From ocean legend to undersea reef: Why has the SS United States been sunk?
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Summary
The SS United States was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico off Destin, Florida, to become part of an artificial reef. The ship set a transatlantic speed record in 1952, but ended service in 1969 as air travel grew; high upkeep costs later led Okaloosa County to buy it for $1 million in 2024.Key Facts
- The SS United States is nearly 1,000 feet long.
- The ship was built between 1950 and 1951 and officially launched in 1952.
- On its first trip across the Atlantic, it set a passenger-liner speed record of three days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes.
- The ship carried thousands of passengers during 17 years of operation.
- Its career ended in 1969 as air travel grew.
- The vessel remained docked in Philadelphia after its service ended, while owners tried to save and restore it.
- Okaloosa County bought the ship for $1 million in 2024 and planned to turn it into an artificial reef.
- The ship was prepared for sinking by removing harmful materials, then scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico off Florida.
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