A renowned and record-breaking US ship could be deliberately sunk so it can be turned into the world’s largest artificial reef.
The S.S. United States set off its maiden voyage all the way back in 1952.
At the time, it was the largest passenger ship ever built on US soil and it set a new record for the fastest transatlantic crossing time by a passenger ship.
The ship, which is larger than the Titanic, attracted plenty of attention back in the day with big names such as John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Coco Chanel, and Walt Disney all climbing aboard.
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The S.S. United States could begin a new life under the sea
But it now it seems as though the vessel is set to begin a new phase of its life – as a home to marine life on the seafloor.
This week, the S.S. United States Conservancy announced that the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners in Florida had approved a tentative contract to acquire the ship and intentionally sink it off Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
“The S.S. United States has inspired millions the world over as a symbol of American pride and excellence,” Susan Gibbs, president of the SS United States Conservancy, said in a news release.
“Converting the world’s fastest ship into the world’s largest artificial reef will write a new chapter for the S.S. United States as a world-class destination.”
The ship would become home to marine wildlife
As part of the deal, a museum dedicated to the S.S. United States will be opened up to preserve the legacy of the ship.
If the plans go ahead, the vessel will become a new home for a host of marine life as part of Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s artificial reef program.
As well as being good for conservation, the artificial reef provides a boost for tourism.
“Having the title of the world’s largest artificial reef continues to elevate Destin-Fort Walton Beach as a premier destination to visit for scuba diving and fishing,” said Tourism Director Jennifer Adams.
“The SS United States will be an exciting addition to the many artificial reefs and wrecks available in Destin-Fort Walton Beach for divers to explore while providing essential habitat for the fishery that our fleet is so dependent on.”
If the deal is finalized, it will kick-start a lengthy process of cleaning and preparing the ship before it is submerged.
The whole thing could take a couple of years but will result in the S.S. United States being sunk to a level that is ‘widely accessible, providing ample opportunities for novice, intermediate, and advanced technical divers’.
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