Okaloosa County officials are gearing up for what they expect to become the nation’s largest artificial reef: the recently scuttled SS United States. The legendary ocean liner, which sailed the Atlantic from 1952 to 1969, was deliberately sunk around 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, roughly 25 miles southwest of Destin, Florida.
Tourism leaders optimistic about rapid opening
Stacey Koe, a representative of the Okaloosa County Tourism Development Department, confirmed to Fox News Digital that the wreck is already open to divers. “As soon as she goes down, she’ll be ready to dive in the next day or so,” said Jennifer Adams, the county’s director of tourism, who previously told local outlet WUWF that the site could be accessible within a day or two of the sinking.
Safety and conditions under review
Local dive professional Kerry Freeland of Dive Pros and Niuhi Dive Charter cautioned that divers will need to wait for conditions around the wreck to stabilize. “They’re gonna make people wait, so things have got to settle,” Freeland explained. He added that the ship could hit the bottom violently, potentially dislodging equipment and releasing bubbles in a forceful manner.
Economic and research opportunities
The artificial reef is expected to become a major draw for tourists, divers, and marine‑science researchers alike. Alicia Johnson, a maritime archaeologist and head of digital engagement at Accupixel, told Fox News Digital that the wreck offers a unique, long‑term study site. “We get to study this ship from the moment before it goes in the water to 10, 20, 30 years after it’s been in the water,” she said.
Johnson recommends using laser scanning, high‑resolution photography, and detailed drawings to create a digital record of the vessel. This baseline will allow scientists to track how the ship’s structure changes over decades, providing insights that go beyond traditional archaeological sites.
Community impact
County officials see the reef as a way to diversify Okaloosa’s tourism economy while honoring a piece of maritime history. The SS United States carried celebrities such as Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and a young Bill Clinton on his way to Oxford as a Rhodes scholar. Its dual design as a luxury liner and a Cold‑War‑era troop carrier adds a layer of historical significance that the community hopes to showcase.
Local businesses, from dive shops to hotels, are preparing for an influx of visitors. “This is a unique opportunity for our region to attract divers from across the country and even abroad,” Adams said. “It aligns with our goal of promoting sustainable tourism that respects both our heritage and our natural environment.”
Next steps
Authorities will continue to monitor the wreck’s stability and environmental impact. Once safety assessments are complete, the county plans to issue permits for recreational dives and coordinate with research institutions for scientific studies.
Okaloosa County’s proactive approach reflects a broader trend of using sunken vessels to create artificial reefs that boost local economies, support marine life, and preserve history for future generations.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
