The SS United States was deliberately sunk in the Gulf of Mexico off Florida, Der SPIEGEL reported, beginning a $13.5 million plan to turn the retired liner into an artificial reef.
The 302-metre ship made its maiden Atlantic crossing in 1952, set a speed record and later crossed the ocean more than 800 times. It left service in 1969 after later proposals to reuse it as a hotel or cruise ship failed.
Before the sinking, workers removed the ship's two roughly 20-metre funnels for a planned museum, took out more than 400 portholes and cut openings in its decks. Seawater entered the hull through opened valves; explosives were barred for environmental and safety reasons. Der SPIEGEL reported that the wreck is intended to rest at roughly 55 metres, with its upper deck about 18 metres below the surface.
The conversion gives a prominent piece of maritime history a new use, but the project's claims should remain claims. The report says the wreck is intended to provide habitat for fish and draw more divers and anglers to the area. It does not supply ecological monitoring, visitor figures or economic results.
Der SPIEGEL says the project is intended to create the world's largest artificial reef. That ambition, and the expected benefits for marine life and local tourism, now depend on what happens around the wreck after the sinking.
Sources
- Der Spiegel · Source date: 2026-11-11
Independent editorial content. WUA is not affiliated with any political party. 2026-11-12