SS United States prepared for sinking off Florida coast

The historic ocean liner SS United States was set to be sunk off Florida's Gulf Coast on Wednesday to serve as an artificial reef, UPI and Fox News reported. Hundreds of people gathered in small boats roughly 22 miles off the coast of Destin, Florida, to watch the operation. Sinking was scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, but spectators were still waiting hours later. By 8:00 p.m., the operation had started, according to UPI. [1][2]

The ship will rest 180 feet underwater in its new location, UPI reported. The Associated Press reported that the project costs $13.5 million and is designed to assist marine life, fishing enthusiasts, and divers, according to Fox News. The vessel is expected to become the largest artificial reef in the world, UPI and Fox News both reported. [1][2]

The SS United States was constructed in Virginia between 1950 and 1951 for United States Lines. It is the largest ocean liner ever built entirely within the United States. During its maiden voyage in 1952, the vessel earned the Blue Riband for achieving the highest average speed crossing the Atlantic Ocean in both directions. It remains the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic, a record that stands uncontested. [1][2][8]