The fate of historic ocean liner SS United States could be finalized within days.
Okaloosa County in Florida has agreed to a principal deal to transport the ship from its current home in Philadelphia and sink it off the Florida coast. The ship would then become the largest artificial reef in the world.
However, Okaloosa County officials need to act fast. The ocean liner must vacate its current Philadelphia berth within weeks. The SS United States Conservancy, which currently manages the ship, had been searching for a new port for several weeks. Following a legal dispute with the pier owner, a judge ruled in June that the ship must find a new home within 90 days.
County Seeks $9 Million in Funding
Next week, the Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners will discuss whether to provide $9 million in funding to transport and submerge the ship. It has earmarked a suitable offshore site between Destin and Fort Walton Beach.
Gary Wyant, owner of Fort Walton Beach Scuba, says the prospect of diving into a historic ship that still holds the world record for the fastest transatlantic crossing is a major attraction for the area. “It’s gonna be great for the economy, great for the area.”
Museum About the Ship Also Planned
As part of the deal, the SS United States Conservancy plans to develop a permanent museum facility on land to keep the SS United States’ history alive.
Escambia County, Florida officials also proposed turning the ship into a scuba dive site. However, according to Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, they didn’t act quickly enough. Bergosh suggests an artificial reef of this magnitude could generate around $3-6 million annually.
| The 53,000 gross ton SS United States measures nearly 1,000 feet long and was launched in 1952. Dubbed “America’s Flagship,” it was once briefly owned by Norwegian Cruise Lines and attempted to be purchased by Crystal Cruises years before the line went bankrupt. |
For reference, The USS Oriskany, also known as the Mighty O, is the first naval warship and the largest artificial reef ever intentionally sunk in U.S. coastal waters. According to the Florida Wildlife Commission, it lies 22 miles east of Pensacola in 212 feet of water.
