The SS United States, recognized as the fastest passenger ocean liner ever and surpassing the Titanic in length, is set for its final voyage.
This Monday, officials from Florida's Okaloosa County disclosed plans to intentionally sink the ship during the second week of November, approximately 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin in the Gulf of Mexico. The objective is to transform it into the world's largest artificial reef.
"This marks an exciting development for creating a unique resource benefiting both the environment and our tourism industry," stated county officials in a press release.
The precise date may be adjusted based on weather conditions.
A Colossal Vessel That Outshined the Titanic
With a length of nearly 1,000 feet (305 meters), the SS United States extends over 100 feet longer than the RMS Titanic.
Originally designed for dual purposes—luxury transatlantic travel and military transport—it could carry up to 14,000 soldiers without needing to refuel.
On its maiden voyage in 1952, the ship crossed the Atlantic in just three days, ten hours, and 40 minutes, maintaining an average speed of 66 kilometers per hour. This achievement surpassed the RMS Queen Mary's record by nearly ten hours.
That record for passenger vessels still stands unbeaten.
Throughout its 17-year service, it transported over a million passengers, including four U.S. presidents—Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Clinton—and celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Salvador Dalí.
From Philadelphia to the Gulf's Depths
After decades of decay while docked on the Delaware River and a legal battle culminating in a court-ordered eviction, Okaloosa County purchased the ship in 2024 for one million dollars.
The total project budget is 10.1 million dollars, funded through tourism taxes.
The vessel left Philadelphia in February 2025, reaching Mobile, Alabama, after a 12-day tow.
There, under Captain Tim Mullane's leadership, a 30-person team removed over 300 portholes, four propellers, hazardous materials, and cleaned 120 fuel tanks.
"We must remember this ship's extraordinary history as the fastest passenger ocean liner ever built. In a sense, we're laying it to rest," Mullane remarked, as reported by Clarín.
The Sinking Procedure
For a controlled descent, the 120 tanks will be filled with 6.6 million liters of water.
Approximately 20 crew members will cut holes in the hull using high-powered torches.
If the process proceeds smoothly, the sinking will take less than 45 minutes, and Mullane will be the last to leave the vessel.
The chosen site is about 55 meters deep, with the upper decks resting 18 meters below the surface, accessible to divers of all levels.
The location is just 12 nautical miles from the USS Oriskany, a carrier sunk as a reef in 2006 that currently generates 3.6 million dollars annually in tourism.
"The SS United States is undeniably the Everest of projects," declared Alex Fogg, a marine biologist with the county, who collaborates with Mullane to ensure environmental compliance.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must conduct its inspections before granting authorization for the sinking.
A New Underwater Life
Promoters anticipate the ship becoming a landmark attraction among more than 500 artificial reefs in the region, generating millions annually for dive shops, charter fishing boats, and hotels.
Studies referenced by the county estimate that each dollar invested in artificial reefs within Florida's Panhandle could yield approximately 138 dollars over the reef's lifespan.
"No project compares, and there will never be another like it because ships of this kind are no longer built," concluded Coleen O'Malley, co-founder of Coleen Marine, the company overseeing the operation.
Insights into the SS United States Sinking Project
Why is the SS United States being sunk off the coast of Florida?
The ship is being sunk to become the world's largest artificial reef, benefiting the environment and boosting local tourism.
What makes the SS United States unique compared to other ships?
The SS United States is renowned for being the fastest passenger ocean liner ever and surpassing the Titanic in length, with a rich history of transporting notable figures.
How will the sinking process be carried out?
The sinking will involve filling the ship's tanks with water and cutting holes in the hull. The process should take under 45 minutes if all goes as planned.
What economic impact is expected from this project?
The project is expected to generate millions annually, benefiting local businesses such as dive shops, charter fishing services, and hotels.