SS United States to Become World’s Largest Artificial Reef

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The SS United States, a renowned ocean liner, is being submerged about 20 nautical miles off the Gulf Coast of Florida. This operation takes place between the Destin-Fort Walton Beach region and Pensacola.

At 1,000 feet long, the ship’s sinking began on Wednesday afternoon. It will soon become the world’s largest artificial reef, enhancing its maritime legacy. Currently, the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area has about 580 artificial reefs, more than any other region in the U.S.

Crews prepare to sink the former ocean liner SS United States to create an artificial reef off the coast of Destin, Florida, on Nov. 11, 2026. Tony Giberson/USA Today Network via REUTERS

The SS United States first launched in 1952, setting an unmatched transatlantic speed record for an ocean liner. Over two decades, it transported thousands of passengers, including presidents, royalty, celebrities, and CBS News legend Walter Cronkite. Its groundbreaking design was initially classified by the Pentagon.

However, by 1969, the liner retired and was docked in Philadelphia by 1996. In 2024, Okaloosa County, Florida, acquired it from the SS United States Conservancy for about $1 million to convert it into an artificial reef to support the Gulf’s marine life.

Before sinking, the ship underwent a year of preparations in Mobile, Alabama. Unsafe materials were removed, including wiring and fuel. Strategic holes were made to ensure it remains upright underwater. These actions followed guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The project, costing around $13 million, is funded by county tourist tax revenue. Okaloosa County aims for the ship to boost the economy of the Florida Panhandle by attracting divers year-round.

“I think it’s going to be like Disney World,” said Jocelyn Collins, general manager of Emerald Coast Scuba, to CBS News. “We’re going to line people up and take pictures underwater.”