World’s Largest Artificial Reef, world record in Florida
Miami, Florida, United States--Once the most talked-about ship on the sea, the SS United States is heading toward its final resting place; after years of uncertainty and the loss of the ship’s longtime berth in Philadelphia, the historic ocean liner was purchased by Okaloosa County, Florida, with plans to sink the ship by 2026 to create what will become the World’s largest artificial reef, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.
Photo: Most miles paddled in 24 hours on Stand Up Paddle Board, world record set by Justin DeBree
"Once the most talked-about ship on the sea, the SS United States is heading toward its final resting place. But it won’t be the end of the ship’s story," the
Travel & Leisure reports.
"The vessel holds the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by an ocean liner, completing the journey from New York to Europe in just three days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes on its inaugural voyage in 1952. After years of uncertainty and the loss of the ship’s longtime berth in Philadelphia, the historic ocean liner was purchased by Okaloosa County, Florida, with plans to sink the ship by 2026 to create what will become the world’s largest artificial reef.
"To the delight of divers, the site is expected to be located about 10 miles (16 kilometre) off the coast of Destin in the Florida Panhandle, with the 1,000-foot-long vessel’s top decks resting 60 feet below the surface — accessible to both beginner and advanced divers. Before the vessel is scuttled, crews will remove hazardous materials and prepare it for safe reef conversion in accordance with environmental guidelines."
"SS United States is a retired American ocean liner that was built during 1950 and 1951 for United States Lines. She is the largest ocean liner to be entirely constructed in the United States and the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic Ocean in either direction, earning the Blue Riband for the highest average speed since her maiden voyage in 1952, a title that remains uncontested.
"The ship was designed by American naval architect William Francis Gibbs and could have been converted into a troopship if required by the United States Navy in time of war. The ship served as a US icon, transporting celebrities and immigrants throughout her career between 1952 and 1969.
"Her design included innovations in steam propulsion, hull form, fire safety, and damage control. Despite her record speed, passenger counts declined in the mid-1960s due to the rise in jet-propelled trans-Atlantic flights." (Wikipedia)
"Following the financial collapse of United States Lines, United States was withdrawn from service in a surprise announcement in 1969. All planned cruises were canceled, and the ship changed owners repeatedly for the next several decades. Every owner attempted to make the ship profitable, but she was aging and poorly maintained. In 1984, her interior furnishings were sold at auction, and the rest of her interiors were stripped to the bulkheads in 1994. In 1996, she was towed to Philadelphia, where she remained until February 2025.
"Since 2009, the SS United States Conservancy has been raising funds in an attempt to save the ship from being scrapped. The group purchased her in 2011 and has created several unrealized plans to restore the ship. Due to a rent dispute, in 2024, the ship was evicted from her pier. Because no other locations for the ship could be found, Okaloosa County, Florida, bought her and plans to sink her by 2026 near Destin to become the world's largest artificial reef. Despite this, conservation efforts continue with a new group planning on buying the ocean liner." (Wikipedia)
"The SS United States Conservancy is glad to be able to share a wonderful opportunity to see the SS United States at her current pier in Mobile, Alabama, while also supporting the Conservancy's efforts to build a state-of-the-art museum that will celebrate her indomitable spirit," the SS United States Conservancy reports.
"The Perdido Queen, a charming riverboat, offers cruises that will take you close to the ship as part of a guided tour of the Mobile River and the active port. You will be able to see the SS United States from the water for a truly unforgettable experience before she is deployed as the world's largest artificial reef through the summer of 2025. Go to www.perdidoqueen.com to book your tour today!"
Photos: World’s Largest Artificial Reef, world record in Florida
(1) Most miles paddled in 24 hours on Stand Up Paddle Board, world record set by Justin DeBree
(2) SS United States begins her tow out of Philadelphia. Date 19 February 2025. Photo: WSRover/Wikimedia
(3) The SS United States docked in Mobile. Date 17 March 2025. Photo: Brian SW/Wikipedia
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