The legendary SS United States liner is going down. The Queen of the Atlantic will be sunk

The SS United States entered service in 1952 and during its maiden voyage it reached a speed of approximately 70 km/h, setting a record for crossing the Atlantic, which remains unbroken to this day. The liner, five city blocks long and 12 stories high, has carried four US presidents, numerous celebrities and tens of thousands of passengers for nearly two decades.

The end of an era and a new destiny

The development of jet aviation made transatlantic sea travel a thing of the past. In 1969, the SS United States was decommissioned and docked in Philadelphia for almost 30 years. Despite many attempts to save the vessel, it was ultimately decided to purchase it by Okaloosa County in Florida for $1 million.

An additional PLN 13 million was allocated to prepare the wreck for sinking and remove hazardous substances.

It still has a certain charm about it. It has always been unquestionably an American symbol that unites people, emphasized Susan Gibbs, president of the SS United States Conservancy.

The largest artificial reef in the world

The sinking of the SS United States aims to create the world's largest artificial reef. The ship has already been towed to the shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, where it has undergone the necessary preparatory work. If the operation goes according to plan, the wreck will rest more than 20 miles off the Florida coast, between Pensacola and Destin.

It will be the largest intentionally submerged artificial reef in the world, said Alex Fogg, responsible for the reef program in Okaloosa County.

The ship's two characteristic smokestacks are to be added to the planned museum, which will commemorate the rich history of this unique vessel.

The decision to sink the ship caused many emotions among people associated with its history. “I cried when I boarded this morning,” said Jennifer Adams, Okaloosa County Tourism Director.