The legendary cruise ship SS United States will be sent to the bottom: the reason for this decision
One of the most famous cruise liners in the world, the SS United States, built in the early 1950s, is preparing to sink. This decision, taken by the American authorities, came as a surprise to many, but the reason for such a step is called respectable. As reported Lad Bible, the sinking of the liner has an important environmental purpose.
The SS United States was the fastest ship in the world at one time, and was even larger than the legendary Titanic. Such celebrities as John Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney, Judy Garland and Salvador Dali traveled on board. The liner was retired in 1969 after almost two decades of service, despite the fact that new cruises were already planned for 1970.
After decommissioning, the ship gradually fell into disrepair. Its interior decoration was partially sold, and the liner itself remained for many years without use and care. The ship is currently in Philadelphia, but soon it will be transported to the coast of Florida, in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area, where it is planned to be sunk in the Gulf of Mexico.
The purpose of sinking the SS United States is to create an artificial reef that will serve as a new home for marine flora and fauna. Okaloosa County Tourism Director Jennifer Adams said:
“It will be an exciting addition to our artificial reefs and shipwrecks, and will provide the necessary environment for fish to live in.”
However, transporting the liner in its current state is a major technical challenge. The ship is in a state of disrepair: it is leaky, has an unstable center of gravity and significant damage to the hull due to years of lay-by. All these factors make towing a difficult and expensive task.
However, in October 2024, Okaloosa County purchased the SS United States for $10 million. Preparations are now underway to transport the ship, which will have to pass over several key bridges, including the great Walt Whitman Bridge in Philadelphia.
The SS United States, which has been derelict since 1996, has repeatedly been the subject of debate regarding its future. In 2021, the owners of the liner were ordered to find a new location for the vessel after the termination of lease payments. Now, 55 years after decommissioning, the legendary liner is preparing for a new mission — to become part of the underwater world, serving as a refuge for marine life.
It marks the end of a storied career for a ship that, in its golden days, was considered a symbol of luxury, speed and innovation in the cruise industry. Its new role as an artificial reef is no less important, as it will contribute to the restoration of marine ecosystems and underwater life.
