Historic SS United States Being Sunk Off Florida to Become World’s Largest Artificial Reef

A controlled sinking off Florida

The SS United States is being scuttled on Wednesday, about 20 nautical miles off Florida’s Gulf Coast. The sinking is taking place between the Destin-Fort Walton Beach region and Pensacola, without explosives.

Once on the ocean floor, the ship is expected to become the world’s largest artificial reef. Destin-Fort Walton Beach says about 580 artificial reefs already lie off its coastline, more than in any other region in the country.

A record-setting ocean liner

The ship’s design was considered so revolutionary that the Pentagon kept it secret. Its planned role as an artificial reef adds another distinction to its maritime history.

Preparation before the sinking

Before the sinking, the county sent the vessel to Mobile, Alabama, for a year of preparation. The work included removing environmentally unsafe materials, such as non-metal items, wiring and fuel.

Anticipation from local divers

Jocelyn Collins, general manager for Emerald Coast Scuba, told CBS News she expects strong public interest in the underwater site. She compared the anticipated visitor experience to Disney World.