SS United States to Become World's Largest Artificial Reef Off Florida

The historic SS United States ocean liner is set to be sunk off Florida's northwest coast to become the world's largest artificial reef. The ship will rest on a sandy seabed about 55 meters deep, roughly 40 kilometers from shore near Destin.

Five tugboats towed the retired vessel from Mobile, Alabama, on Monday for the short journey to its final resting place. The sinking was originally planned for this month but was moved up to Wednesday afternoon due to forecast heavy winds and unsafe weather conditions for Thursday.

“The SS United States will become the world's largest artificial reef.”

At 302 meters long, the SS United States is larger than the Titanic and once held the Blue Riband for the fastest transatlantic crossing by a passenger ship. Its July 1952 eastbound voyage lasted three days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes at an average speed of nearly 41.4 knots, a record that has never been surpassed.

The liner carried U.S. presidents, European royalty, and other prominent figures across the Atlantic during its service. It was withdrawn from active duty by United States Lines in 1969 amid declining passenger numbers.

Once on the seabed, the ship will become the 21st and largest vessel on the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail. The trail spans about 240 kilometers of coast from Pensacola to Port St. Joe and includes wrecks dating back to 1942.

The SS United States Conservancy, a nonprofit that cared for the vessel and preserved its history, plans to eventually build a museum in Florida near dive departure points. Visitors will be able to see artifacts from the ship, including its two large funnels, which were removed before sinking.

The reef project aims to support marine life and recreational diving while boosting tourism along the Florida Panhandle.