SS United States to Sink Off Destin as World's Largest Artificial Reef

The SS United States will become the world's largest artificial reef when officials intentionally sink it off the coast of Destin, Florida, on Thursday, November 12. The nearly 900-foot vessel will rest on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, marking the end of its journey from the Philadelphia docks where it sat for decades.

The ship was built in the early 1950s to carry passengers between the United States and Europe. Its design allowed for conversion into a troop carrier if needed. Air travel replaced ocean liners in the late 1960s, leading to the vessel's retirement. After a long tow to Mobile, Alabama, the ship underwent remediation work to ensure it was seaworthy for the final trip to the Gulf.

Alex Fogg, the natural resources chief for Okaloosa County, stated that the project aligns with a local strategy to expand artificial reefs. He noted that divers in the area prefer exploring large wrecks over natural sand or coral. Fogg said the county sought a large vessel with a compelling history, and the SS United States fit that description. He described the goal as creating a destination for visitors who want to be bona fide wreck divers.

A nonprofit conservation group filed a lawsuit last week to stop the sinking. The group cited concerns about environmental impact, specifically potential harm to marine organisms and the food web that could reach human consumption. Despite the legal challenge, Fogg said the county moved forward with the plan.

Fogg acknowledged that many supporters wanted the ship preserved as a museum or returned to service. He argued that those options lacked viable funding and a realistic plan. "There was no viable plan, no funding to be able to accommodate a project to restore it," he said. He maintained that Okaloosa County is preserving the ship by giving it a new purpose.

Regulatory agencies have overseen the cleaning of the vessel to meet federal and state standards. Fogg confirmed that all required boxes have been checked for the project. Research cited by officials suggests that placing structures in areas without natural reefs provides environmental benefits.

The public can watch the sinking online on Thursday, November 12. Fogg, an avid diver, described the experience of exploring the wrecks as unique. "Every single dive is different," he said, noting the sensation of being surrounded by fish and marine growth.