Farewell to the SS United States, a nautical and engineering marvel of our nation

The SS United States, once celebrated as a landmark of American shipbuilding and the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic, was deliberately sunk off Florida’s Gulf coast. Its loss marks the end of a vessel associated with post-war engineering ambition; it now serves as an artificial reef.

The ship was deployed at about 2.40pm Eastern time on Wednesday, and the sinking began around 5pm when openings in its hull let in water. It reached the seabed at about 10pm, becoming the world’s largest artificial reef, according to the article.