"SS United States": 300-meter-long ocean liner becomes a reef
It holds the record for the fastest transatlantic passage. Off the coast of Florida, the "SS United States" will soon find a new purpose - underwater. This is supposed to attract animals and tourists.
A massive ocean liner, once the world's longest ship, is set to become an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico. The SS United States, at over 300 meters in length, is scheduled to be sunk about 22 nautical miles (41 kilometers) south of Destin, Florida, on November 12, weather permitting. This will turn the vessel into the world's largest man-made reef.
Upon its maiden voyage in 1952, the SS United States broke records by crossing the Atlantic from New York to Southampton in just three days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes, averaging 66 km/h (36 knots). This record still stands today. The ship, which had also frequently visited Bremerhaven, was decommissioned just 17 years after its debut in 1969. Attempts to restore the vessel have consistently failed due to high costs.
In 2024, Okaloosa County purchased the ship. The plan is to create a new habitat for marine life and attract divers from around the globe, thereby boosting tourism in the area. A museum dedicated to the ship is also in the works. Destin, where the sinking will take place, is located on Florida's Gulf Coast, about 250 kilometers west of Tallahassee.
Sinking ships to create reefs is not uncommon. The U.S. Oriskany, a former aircraft carrier, is one example. It lies on the ocean floor south of Pensacola since 2006, close to where the SS United States is set to be sunk.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
