The legendary ocean liner moored on the Delaware River since 1996 is poised to start a new chapter as the world’s largest artificial reef off the coast of Florida
The Okaloosa County (Florida) commissioners voted on Tuesday to finalize a deal to purchase the historic SS United States and sink it near Destin-Fort Walton Beach, an area known for its extensive artificial reef system.
The agreement, which is pending the conclusion of a U.S. District Court-ordered mediation with the ship’s landlord, is expected to be completed within weeks.
The SS United States Conservancy that is tasked with the care of the ship plans to establish a museum to preserve the vessel’s storied history, including its record-breaking trans-Atlantic crossing in 1952.
Susan Gibbs, president of the conservancy and granddaughter of ship designer William Francis Gibbs, said the project will keep the spirit of the ship alive.
“The SS United States has inspired millions the world over as a symbol of American pride and excellence. Should the ship be converted into an artificial reef, she will become a unique historic attraction above and below the waterline. A land-based museum and immersive experience utilizing the latest technology will showcase her unique story and proud history. Converting the world’s fastest ship into the world’s largest artificial reef will write a new chapter for the SS United States as a world class destination,” stated Gibbs.
The total cost for acquiring, transporting, cleaning, and sinking the 990-foot ship, which is 100 feet longer than the Titanic, is estimated at $10.1 million, Okaloosa County officials said.
“Having the title of the World’s Largest Artificial Reef continues to elevate Destin-Fort Walton Beach as a premier destination to visit for scuba diving and fishing. The SS United States will be an exciting addition to the many artificial reefs and wrecks available in Destin-Fort Walton Beach for divers to explore while providing essential habitat for the fishery that our fleet is so dependent on,” said Jennifer Adams, the Okaloosa County tourism director.
Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon said in a statement that the ship will grow the area’s reputation as a “premier diving and fishing destination.”
Preparation for the ship’s transformation is expected to take more than a year, with an additional six months to one year planned for organizing its sinking.
The final resting place of the SS United States has yet to be determined.
The conservancy acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision in a recent social media post.
“As you know, we have worked for over a decade to see America’s Flagship repurposed, and we remain confident that she could succeed as a floating, mixed-use destination,” the post stated. “However, this plan to deploy the SS United States as the world’s largest artificial rife would save the ship from scrapping. It would also support the Conservancy’s dynamic museum and unique visitor experience that will educate the public about the SS United States and her legacy, incorporate iconic components from the ship, and offer public access to our extensive archival and curatorial collections.”
The decision to move the ship from its current location at Pier 82 in South Philly comes after a court order delayed its eviction to allow for mediation with the ship’s landlord, Penn Warehousing.
Throughout its operational years, the SS United States transported four U.S. presidents and celebrities across the Atlantic.
The ship was originally designed as a convertible troop carrier capable of transporting 14,000 troops 10,000 miles without refueling.
The ship fell out of popularity as air travel boomed and operated from 1952 and 1969. The ship was docked in Virginia for many years and was stripped of its interior in 1984 before coming to Philadelphia in 1996.
NBC 10 reported Thursday that Philadelphia police were investigating a burglary from the ship.
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