The historic SS United States, once the fastest and most glamorous ocean liner of its time, will soon begin its transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef.
Starting this week, the 1,000-foot vessel will be towed from Philadelphia to Mobile, Alabama, where it will be prepared for scuttling off the Florida Panhandle by Okaloosa County, Florida.
The county plans to sink the ship to create an artificial reef, boosting local tourism and eco-tourism for fishing and diving.
The ship will undergo environmental preparations to ensure safe sinking, including removing hazardous materials and cutting holes to facilitate its descent.
Once submerged next year, the SS United States will surpass the USS Oriskany as the largest artificial reef.
The SS United States, famous for its record-breaking Atlantic crossings in the 1950s and 60s, attracted celebrities and world leaders during its heyday.
However, it was retired in 1969 and passed through multiple owners who failed to revive it.
In 2009, the SS United States Conservancy saved the ship from scrapping but struggled to find a viable use for it.
In 2023, Okaloosa County acquired the vessel for $10 million as part of a tourism initiative, with plans to build a museum in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area to honor the ship’s legacy.
The museum will feature exhibits showcasing the ship’s history and its significance in post-WWII America, including immersive experiences and artifacts like the ship’s iconic funnels and interior design pieces.
This project aims to preserve the SS United States’ cultural legacy while transforming it into a unique undersea attraction.
