Destin‑Fort Walton Beach, Fla. – The legendary SS United States now lies upright on the Gulf floor, about 22 nautical miles offshore and roughly 180 feet below the surface. Officials say the intentional sinking, completed on Wednesday, was a success and marks the creation of the world’s largest artificial reef.
Local officials celebrate the achievement
Tourism Director Jennifer Adams praised the effort, calling it “a significant achievement” and expressing pride in the team that guided the vessel to rest upright within feet of its intended location. Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin added that the project sets the county apart as a leader in tourism worldwide.
How the ship was prepared
Crews filled the liner’s 128 fuel and lubricant tanks with water to ensure an even descent. The process took several hours, longer than the one‑hour estimate, but allowed the 990‑foot ship to settle gently on the seabed. Remote‑operated vehicle (ROV) and sonar scans confirmed the ship’s upright position.
Impact on tourism and marine life
The new reef joins more than 580 existing artificial reef sites in the Destin‑Fort Walton Beach area, offering divers of all skill levels a unique underwater experience. The uppermost deck sits at a depth of just 60 feet, making it accessible to recreational divers. Officials anticipate tens of thousands of visitors, along with a planned on‑shore museum and visitor center.
Marine biologists see the reef as a valuable research platform. Alex Fogg, Natural Resources Chief, noted that the sheer size of the SS United States provides a rare opportunity to study how large‑scale artificial reefs develop and support species such as sea turtles, grouper, snapper, marlin, mahi‑mahi, and tuna.
Future plans
The safety zone around the site was lifted Thursday, opening the area to divers. The tourism board streamed the sinking live on its website, allowing the public to witness the historic moment. Officials hope the reef will become a lasting habitat for marine life and a cornerstone of the region’s tourism economy.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
