This massive piece of U.S. history was just sunk in the Gulf of Mexico. Here’s why
The historic SS United States, once the fastest ship on the seas, made a slow final journey beneath the waters Wednesday. The famous ocean liner — which is longer than the Titanic and crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times — was deliberately sunk Wednesday to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico , where the once-luxurious behemoth was set to begin a new chapter as the world’s largest artificial…
The SS United States, a historic ocean liner larger than the Titanic, was deliberately sunk in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday to become the world's largest artificial reef. The 990-foot-long vessel, which held the speed record for its maiden voyage in 1952, was a marvel of engineering when it first sailed, crossing the Atlantic more than 800 times.
Famous passengers aboard the ship included Hollywood stars, U.S. presidents, and even a young Bill Clinton. The $13.5 million project aimed to attract more divers and fishing enthusiasts while preserving the ship's legacy. Workers removed the ship's smokestacks, filled tanks with water, and cut holes in the decks to ensure an even descent.
The sinking, described as a controlled event, took longer than anticipated and finally completed around 9 p.m. The ship will rest in about 180 feet of water, allowing inexperienced divers to visit its top deck. The SS United States will join over 500 artificial reefs in the area, aiming to become a premier diving destination.
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