The enormous ocean-going liner SS United States is set to become the world's largest artificial reef, with the news that Okaloosa County is signing an agreement to buy the vessel and plans to sink it off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
The 302-metre SS United States was launched in 1952, and still holds the Blue Riband for the fastest transatlantic crossing by an ocean liner. It is currently docked in Philadelphia.
Known as ‘America's Flagship', it was designed to be convertible to a troopship if needed, capable of transporting 14,000 troops for 10,000 miles without refuelling. The ship carried four US Presidents and numerous celebrities during its service life.
The liner will join the USS Oriskany aircraft carrier, which is currently the world's largest artificial reef, and was sunk off Pensacola in 2006. It attracts 10,000 divers annually, generating approximately $3.6 million per year in direct spending (as of 2015).
The plan is to sink the vessel upright in a depth that will make it accessible to all – recreational divers will be able to explore the upper superstructure of the massive ship, while technical divers will be able to venture into the deeper areas and sections.
Ecologically, the artificial reef will create new habitats for marine life, and this increased fish population will in turn attract more recreational anglers, who also contribute to the local economy through spending on equipment, boat rentals, fuel, and charters.
Photo credit: Michael Barnette
What a waste should have been saved like the Queen
So true but since its name SS United States The government doesn’t want her to be save they are treating her like a nazi
What an idiotic comment
Should have been saved to show American know how . The last ship built in USA . She still holdsThe speed record for crossing the Atlantic .should have been saved like the Queen
Mary . Beautiful .
It’s sad to know this beautiful ocean liner (please don’t call her a cruise ship, she’s not), will never sail again. I suppose sinking her will be the most respectful fate for her. She belongs to the sea, not to become a heap of scrap metal.
Turn it into illegal migrant housing then sink it.
Why do you have to be that guy? this comment has nothing to do with the article.
Such a huge shame
Ive been seeing multiple dive and news sites like this saying its all a done deal when it isnt. nobody has signed anything as of 9/16/24. Might even be saved if another party joins to work with the current owners in preservation. Penn Warehouse and Okaloosa seeems to be intent as heck to sink it for some reason when it could be made into something that would make 10x more jobs than a diving wreck. Also they spelled Blue Ribbon wrong in the article
It is actually Blue Riband – The Blue Riband (/ˈrɪbənd/) is an unofficial accolade given to the passenger liner crossing the Atlantic Ocean in regular service with the record highest average speed. The term was borrowed from horse racing and was not widely used until after 1910.[1][2] The record is based on average speed rather than passage time because ships follow different routes.[3] Also, eastbound and westbound speed records are reckoned separately, as the more difficult westbound record voyage, against the Gulf Stream and the prevailing weather systems, typically results in lower average speeds.[4][Note 1]
Of the 35 Atlantic liners to hold the Blue Riband, 25 were British, followed by five German, three American, as well as one each from Italy and France. Thirteen were Cunarders (plus Queen Mary of Cunard White Star), five by White Star, with four owned by Norddeutscher Lloyd, two by Collins, two by Inman and two by Guion, and one each by British American, Great Western, Hamburg-America, the Italian Line, Compagnie Générale Transatlantique and finally the United States Lines.[1] The record set by United States in 1952 remains unbroken by any passenger liner. The next-longest period through which the Blue Riband was retained was 19 years, held from 1909 to 1929 by Mauretania. The shortest period was six weeks, by Bremen from July to August 1933.
I have been corrected.
Sinking her like this is an insult to the American public and is just a publicity stunt at the expense of history. And its not a completed deal. no contratcs have been signed. I have no idea why media sources keep saying contracts are signed.
It’s maybe better than being torn apart on some beach in Turkey or Pakistan but she deserves better. We have a severe housing shortage in this country and no shortage of docking facilities.
Part of the problem is the ship itself. Its almost 1000 ft long and longer than the Titanic. Not many available docks for a ship that size that are not already occupied or under contract.
Lot’s of posters here asking why the beautiful ship can’t be saved. The biggest reason being that it cost nearly as much to refurbish her as to build another one. The previous owners in their infinite wisdom stripped the interior bare. They sold every piece of furniture, every panel of wood, every light and every brass fixture to raise money. The interior now is just a huge metal frame
I wish that I could write directly to the people wanting to sink her. So many harsh words would be said. SAVE DONT SINK! I am gonna cry if she sinks. This is honestly the stupidest thing I have ever seen or head about in over a year. It’s sad the no matter what I say, no one will ever see or care about it and even if they did it wouldn’t change their minds, they are too stuck up and stupid.
No!!! This is so sad and is a disgrace to our country’s heritage and history! 😭
They need to save the SS United States but instead they are treating her like a Nazi
What is wrong with the people in charge? The”United States” is an incredible example of engineering. Next up will be the International Space Station getting dumped in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. These artifacts should be preserved for future generations.
NOOO!!
Why didn’t the Government, they help pay for her to be built, using their specifications, restore her !!!!
This is SO WRONG !
Shame on you, America
I live one mile from the 🚢 ship
If they wish to make some revenue with it, it would be nice if they could give tours of it now while it’s still in Philadelphia.
Only scum would consider sinking or scrapping this irreplaceable piece of maritime industrial art. It will be regretted someday and the perpetrators will be long out of reach to be held accountable.
More bully sharks to maim people on the beach. Next time a young girl/woman loses her hand/arm/leg blame this.
It will promote more maiming bull sharks. Time to write off Florida’s panhandle if you want to keep your limbs.