Divers prepare for first look as legendary SS United States sinks beneath waves off Florida
A ship reaches its final destination
The SS United States was deliberately scuttled roughly 25 miles southwest of Destin, Florida. It went beneath the surface at around 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday. A video showed the vessel tilting as water poured over it during the sinking. The footage was attributed to Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, via Reuters.
Divers prepare to explore wreck
Divers in Florida are preparing to investigate the ship’s remains. The wreck is described as the newest and largest artificial reef in the world. Its location off Florida’s Gulf coast gives divers a chance to explore the former ocean liner after its sinking.
From ocean liner to troop carrier
The SS United States crossed the Atlantic from 1952 to 1969. It was built during the Cold War as a luxury ocean liner. The ship was also designed to carry troops if military conflict arose. Its dual purpose reflected the vessel’s role as both a passenger ship and a potential military transport.
Key points
- The SS United States was sunk around 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
- The wreck lies roughly 25 miles southwest of Destin, Florida.
- Divers are preparing to explore what is described as the world’s newest and largest artificial reef.
- The ship sailed across the Atlantic from 1952 to 1969.