Local officials announced that the historic ocean liner SS United States will be sunk off Florida’s Gulf Coast in early 2026, marking its transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef. The deployment will place the vessel about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin and 32 nautical miles southeast of Pensacola Pass, establishing a major addition to the region’s diving and marine conservation landscape.
Planning documents outline that the 990-foot liner will rest at a depth of around 180 feet, with the upper deck structure positioned 55–60 feet below the surface. This depth ensures accessibility for both new and advanced divers while contributing to long-term habitat development.
The reefing location brings the ship close to the USS Oriskany, which currently holds the title as the world’s largest artificial reef. Once the SS United States settles on the seabed, the aircraft carrier will become the second-largest, with the two sites together reinforcing Northwest Florida’s reputation as a prominent international diving destination.
Okaloosa County confirmed new agreements to support the project, including $1.5 million from Visit Pensacola and $500,000 from CCA Florida. The partnership will fund the ship’s deployment and a multi-year promotional campaign. As part of the collaboration, CCA Florida will receive ten aluminium portholes from the vessel, and a donor plaque will be installed aboard the structure.
County leadership highlighted the project’s potential to generate new visitor activity and contribute to regional tourism growth. The sinking forms part of the county’s broader $10.1 million plan, which includes acquiring, towing, cleaning, and preparing the vessel. A separate $1 million allocation will support an onshore museum dedicated to the ship’s legacy.
Throughout this year, crews at the Port of Mobile have been removing chemicals, wiring, plastics, and glass, ensuring the vessel meets artificial reef standards. The ship arrived in March following a 12-day tow from Philadelphia, its long-term berth for nearly three decades. Okaloosa County secured ownership last October after resolving a prolonged rent dispute.
Launched in 1952, the nearly 1,000-foot liner earned maritime acclaim after breaking the trans-Atlantic speed record on its maiden voyage, maintaining an average of 36 knots and crossing in three days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes. Its length exceeds that of the RMS Titanic by more than 100 feet.
Although restoration attempts were proposed over the years, none came to fruition due to cost challenges. Growing public interest recently renewed calls for preservation, and a lawsuit has been filed in federal court by a group seeking to halt the planned sinking. County officials have maintained that, without the artificial reef plan, dismantling the vessel would be the only remaining alternative.
Upon deployment, the SS United States will join more than 500 artificial reefs already managed by Okaloosa County, expanding a network that includes numerous smaller shipwrecks. The site will lie roughly 12 nautical miles from the USS Oriskany, further enhancing a region known for its established dive locations.
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Source: Marine Insight
