SS United States Sinks Off Florida, Becoming Largest Artificial Reef
The SS United States, the ocean liner that once held the Atlantic speed record, slid beneath the Gulf of America off Florida's coast just before
The SS United States, the ocean liner that once held the Atlantic speed record, slid beneath the Gulf of America off Florida's coast just before 10 p.m. Wednesday. It is now on its way to becoming the world's largest artificial diving reef.
Crews spent hours preparing the 990-foot ship and a long sinking process drew spectators from across the country. "She was designed to be unsinkable, and that fact has definitely given our crews some challenges today," said Nick Tomecek, a spokesperson for Okaloosa County.
Officials moved the sinking up by one day because of weather. It had been set for November 12.
From record-setter to reef
The liner set a record on its first voyage in 1952 for the fastest Atlantic crossing by an ocean liner. It crossed the ocean more than 800 times and also served as a secret military troop transport.
After more than 50 years in retirement and several failed restoration plans, Okaloosa County bought the ship in 2024. Officials said they wanted to give it a new life. The county paid $10 million for the vessel.
The ship spent nearly three decades docked on Philadelphia's Delaware River waterfront. It left last year for Mobile, Alabama, where crews prepared it for its final role. It was then towed to a site 22 miles off the Florida coast near Destin.
What the reef is meant to do
The project cost $13.5 million. County officials designed it to draw more divers and fishing enthusiasts to the area. They also expect the wreck to become a home for tuna, marlin and swordfish.
A send-off ceremony to salute the ship's history was planned at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. The ship's story will also live on at a land-based museum run by the SS United States Conservancy.
"Her story will continue to be told by thousands of people who visit her in tandem with the SS United States Conservancy's land-based museum," said Trey Goodwin, chairman of the Okaloosa County board.
