WATCH LIVE: SS United States, once world's fastest ocean liner, sinks to become reef off Florida
Summary
The SS United States, once the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic, was scheduled to be deliberately sunk off Florida’s Panhandle to create an artificial reef. Okaloosa County bought the ship for a project intended to support marine life and attract divers.Key Facts
- The SS United States set a trans-Atlantic speed record on its 1952 maiden voyage, crossing from New York to Europe in three days.
- The nearly 1,000-foot ship carried presidents and Hollywood stars.
- Rising air travel and high operating costs led the ship to leave service in 1969.
- The ship remained at Philadelphia’s Pier 82 for nearly 30 years.
- Okaloosa County bought the vessel and moved it to the Gulf of Mexico for conversion into an artificial reef.
- The county planned to flood the hull by opening valves after removing tanks and cutting large holes in the decks; explosives were barred by federal rules.
- The ship was expected to rest about 180 feet underwater, joining more than 500 artificial reefs in the county.
- The project was also intended to create an economic opportunity by attracting divers.
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