Historic US ocean liner sinks near Florida to become world’s largest artificial reef
The historic SS United States has sunk off the coast of Destin, Florida, where it will begin a new life as the world's largest artificial reef.
The nearly 1,000ft American-made vessel, launched in 1952 and once the fastest ocean liner in the world, was deployed at approximately 2.40pm ET on Wednesday. The sinking process began shortly before 5pm, with the ship gradually filling with water over several hours before finally reaching the ocean floor around 10pm.
New underwater home
The ship rests on the seafloor at a depth of approximately 180ft, with its upper decks about 55ft below the surface. Officials expect the structure to provide a new habitat for various marine species including red snapper, grouper, amberjack, mackerel and tuna.
She's being reefed and will remain intact and will become a vibrant and dynamic marine habitat, so that, combined with the land-based museum and visitor experience, will honor her history in a deeply moving way.
Journey's end
For years, the SS United States remained docked in Philadelphia as various owners attempted to save and restore it. However, the rising costs of maintaining the ageing vessel complicated preservation efforts. In 2021, port authorities raised the daily dockage fee to $1,700, a cost the non-profit SS United States Conservancy could no longer afford.
In 2024, Florida's Okaloosa county purchased the ship for $1m with plans to transform it into an artificial reef. Gibbs, whose grandfather designed the ship, reflected on his personal connection, noting his 'full-bore obsession' with the vessel and how he would see it off and greet it on every transatlantic voyage.
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