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Historic Ship of the Transatlantic Era to Be Transformed into the Largest Artificial Reef in the World, as Florida Counties Compete for Sinking Location to Attract Tourists
The SS United States, one of the last transatlantic liners from the golden age of intercontinental travel, will be sunk to become the largest artificial reef in the world. Having been out of operation for over 50 years, the historic ship was acquired by Okaloosa County in Florida, aiming to create a new habitat for marine life and attract tourists.
The vessel is currently in Mobile, Alabama, where it is undergoing modifications for its new purpose. During the process, masts and smokestacks will be removed, and holes will be opened in the hull and superstructure. These changes aim to make the ship accessible to marine life and divers.
Dispute Between Counties for the Historic Ship
Although Okaloosa County is responsible for the project, the proposal has also attracted interest from neighboring Bay County. Local authorities have offered US$ 3 million for the SS United States to be sunk closer to their coast, about 20 miles (approx. 32 km) from Panama City.
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The reason is clear: to attract more divers and boost the local economy. “We are excited that the ship will become the largest artificial reef in the world, so we would like it to be as close as possible to Panama City. We are working in partnership with Okaloosa County and believe it will be great for our diving industry, bringing a lot of people to the area,” he stated.
The initiative came from the local diving community. The Bay County board adopted the proposal and is now awaiting a decision from Okaloosa County.
Investment and Partnership
Bay County’s goal is for the US$ 3 million to help with marketing the project and adapting the ship. Dan Rowe, executive director of the Bay tourism development council, reinforced the region’s commitment to the proposal.
“We have been working with Okaloosa County for quite some time, and this is something very important. We have a very strong diving community and an important fishing community in Bay County, so this is quite relevant for us,” he stated.
The expectation is that, if the proposal is accepted, the sinking location will be changed, positioning the ship closer to Bay’s coast, consequently increasing the region’s tourism potential.
Destination of the Historic SS United States Ship
The SS United States was built in Newport News, Virginia, in the United States, and entered service in the 1950s. The ship was used for transatlantic voyages before the popularization of jet airplanes.
It was docked for 30 years at the Philadelphia port until departing from the site in February this year. The removal operation took nearly two weeks.
After decades at rest, the liner has resumed navigation and is now preparing for its final mission. Since late 2023, the artificial reef project has been developed by authorities and specialists in Florida.
The expectation is that the ship will become a hub of marine biodiversity and, at the same time, an attraction for nautical and tourist activities.
Sinking Location Still Undefined
According to WJHG Channel 7 News, the exact location where the SS United States will be sunk has not yet been officially defined by Okaloosa County. Bay County’s proposal is still under review, and there is no timeline for the final decision.
Meanwhile, the vessel continues to undergo the necessary procedures in Alabama. The plan is to prepare it to be placed on the seabed safely and strategically, adhering to environmental and tourist requirements.
The future of the historic ship, which had been dormant for decades, now depends on negotiations between the two counties. Wherever it is sunk, the SS United States is about to gain a new function: helping to preserve marine life and boost dive tourism along the Florida coast.
With information from Portal World Cruises.
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