Abandoned cruise ship set to be SUNK in ambitious plan – if it doesn’t smash into landmark bridge on epic final journey

A HISTORIC cruise ship bigger than the Titanic will be sunk on purpose to create the world’s largest artificial reef - if it can complete its final journey.

Officials reportedly fear that the ocean liner - left to rot in Philadelphia for decades - could crash into a landmark bridge during its last voyage.

Once considered the fastest cruise liner in the world, the 900-ft long SS United States was originally constructed in the 1950s to move troops during wartime.

It later carried dignitaries and celebrities, including John F. Kennedy and Walt Disney, across the Atlantic.

But it changed hands many times before the ship was eventually left to sit dormant in Philadelphia - where it has been since 1996.

It was supposed to leave its home in Philadelphia's Pier 82 some weeks ago, for a long journey to Alabama and eventually Destin, Florida.

Its journey was postponed because of heavy storms in the Gulf of Mexico - and has now been halted because of a fresh major concern.

Sources told CBS that there are fears it could smash into the huge Walt Whitman Bridge over the Delaware River in Philadelphia.

They revealed how the height of the ship's features come within mere feet of the vast bridge.

And the Coast Guard is reportedly worried about whether the mammoth vessel can make it to Alabama in one piece.

However the Guard has said they are only waiting on more documents from Okaloosa County - who bought the ship for over $10million in October - before moving it.

And The Delaware River Port Authority, which operates and maintains local bridges, said in a statement: "At this time, we have not been informed of any changes to the previously established clearances or received notice of differences that could affect our bridges."

The owners of the derelict 1,000-foot ship were previously ordered to find the historic vessel a new home after they stopped paying rent in 2021.

Officials revealed ambitious plans to tow the ship from Philadelphia to Destin's Fort Walton Beach.

There, it is set to be sunk to provide a new habitat for marine life and attract divers and anglers from around the globe.

The ambitious plans were drawn up by officials in Okaloosa County, Florida and the SS United States Conservancy, the organization dedicated to preserving the vessel.

In a statement, Okaloosa County emphasised the environmental and economic potential of the project, saying: “The sunken ship will be a home for a diverse range of marine life and attract divers and anglers from around the world.”

But before the SS United States can be submerged, a lengthy cleanup process is required.

The county estimates that it will take over a year to complete environmental remediation on the ship, with an additional six months to a year needed to arrange for its transportation and final deployment.

But now, if the current plan succeeds, the ship will offer a new life as a habitat for marine species.

It could also generate millions in tourism revenue, benefiting local businesses like scuba shops, fishing charters, and hotels.

"This will be an exciting addition to our artificial reefs and wrecks, and will provide essential habitat for fish," said Jennifer Adams, Okaloosa County’s tourism director.

The project also includes plans to open a land-based museum honouring the ship’s history, funded by Okaloosa County and operated by the SS United States Conservancy.

If all goes to plan, the SS United States will soon embark on its final voyage - this time, to become a unique underwater landmark and a beacon for marine conservation.

Once considered a beacon of American engineering, which once doubled as a military vessel that could carry thousands of troops, the USS United States now sits as a reminder of a bygone era.

In it's heyday, the ship boasted four separate classes of ticket, including first class, cabin class, tourist class and the most prestigious of all, suites, which included four beds, three bathrooms and a living room.

Christened in 1951, the once luxurious cruise ship still holds the transatlantic speed record after it reached 36 knots (41mph)

On its maiden voyage in 1952, the cruise ship crossed the Atlantic in three days, 10 hours and 40 minutes, beating the previous record by the RMS Queen Mary by 10 hours.