SS United States Departs Philadelphia, Set to Become Largest Artificial Reef
The historic SS United States has left the Delaware River waterfront in South Philadelphia, beginning its journey to Mobile, Alabama, for preparation before being sunk off Florida’s Gulf Coast. The 1,000-foot ocean liner, which set a transatlantic speed record in 1952, was delayed in November due to stability concerns raised by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Once in Florida, the ship will be transformed into the world’s largest artificial reef, joining over 500 existing reefs in Okaloosa County. Officials expect it to become a major diving attraction, boosting local tourism revenue. The cost of purchasing and relocating the vessel could exceed $10 million, with the entire process taking at least 18 months.
The SS United States was once a symbol of American engineering, breaking the transatlantic speed record and serving as both a passenger ship and military transport. It remains the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic.
“It will forever symbolize our nation’s strength, innovation, and resilience,” said Susan Gibbs, president of the SS United States Conservancy and granddaughter of the ship’s designer.
After being decommissioned in 1969, the vessel sat idle for years in Philadelphia, but now it’s set to begin a new chapter as a unique underwater landmark.
https://www.columbiamissourian.com/historic-ocean-liner-departs-to-become-the-worlds-largest-artificial-reef/article_fb888468-efdf-11ef-ad6a-3363d5226f37.html#:~:text=The%20historic%2C%20aging%20ocean%20liner,its%20maiden%20voyage%20in%201952.