Historic ocean liner SS United States sunk off Florida to form artificial reef

The historic ocean liner SS United States was sunk near Destin-Fort Walton Beach on Florida's Gulf Coast, seventy-four years after her maiden voyage. CBS Philadelphia reported that crews began flooding the ship with seawater Wednesday afternoon, starting the slow process of turning it into the world's largest artificial reef and a new destination for divers. The ship went underwater around 10 p.m. It will eventually sit at a depth of about 60 feet below the surface.

The Associated Press, citing county spokesperson Nick Tomecek, reported that federal environmental and explosive rules prevented the use of explosives. Over several weeks, workers cut holes in the ship's deck and removed more than 400 portholes so water could enter.

Okaloosa County bought the ship for $10 million to add to its dozens of artificial reefs. The vessel had spent almost three decades docked on the Delaware River in Philadelphia, where it was caught up in legal battles. Plans to turn it into a hotel or casino never came about. It still holds the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing. Last year, tugboats towed it to a shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, for cleaning and remediation work.

The sinking was moved up one day from Nov. 12 because of concerns about bad weather. The county plans a land-based museum on the ship's history, and the SS United States Conservancy plans a museum along the coast. Local charter operator Jon Polk said fishermen and divers are excited, and that he sees the sinking as a way to honor the ship.