PENSACOLA, Fla. – Okaloosa County is moving ahead with plans to turn the historic ocean liner SS United States into the nation’s largest artificial reef. The county will tow the vessel from Mobile on Monday and sink it on Nov. 12, a schedule that was confirmed after U.S. District Judge M. Casey Rodgers denied a request for an injunction.
Court Ruling Clears Path for Reef Project
Judge Rodgers found the complaint filed by the SS United States Preservation Foundation to be incomplete. The ruling noted that the docket lacked a verified complaint and an affidavit attesting to the truthfulness of the facts presented. Additionally, the judge highlighted that the foundation had not identified the substantial expense associated with berthing, mooring and docking a ship of this size, nor had it proposed a bond to cover those costs.
County Officials Emphasize Economic and Recreational Benefits
Okaloosa County spokesperson Nick Tomecek said the project will proceed as planned. “The ship will be towed from Mobile on Monday, and we have already begun filling several of the vessel’s tanks with water,” Tomecek explained. “More tanks will be filled on the morning of Nov. 12, and the sinking is expected to take about 45 minutes. The wreck will be open to divers the following day.”
Tomecek added that the artificial reef is projected to attract “many thousands of visitors a year,” noting that interest in the project has already spread worldwide. “We’re going to see visitors to this area that we’ve never seen before, not only for the dive experience but also to learn about the ship’s history and the memories made aboard,” he said.
Preservation Group Raises Environmental Concerns
The SS United States Preservation Foundation, co‑founded by Carlos Camacho Jr., filed a new motion for a temporary restraining order and submitted an affidavit outlining potential environmental hazards. Camacho warned that sinking the ship could create a “serious potential for a Superfund site out in the Gulf,” which might threaten Gulf seafood.
Despite these concerns, county officials maintain that the vessel has undergone a deep cleaning in Mobile since March 2025 to remove hazardous materials. They assert that the preparation meets federal environmental standards and that the reef will provide a valuable habitat for marine life.
What Residents Can Expect
Local divers are eager for the new site, which will offer a unique underwater attraction. The county plans to promote the reef as both a recreational destination and an educational resource, highlighting the ship’s role in American maritime history.
Okaloosa County officials also indicated that the project aligns with broader efforts to enhance tourism and support the local economy. By creating a high‑profile dive site, the county hopes to generate additional revenue for nearby businesses, including hotels, restaurants and marine‑service providers.
Next Steps
The sinking is scheduled for the afternoon of Nov. 12. After the vessel settles on the seafloor, the county will monitor the site to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Divers will be permitted to explore the wreck beginning the day after the sinking, pending safety inspections.
Community members who wish to learn more about the project or voice concerns are encouraged to attend upcoming county meetings, where officials will provide updates on the reef’s development and its impact on the local economy and environment.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
