The legendary ocean liner SS United States left its home port in Philadelphia after nearly 30 years docked. Its destination? The coast of Florida, where it will become the largest artificial reef in the world !
A historical final journey
Ce Wednesday, February 19, all eyes were on the Delaware River, in Philadelphia. After decades of immobility, this giant of the seas embarked on the first leg of its final journey, according to theAssociated Press. But this is not the end of its story: once submerged off the coast of Okaloosa County, in Florida, it will welcome a new underwater life, becoming an essential site for divers.
A necessary detour through Alabama
Before reaching its final resting place, the SS United States will make an essential stop in Mobile, Alabama, where it will be fully decontaminated and secured. A crucial step to ensure its transformation into an artificial reef without environmental impact. Once this process is completed, the ship will finally be able to join the Floridian waters where it will be submerged in the Gulf of Mexico.
A large-scale project for Florida
Le Okaloosa County is already proud to host over 500 artificial reefs, designed from various materials to attract marine life and divers from around the world. But the arrival of the SS United States is expected to become the main attraction, also boosting the local economy thanks to underwater tourism. A major challenge for local authorities, who have estimated the total cost of the operation – from transport to decontamination to the scuttling of the ship – at $10 million.
A Legend of naval history
The choice of the SS United States is not insignificant. A true feat of naval engineering, this liner has marked the history of transatlantic travel. Commissioned in 1952, it set an unmatched speed record on its maiden voyage: 36 knots (66 km/h), crossing the Atlantic in 3 days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes – an achievement still unbeaten.
Over the years, it welcomed onboard emblematic figures : U.S. presidents, Marilyn Monroe, Coco Chanel, Walt Disney, and even… The Mona Lisa, transported under high security during a voyage.
From glory to oblivion… then to rebirth
With the rise of air travel, transatlantic voyages by liner declined. In 1969, after nearly 800 crossings, its career ended. Passing from hand to hand, the ship eventually was left docked in Philadelphia in 1996, where it remained for nearly three decades without moving… until today.
A year and a half before diving into eternity
This final transformation of the SS United States will take about 18 months. Just a bit more patience before this maritime monument becomes a reef-ship, ready to be explored with fins at your feet.
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opening image Chuck Homler d/b/a FocusOnWildlife – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92836667