SS United States to become world’s largest artificial reef

The historic SS United States, the fastest ocean liner ever built, is scheduled to be sunk on November 12, 2026, off the coast of Florida. The 990-foot vessel will be deployed approximately 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach in the Gulf of Mexico.

Okaloosa County officials have confirmed the planned assisted sinking, which will transform the legendary ship into the world’s largest artificial reef. The project aims to create a new habitat for marine life and a major destination for scuba diving and tourism, potentially bringing millions of dollars in revenue to local businesses.

Known as ‘America’s Flagship,’ the SS United States set a transatlantic speed record in 1952 that remains unbroken. After decades of being docked in Philadelphia and facing an uncertain future, the ship underwent environmental remediation in Mobile, Alabama, to prepare for its final deployment. A sendoff ceremony is planned for November 11, 2026.