Historic US ocean liner sinks near Florida to become world’s largest artificial reef
Summary
The SS United States sank in the Gulf of Mexico off Destin, Florida, on Wednesday to become an artificial reef. The former ocean liner, launched in 1952, is expected to provide habitat for marine life and attract divers.Key Facts
- The ship was deployed at about 2:40 p.m. ET, and the sinking process began shortly before 5 p.m.
- The vessel sank around 10 p.m. at a site about 180 feet deep, with its upper decks about 55 feet below the surface.
- The nearly 1,000-foot ship set a transatlantic speed record on its maiden voyage.
- It carried passengers across the Atlantic for 17 years and was retired in 1969.
- Florida’s Okaloosa County bought the ship for $1 million in 2024 to turn it into an artificial reef.
- The ship had been hollowed out and openings were cut into its hull to help it sink upright.
- Officials expect the reef to provide habitat for species including red snapper, grouper, amberjack, mackerel and tuna.
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