Historic Ocean Liner ‘SS United States’ Goes on Its Final Voyage to Become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
One of the most legendary liners to have graced American oceans has left for its last voyage from Philadelphia on February 19. After this last journey the authorities will change the way SS United States is known to people forever, CNN stated. SS United State's destination is Mobile, Alabama where the authorities will prepare it for its final mission.
Officials decided in 2024 to turn the 1951 ship into an artificial reef off the coast of the Florida Panhandle. The departure was a momentous occasion for many aware of the structure's history. “Today, the nation’s sole surviving ocean liner will glide down the Delaware River to begin the next chapter in her uniquely American story,” said Susan Gibbs, president of the SS United States Conservancy and granddaughter of the ship’s designer, William Francis Gibbs before the ship's departure.
Throughout its sailing career, the ship hosted several distinguished personalities like multiple US presidents and even the precious painting 'Mona Lisa.' It was withdrawn from service in 1969 but continued to hold a special place in many people's hearts. “(It’s) heartbreaking to see it go,” said one of the aficionados Kelly Micca in November. As per authorities, after the sinking the ship's final home would be around 180 feet (55 meters) under the water.
Authorities claimed that if the plan follows through then the liner will be the world's largest artificial reef, CBS News stated. "Now under the care of new owners, the ship will forever symbolize our nation's strength, innovation, and resilience. During this period of intense political polarization, America's Flagship, built through a public-private partnership as a luxury liner and a top-secret, high-speed, troop transport to protect our national interests overseas, illustrates the power and the promise of coalescing around a common cause," Gibbs added. On the first day of its journey, the ship passed under many bridges like the Delaware Memorial Bridge (I-295), Walt Whitman Bridge (I-76), and Commodore Barry Bridge (U.S. 322). Temporary traffic stops were applied by authorities to reduce any chances of driver distraction.
The legendary liner first drew worldwide attention when it set the transatlantic speed record in 1952. For a long time, the plan to turn it into an artificial reef has been in the works, but some issues or other have always acted as a barrier. The most recent one occurred on February 6 when the U.S. Coast Guard asked for some follow-up details to ensure proper towing from Pier 82 to Pier 80. Before that, the departure plans were postponed when the Coast Guard issued a “Captain of the Port Order.” This meant that Florida’s Okaloosa County, the body which was receiving the ship needed to ensure the liner's structural integrity before departure.
The ship was brought for $10 million in the fall of 2024 by officials in Okaloosa County, Florida, CBS News stated. They planned to make it an artificial reef and also open a state-of-the-art museum centered around the vessel. This objective is also still on the cards for the authorities. "This next chapter of the SS United States' story will bring tens of thousands of people annually from around the world to experience her," Gibbs said in October 2024.