Legendary abandoned cruise ship SS United States left to rot for 30 years could be SUNK on purpose in ambitious new plan

AFTER three decades of sitting abandoned in Philadelphia, the once-iconic ocean liner SS United States may finally find its last purpose beneath the waves.

An ambitious new plan aims to sink the historic ship off the coast of Florida to create the world’s largest artificial reef.

The proposal, still contingent on U.S. District Court mediation, would see the 1,000-foot ship towed from Philadelphia to Florida's Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

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

The agreement has been negotiated between Okaloosa County, Florida, a local beach, 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.

Once considered the fastest cruise liner in the world, the 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 after a series of ownership changes, the ship has sat dormant in Philadelphia since 1996, the subject of various failed revitalisation efforts.

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

The SS United States had until September 12 to leave its berth on the Delaware River.

The decision by U.S District Judge Anita Brody put an end to the years-old dispute between the conservancy that owns the cruise liner and its landlord Penn Warehousing.

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 honoring the ship’s history, funded by Okaloosa County and operated by the SS United States Conservancy.

While the idea of sinking the ship was once met with resistance, some conservation advocates are now embracing the plan.

Susan Gibbs, head of the SS United States Conservancy and granddaughter of the ship’s designer, acknowledged the emotional shift.

"It’s not what I initially envisioned after spending years trying to save her," she told The New York Times.

But she now sees the reef project as an opportunity to "write a new chapter for the SS United States as a world-class destination."

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.