Historic SS United States to become artificial reef off Florida
The former transatlantic liner SS United States will be sunk off Destin, Florida, to serve as an artificial reef after plans to preserve it as a museum failed.
The SS United States, a former transatlantic passenger liner that operated from 1952 to 1969, is scheduled to be scuttled off the coast of Destin, Florida, on Wednesday. The vessel, which was moved from Alabama after cleaning and remediation work, will be placed on the seabed in a controlled operation without explosives, creating an artificial reef for marine life and divers.
The ship was purchased by a Florida county after several proposals to convert it into a museum or floating hotel were rejected. A land-based museum detailing the vessel’s history is also planned at the site.
"I am glad that the story of the ship will live on," said Susan Gibbs, president of the SS United States Conservancy, whose grandfather helped design the liner.
During its service, the ship carried numerous notable passengers, including several U.S. presidents and public figures. The decision to sink the vessel follows years of legal disputes and changes of ownership.