The historic ocean liner SS United States, currently on borrowed time in Philadelphia, recently shared that it raised more than $150,000 to help fund efforts to find a new home.
SS United States Has to Leave Philly Dock Next Month
The 1952-built ship, which achieved the record time for a transatlantic crossing on its maiden sailing, is under an eviction order to leave its berth in Philadelphia in just over one month. It follows a recent legal dispute with the dock owner over rent.
| “Since announcing our campaign, nearly 1,000 supporters have donated to help save America’s Flagship,” the SS United States Conservancy said in a social media post. It added: “If we succeed in securing a new temporary berth, an anonymous donor has committed an extraordinarily generous six-figure donation that would more than double our current funds raised.” |
The Conservancy has contacted numerous regional port authorities and private pier owners but hasn’t said if it has received definite offers to accommodate the ship. Time is running out to secure a new home, so the Conservancy filed a court motion for more time to vacate the Philadelphia dock.
Florida County Wants to Turn Ship Into an Artificial Reef
In the past few days, a new location for the ship has been proposed—at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico—but the SS United States Conservancy will likely not be pleased about it. Escambia County, Florida officials have proposed towing the ship south from Philadelphia to the Gulf of Mexico and sinking it as an artificial reef.
Escambia Commissioner Jeff Bergosh says this would be a big boost for the local scuba diving industry and tourism in general. The County has already secured a quote for transporting and sinking the vessel at $8.6 million.
The proposal has many supporters in the diving industry and marine conservation organizations. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the state would contribute $3 million, while private diving operators are willing to contribute.
The 53,000 gross ton ship measures nearly 1,000 feet in length. The Conservancy has long planned to turn the ship into a maritime attraction with a floating hotel, bar, restaurant, and museum, but this plan remains stalled until the ship secures a permanent new home.
