Historic Ship Bigger Than the Titanic Gets a New Purpose as SS United States Heads Beneath the Sea

The SS United States, the iconic American ocean liner that once set a world record for transatlantic travel, is preparing to make history once again—this time beneath the sea. The historic vessel is set to be sunk off the Florida coast, around 40 kilometres from Destin–Fort Walton Beach, to create what is expected to become the world’s largest artificial reef. The SS United States Conservancy, which has worked for decades to preserve the ship, is also planning to establish a museum along the Florida coast. The museum is expected to showcase important sections and artefacts from the vessel. As part of the preservation effort, the ship’s two massive funnels have already been removed and secured.

Measuring 990 feet in length, the SS United States is larger than the Titanic. It was designed not only as a luxury passenger liner but also to transport military personnel during emergencies. Construction began in 1950 at a cost of more than $70 million. The ship could typically accommodate between 1,900 and 2,000 passengers and was designed to carry up to 14,000 troops during wartime. On its maiden voyage in 1952, it travelled from New York to Europe in just three days and 11 hours, setting a record that remains unbeaten. Former US presidents Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton also travelled aboard the vessel. After being retired from service in 1969, the ship changed ownership several times and remained docked for decades. In 2024, Florida’s Okaloosa County purchased it for $1 million. Before its transformation into an artificial reef, hazardous materials were removed and its interiors were cleaned to minimise environmental risks. The county expects the project to boost fishing, diving and tourism, bringing economic benefits to the region.