How To Watch the SS United States Sinking Live This Week
It is finally happening!
The legendary SS United States, once the fastest ocean liner in the world, is scheduled to be intentionally sunk on Thursday, November 12, 2026, off the coast of Florida, where she will become the world’s largest artificial reef.
For generations of South Jersey residents, the SS United States was a familiar sight along the Delaware River in Philadelphia. Her towering red, white, and blue funnels could be seen from the Walt Whitman Bridge, making her a recognizable landmark.
Now, after decades of uncertainty surrounding her future, the nearly 1,000-foot-long vessel is preparing for her final chapter.
Here is everything you need to know about watching the SS United States sinking.
SS United States Moving Date Announced
How To Watch the SS United States Sinking Live This Week
When Will the SS United States Be Sunk?
According to Okaloosa County officials, the SS United States is scheduled to be deployed as an artificial reef on Thursday, November 12, 2026, weather permitting.
Operations at the deployment site are expected to begin at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, which is 9 a.m. Central Time in Florida’s Panhandle.
However, that does not necessarily mean the ship will disappear beneath the water at exactly 10 a.m.
The actual sinking will depend on weather conditions, safety preparations, and the progress of the deployment operation.
The ship will first be towed from Mobile, Alabama, to its designated location, approximately 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida
How To Watch the SS United States Sinking Online
For those unable to travel to Florida, the easiest way to witness the sinking will be through the official livestream.
Okaloosa County has confirmed that live video coverage will be made available to the public, allowing viewers around the world to watch the ship’s final descent.
The official viewing link will be posted on:
The SS United States Conservancy is also providing information about the historic deployment through its website:
Viewers should check these websites before November 12 for the livestream link and any last-minute schedule changes.
Because the actual sinking time has not been finalized, anyone hoping to watch the entire operation should tune in ahead of the scheduled deployment.
Weather-wise, that day is looking beautiful with a high of 74 and not much wind. Perfect for sinking a ship.
How Will the SS United States Be Sunk?
Unlike the dramatic explosions sometimes associated with artificial reef deployments, the SS United States will not be sunk using explosives.
Instead, crews plan to use strategically placed openings in the hull to allow water to enter the vessel in a controlled manner.
For months, crews have been preparing the vessel for her transformation into an artificial reef.
That work has included removing hazardous materials, cleaning fuel tanks, stripping interior components, and removing equipment that could pose environmental or diving hazards.
SS United States Update as Remediation is Completed
The ship’s iconic funnels and numerous historical artifacts have also been preserved for a future land-based museum.
The objective is to lower the massive ocean liner gently to the Gulf floor while keeping her upright.
Once deployed, the vessel will become an underwater habitat for marine life and a major destination for recreational and technical divers.
Just a note:
While we were invited to be there on the sinking, we are out of the country for work so don’t expect a youtube video on the sinking (unless it gets pushed back a week)
You can watch our final tour inside the SS United States down below.
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