Proposal to Sink SS United States as Artificial Reef Under Review
Big news is brewing in Escambia County Florida as Commissioner Jeff Bergosh eyes the potential acquisition of the SS United States.
As you may recall in our article from Monday, the SS United States is asking the courts if they could have their stay extended until the end of the year. At the moment she would have to be moved by September 12th.
Proposal to Sink SS United States as Artificial Reef Under Review
Bergosh recently shared more details in a blog post, and the buzz around town is palpable.
Imagine a nearly 1,000-foot ship, even larger than the Oriskany, becoming a new underwater attraction in our local waters Bergosh writes.
For context, the Oriskany is an Essex-class aircraft carrier built in 1944 for World War II. She was sunk on May 17th 2006
Bergosh emphasized the growing competition among neighboring counties to enhance their artificial reefs and dive spots, adding, “Right now, to our east and west, other counties are working overtime to add more artificial reefs and dive spots—so for us to add the SS United States would help us keep pace.”
According to his data, Alabama leads the pack with numerous sunken features, followed by significant efforts in Okaloosa County. “If we could complement the Oriskany with the SS United States, we would be a hub for divers worldwide and generate many trips and stays from pro and amateur divers,” he added.
The Cost and Timeline
Bringing the SS United States to Escambia County requires a substantial commitment of $10 million and swift action.
Tthe vessel, currently docked in Pennsylvania, must be moved by September 12th, right in the middle of hurricane season.
The logistics involve towing the ship and identifying a suitable sinking location.
The goal is to make the SS United States more accessible to recreational divers, who typically dive up to 130 feet.
Unlike the Oriskany, which sits in 230 feet of water, there is a proposed spot closer to shore where the SS United States could be sunk.
This location would offer a 57-foot vertical clearance, making more of the ship accessible to divers.
Funding the Project
Securing $10 million is no small feat. Potential funding sources include TDT funds, BP Oil Spill money, and possibly a Triumph Gulf Coast grant if the project meets the board’s criteria.
The timeline is tight, and discussions are expected to intensify over the coming weeks.
Commissioner Bergosh remains optimistic, stating, “I like the idea, I like the plan. But $10 million is a heavy lift.”
He draws parallels to the successful acquisition of American Magic, expressing his enthusiasm for bringing the SS United States to Escambia County.
Stay tuned for updates as this exciting project unfolds.
Will Escambia County become the next premier dive destination? Only time will tell!
The Wildwood Video Archive has reached out to the SS United States Conservancy to do a 360 tour of the ship but as of the time of writing, we haven’t heard back.
Below is our 360 tour of the Battleship New Jersey while she was in dry dock. Before you watch please subscribe as we try to hit 100,000 subscribers (we are 4,700 away)