Historic SS United States to be sunk off Florida coast

The SS United States is scheduled to be deliberately sunk into the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday, November 12, weather permitting. The operation will take place near Destin, Florida, where Okaloosa County officials intend to establish the largest artificial reef in the world.

The vessel is approximately 900 feet long. It was constructed in the early 1950s and spent its active years transporting passengers between the United States and Europe. The ship was retired in the late 1960s as air travel became the dominant mode of transatlantic transport. During its service, it carried various prominent figures and was designed to function as a troop carrier in the event of a global conflict.

Alex Fogg, the natural resources chief for Okaloosa County, explained that the ship had been sitting in Philadelphia for decades before being moved to the Gulf Coast. The relocation required a long tow from Philadelphia to Mobile, Alabama. Fogg stated that the county worked with contractors, naval architects, and the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure the vessel was seaworthy for the journey. In Mobile, the ship underwent full remediation before being towed to its final resting place.

The county selected the SS United States to serve as a dive destination to boost tourism and support marine life. Fogg noted that divers often seek out wreck sites rather than natural reefs or sandy bottoms. By deploying a vessel of this size with a notable history, the county aims to strengthen its reputation as a diving location. The project fits into a larger county plan to acquire and sink multiple vessels to expand artificial reef structures.

A nonprofit conservation group filed a lawsuit against the project last week. The group cited concerns about the environmental impact of the sinking, including potential harm to marine organisms and the food web that supports human consumption. Fogg acknowledged that the ship has a passionate following among those who wanted to restore it as a museum or return it to service. He stated that no viable plan or funding existed for restoration, making the scrap yard or reef the only remaining options.

Fogg argued that placing structures in areas lacking natural reefs provides environmental benefits. He said the project has met all federal and state standards for cleaning artificial reefs. Regulatory agencies oversee the remediation process to ensure compliance with existing guidelines. Fogg described the project as a way to save the ship by giving it a new life as a habitat structure.

The sinking event is expected to be viewed by the public online on Thursday. Fogg, an active diver, described the experience of exploring such sites as unique, noting that every dive presents different sights and marine life. He emphasized that the ship's size and history distinguish it from previous artificial reef projects in the area.

The SS United States represents a major undertaking for the region's marine infrastructure. The county views the project as a strategic move to enhance the local economy through tourism while adding a large structure to the Gulf floor. The vessel's journey from a passenger liner to a submerged landmark marks the end of its time on the surface.