SS United States Set to Become an Artificial Reef

The 990-foot SS United States was towed from Mobile, Alabama, toward a site about 25 miles off Destin, Florida, ahead of its planned sinking on November 11. The ship will be lowered by controlled flooding, without explosives, after months of work to remove fixtures and hazardous materials. Divers are expected to be able to visit it from the weekend, at a depth of about 180 feet.

The liner’s final role follows decades of failed proposals to turn it into a hotel, museum or other public venue. It left service in 1969 as air travel reshaped transatlantic journeys, then remained docked for years amid ownership changes and disputes over its future. After a court-ordered eviction from Philadelphia in 2024, Florida’s Okaloosa County bought the ship for $1 million and moved ahead with the reef plan.

The vessel made history in July 1952, completing the New York-to-Europe passage in 3 days, 10 hours and 40 minutes. Its average speed was close to 36 knots, earning it the Blue Riband; it remains the fastest passenger ship to cross the Atlantic. Its passengers included prominent entertainers and public figures.

Susan Gibbs, president and co-founder of the ship’s conservancy, said the reef would allow people to encounter the vessel while its history is preserved. Plans include a shore-based museum displaying the ship’s funnels and artifacts, along with a pier for diving excursions. Gibbs said her grandfather, the liner’s designer, regarded it as one of his greatest achievements.