SS United States Sunk to Become World’s Largest Artificial Reef

The 990-foot SS United States was deliberately sunk off Florida’s Gulf Coast on 11 November 2026. It now rests at about 180 feet deep and is intended to become the world’s largest artificial reef.

Preparation and reef plans

Okaloosa County bought the liner from the SS United States Conservancy for about $1 million in 2024. It underwent a year of preparation in Mobile, Alabama, where fuel, wiring and other potentially harmful materials were removed. Holes were cut into its decks to help it settle upright. The controlled sinking used no explosives and concluded at about 9–10 p.m. Eastern Time.

The ship’s upper decks lie around 55–60 feet below the surface, within reach of divers. Officials expect the reef to attract divers and anglers year-round and provide habitat for species including red snapper, grouper, amberjack, mackerel and tuna.

Important Facts for Exams

• Troopship conversion: The SS United States could be converted for wartime transport: removable furnishings would make room for a 14,400-person Army division, deployable without refuelling.
• Lightweight superstructure: The SS United States used lightweight aluminium for its funnels and superstructure to limit top-heaviness and the risk of capsizing.
• Blue Riband records: The SS United States captured the Blue Riband on its 1952 maiden voyage, setting transatlantic speed records in both westbound and eastbound directions.
• Steam-turbine propulsion: The ship’s propulsion plant used eight high-pressure boilers to supply four geared steam turbines, which drove four propellers.