The SS United States, iconic ocean liner, faces imminent sinking. Yet, unexpected complications have delayed its next chapter.
America's legendary vessel, the SS United States, was all set to embark on its final voyage at the end of last year. This grand ship, known for breaking the transatlantic speed record during its maiden voyage in 1952, was slated to become an artificial reef at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico.
However, the celebration was marred by unforeseen complications. Coast Guard concerns and the discovery of "oily residue" created a roadblock in the trip south. Nick Tomecek, a public information officer for Okaloosa County, which recently purchased the vessel, explained that the move required careful planning and collaboration with various agencies to ensure safety.
But a setback came in the form of a "Captain of the Port Order" sent by the US Coast Guard to the ship's Florida county owners in late November. The order stated that the SS United States might not be stable enough for the journey and posed a hazard to the port and waterway. The ship, which has been dormant at its pier in Philadelphia for over two decades, was flagged for a potentially compromised tank and a large amount of oily residue.
The Coast Guard demanded that the county restore the ship's structural integrity and demonstrate its ability to withstand the harsh journey. However, hopeful signs emerged in January when Okaloosa County announced that stability tests had been conducted and accepted by the Coast Guard. The next step involved creating a tow plan, taking into consideration tide conditions.
Coast Guard spokesperson confirmed that progress was being made to prepare the ship for departure. But no new date for the ship's move from Philadelphia to Mobile, Alabama, has been set yet.
The SS United States, admired for its beauty, transatlantic speed record, and carrying world-renowned cargo like US presidents and Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," was evicted from its Philadelphia pier last year. Florida's Okaloosa County bought the ship to create the world's largest artificial reef off the coast of Destin, Florida.
After numerous legal battles, the ship was scheduled to move in mid-November, but tropical storm threats and concerns about a possible bridge strike forced a delay. A week later, the Coast Guard order further stalled the journey. Because the ship did not depart by December 14, 2024, Okaloosa County had to pay a one-time penalty of $100,000.
The exact timeline for the ship's exit from Philadelphia remains uncertain, but Okaloosa County anticipates sinking the SS United States in the Gulf of Mexico by the end of this year or early 2026. The ship will serve as a destination for scuba divers, attracting fish and other marine wildlife as a reef. Okaloosa County has already sunk 14 vessels in the past four years for the same purpose. Sinking the SS United States will only take 10 to 30 minutes, after which a team of marine biologists and divers will ensure the ship settles into its final resting place.
Conservancy President Susan Gibbs, who viewed the sinking as the best available option after the eviction, highlighted that the move will save the ship from being scrapped. The county plans to construct a museum to honor the ship's legacy along with the conservancy.
Despite the sadness that comes with seeing the SS United States embark on its final journey, supporters and fans continue to visit and remember the ship in Philadelphia. Its legacy as an American icon will live on.
Despite the delays and complications, Nick Tomecek emphasized the importance of meticulous planning and collaboration with numerous agencies for the safe travel of the SS United States. Despite the setbacks, there's hope for the ship's eventual departure from Philadelphia, as stability tests have been accepted and a tow plan is in the works.
TheSS United States, a symbol of American history and innovation, is currently being prepared for its journey to Florida, where it will add to the county's collection of artificial reefs, providing a new home for marine life and becoming an exciting destination for scuba divers.
