a preview for Criss Angel’s “Supernaturalists” show – Horsman was chained and submerged inside a 30-by-30-inch Plexiglas tank filled with 100 gallons of water.

Angel explained how he had designed a stunt/trick called “The Water Torture Cell”, and that if Harry Houdini were alive today, he probably would not have performed a trick so unsafe.

A magician came close to death while undertaking a risky underwater trick in front of crowds of on-lookers.

Horsman even publicized his previous failure as a way to get audiences more excited for his reprise of the illusion in the post below.

In that incident, he was actually saved by Angel. There was no way out other than for Horsman to hold his breath, pick all of the locks to free himself and then take a life-saving breath.

A cage-screen door, consisting of a metallic grid, reinforced by metal rods, was lowered on top of Horsman.

He was suspended over Livingston Avenue in the 30-inch box and covered in locks.

He said Horsman opened his eyes at one point as EMS workers provided medical assistance.

According to New Brunswick Today, after time ran out for Horsman to complete the stunt, the crane lowered him to the ground as emergency personnel extracted him from the box. He was conscious at the time, and waved at the cheering and relieved crowd.

EMTs “transported the performer to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital for evaluation”, said the theater in a statement.

Early Wednesday morning, Angel tweeted that Horsman was “recovering well”.

“We look forward to four exciting shows this weekend with Spencer Horsman and the rest of the Supernaturalists”, said Brian O’Boyle, State Theatre vice president of programming and marketing.

The show will go on as expected from Friday until Sunday. Tickets for the event can be found on the State Theater’s website.