WATCH LIVE: SS United States, once world’s fastest ocean liner, sinks to become reef off Florida

The SS United States, once the world’s fastest ocean liner, is being deliberately sunk off Florida’s Panhandle to create an artificial reef. The project aims to preserve the ship’s legacy while supporting marine life and establishing a major diving attraction for Okaloosa County.

Nearly 1,000 feet long, the vessel set a transatlantic speed record on its 1952 maiden voyage, crossing from New York to Europe in three days. Rising air travel and operating costs led it to leave service in 1969; after decades docked in Philadelphia, the county bought it for the multi-million-dollar reef project. Rather than use explosives, crews prepared the ship by removing tanks and cutting openings so water could flood the hull, which will rest about 180 feet underwater.