A historic ocean liner is set to become the world’s largest artificial reef when it is scuttled off Florida’s Gulf Coast, sparking competition among diving businesses eager to attract tourists. However, a legal challenge has emerged from a group aiming to prevent the ship from being submerged.
The SS United States, a nearly 1,000-foot vessel renowned for breaking the trans-Atlantic speed record during its maiden voyage in 1952, is currently undergoing extensive preparations at the Port of Mobile, Alabama. Workers are diligently emptying and cleaning all 120 fuel tanks and removing hazardous materials to ensure environmental safety.
Alex Fogg, coastal resource manager for Okaloosa County, emphasized the importance of the cleanup process: “There’s a lot of hazardous materials on vessels that were built back in the ’50s. Once ready, it will be a safe steel and aluminum structure.”
Once operational as an artificial reef, the SS United States will join Okaloosa County’s extensive network of over 500 artificial reefs, which include numerous smaller shipwrecks. Officials project that the reef will attract tourists, potentially generating millions of dollars each year for local scuba shops, charter fishing boats, and hotels, while also providing essential habitats for various marine species.
“Our goal is to establish ourselves as the dive capital of Florida, even surpassing the Florida Keys,” Fogg stated.
The projected timeline aims for the SS United States to be submerged by the end of the year at one of three permitted locations, all located approximately 20 nautical miles from Destin, Florida. With depths around 180 feet, the upper decks of the ship will remain about 60 feet below the surface, making it accessible for both beginner and advanced divers.
Meanwhile, Bay County officials have proposed $3 million to relocate the ship closer to Panama City Beach, which boasts one of the largest dive boat fleets along the northern Gulf Coast. “Diving is part of our DNA,” stated a local tourism leader.
In contrast, Escambia County has offered $1 million to sink the vessel near Pensacola. Officials there believe the proximity to the USS Oriskany, another well-known dive site, would create an exceptional diving experience.
After arriving in Alabama in early March following transport from Philadelphia, the SS United States’ ownership was secured by Okaloosa County after a long-standing dispute was resolved. Despite efforts over the years to restore the vessel, financial limitations hindered progress, leading to a renewed push to preserve the ship as an artificial reef.
A recent increase in media attention has prompted more calls to protect the vessel, and a lawsuit has been filed to halt the sinking process. However, Fogg asserts that preventing the ship from becoming a reef would lead to its dismantlement instead. The comprehensive plan to clean and sink the vessel also includes funding for a landside museum dedicated to its history.
Fogg anticipates a surge in visitors once the ship is submerged: “Once deployed as an artificial reef, it will attract more visitors in its first month underwater than have visited in the last 30 years.”
The SS United States, measuring over 100 feet longer than the RMS Titanic, historically served as a dual-purpose vessel capable of transporting troops. Its maiden voyage achieved a trans-Atlantic speed record, crossing the ocean in a remarkable three days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes. This accomplishment has earned the SS United States its place in maritime history, as it holds the fastest trans-Atlantic speed record for an ocean liner.
