The historic SS United States sank beneath the Gulf of Mexico, coming to rest upright on the seafloor to establish the world’s largest artificial reef.
Descent and Seafloor Placement
After hours of delays in the Gulf of Mexico, the 990-foot ocean liner disappeared beneath the surface shortly after 9 p.m. Crews spent extra time filling additional seawater tanks to stabilize the vessel and ensure a smooth descent according to PNJ.
The vessel had left Mobile on Monday after spending about 20 months there being prepared for its new role, following its earlier time in Philadelphia where owners sank more than $40 million into buying, maintaining, and unsuccessfully reimagining it.
“She’s a big ship, and it just took a little bit” longer than expected, Tomecek noted regarding the stabilization work. Weather concerns had prompted Okaloosa County to move the operation forward from its original November 12 schedule.
As water reached openings along the hull, trapped air escaped in a dramatic rush noted by PNJ.
“And once those portholes started filling up, all the air shot out of the portholes. It was very dramatic,” said Tomecek.
Early sonar and remotely operated vehicle inspections confirmed that the vessel settled upright about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach noted by gCaptain. The ship rests in roughly 180 feet of water, with its main deck hovering about 50 to 60 feet below the surface.
Divers Will Hinton and Rustin Cassway were the first to dive the wreck, with Cassway photographing Hinton alongside the stern where the lettering “United” and “New York” remain visible. Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin emphasized the scale of the project reported by gCaptain.
“This sets Okaloosa County apart as a leader in the tourism industry worldwide and we could not be happier to see this project come to fruition,” said Goodwin.
Preservation and Marine Science
The deliberate sinking followed decades of efforts to preserve the historic liner after its retirement, which included contacting more than 40 ports in hopes of finding a permanent berth. High expenses made a permanent home impossible, leading the Conservancy to partner with Okaloosa County. Conservancy Board Chair Susan Gibbs reflected on the transition reported by gCaptain.
“It is very emotional,” said Gibbs.
Marine biologist Mackenzie Rothfus said that algae, coral, and other marine life will begin growing over the coming months to feed smaller fish and eventually attract larger species. Alex Fogg, natural resources chief for Destin-Fort Walton Beach, outlined the research potential reported by gCaptain.
“This is so much more than creating a new dive destination,” said Fogg. “It’s an opportunity to advance marine science on a scale we’ve never experienced before.”
Jennifer Adams, tourism director for Destin-Fort Walton Beach, praised the operation’s execution. “The successful deployment of the SS United States is a significant achievement, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team,” Adams said, adding that seeing the vessel come to rest within feet of its intended location demonstrated remarkable collaboration.
Earlier coverage: SS United States Sunk Off Florida Coast, Becoming Artificial Reef