SS United States Begins Final Voyage Toward Reef

The 990-foot SS United States, once the world’s fastest ocean liner, was deliberately sunk Wednesday night about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin, Florida, to create what officials expect will be the world’s largest artificial reef. Crews flooded the ship through prepared openings rather than using explosives, and it is expected to rest about 180 feet underwater, with upper decks accessible to divers. The $13.5 million project is intended to provide marine habitat, attract divers and anglers, and generate tourism revenue for the Florida Panhandle. The retired liner set a transatlantic speed record on its 1952 maiden voyage, and the sinking ends years of failed preservation efforts. A preservation group had challenged the project over potential environmental and seafood risks, but a federal judge rejected its initial emergency bid to stop the sinking.