The SS United States, a legendary ocean liner that once held the transatlantic speed record and carried presidents, royalty, and Hollywood stars, has found its final resting place beneath the waves off Florida’s Gulf Coast.
After decades of preservation efforts failed, the historic vessel was intentionally sunk Wednesday night about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin, Florida. County officials confirmed the ship now sits upright at a depth of approximately 180 feet, already open to recreational divers as the centerpiece of Okaloosa County’s artificial reef program.
From Luxury Liner to Underwater Attraction
Crews spent months preparing the 990-foot vessel for its new role, removing hazardous materials, draining fuel tanks, and cutting safe passageways through its interior. The ship’s iconic red, white and blue smokestacks were preserved for a future museum exhibit in the Destin area.
“This gives the ship a second life,” said Susan Gibbs, granddaughter of the vessel’s designer and head of the SS United States Conservancy. While acknowledging the emotional difficulty of the decision, she noted reefing provided a more dignified alternative than seeing the historic ship scrapped.
A Floating Piece of American History
Launched in 1951, the SS United States represented American postwar ambition and engineering prowess. On its maiden voyage in 1952, it broke transatlantic speed records in both directions, claiming the prestigious Blue Riband. For nearly two decades, it transported celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Duke Ellington across the Atlantic, even carrying the Mona Lisa during the painting’s 1963 U.S. tour.
The rise of jet travel rendered transatlantic liners obsolete, and the SS United States was retired in 1969. After years docked in Philadelphia and failed preservation attempts, the vessel faced an uncertain future until Okaloosa County purchased it for $1 million in 2024.
Divers Urged to Exercise Caution
While the wreck is already accessible, local diving professionals warn enthusiasts to wait for conditions to stabilize. “Escaping air pockets and shifting equipment could create hazards in these early days,” cautioned Kerry Freeland, a professional diver familiar with the project.
Tourism officials anticipate the site will become one of Florida’s premier diving destinations, offering underwater explorers a chance to experience a unique piece of maritime history while boosting the local economy.
Source: www.dailywire.com โ https://www.dailywire.com/news/legendary-american-ocean-liner-sunk-off-florida-to-become-diving-destination