The SS United States, once the fastest passenger liner in the world, is scheduled to be sunk in the Gulf of Mexico in November, creating what will be the world’s largest artificial reef. Officials from Okaloosa County, Florida, confirmed the 302m (990ft) vessel will be scuttled approximately 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
Built in 1951, the ship won the Blue Riband for the fastest transatlantic crossing on her maiden voyage in July 1952, completing the journey in 3 days, 10 hours, 40 minutes. The rise of commercial air travel ended her career in 1969. After decades of neglect, she was purchased in 2011 by the SS United States Conservancy, but legal disputes led to her eviction from Philadelphia in September 2024.
Okaloosa County acquired the ship at an estimated cost of $1 million and began stripping and cleaning her in Mobile, Alabama. Hazardous material removal is complete, all 128 fuel and lubricant tanks have been certified safe, and PCB-containing paint and deck coverings have been removed. Seabed surveys and digital modeling have been finished.
The sinking will use controlled flooding rather than explosives. Many artifacts, including the ship’s funnels and portholes, will be preserved in a planned land-based museum.
Source: Hacker News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing