SS United States to become world's largest artificial reef
Summary
The SS United States began a controlled sinking on Nov. 11, 2026, about 20 nautical miles off Florida’s Gulf Coast. The 1,000-foot ocean liner is being turned into an artificial reef after crews removed unsafe materials and prepared it for submersion.Key Facts
- The ship is expected to become the world’s largest artificial reef.
- The SS United States first sailed in 1952 and set a transatlantic speed record that still stands.
- The liner retired from service in 1969 and remained docked in Philadelphia for decades.
- Okaloosa County bought the ship for about $1 million in 2024 from the SS United States Conservancy.
- Crews spent about a year preparing the ship in Mobile, Alabama, removing fuel, wiring, and other materials deemed unsafe for the environment.
- The county said crews cut holes in the ship to help it remain upright underwater.
- The roughly $13 million project was funded by county tourist tax revenue.
- Okaloosa County hopes the reef will draw divers and support tourism in the Florida Panhandle.
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