Historic SS United States Completes Final Voyage, Becomes World's Largest Artificial Reef

12 November 2026 · Source balance: Centre-Left

On Wednesday, November 11, the SS United States, once the world's fastest ocean liner, was intentionally sunk off the Florida Panhandle coast about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin to create the world's largest artificial reef. Built in 1952, the 990-foot vessel held the transatlantic speed record and carried presidents and celebrities across the Atlantic before decades of decline and failed redevelopment efforts. The sinking process took approximately 10 hours to complete, longer than the predicted one to three hours, because the ship was designed to resist sinking and crews had to carefully fill 128 fuel tanks with water to ensure it descended evenly without capsizing. Environmental regulations prohibited the use of explosives, so workers instead cut large holes in decks and removed over 400 portholes. The ship's iconic 65-foot smokestacks were removed and will anchor a new museum. Once submerged, the vessel will provide critical habitat for grouper, snapper, mackerel, tuna, and other marine species, while serving as a destination for divers and researchers worldwide.