SS United States To Be Sunk Off Florida Panhandle?

SS United States To Be Sunk Off Florida Panhandle?

Okaloosa County in Florida has announced a landmark agreement to acquire the iconic ocean liner, SS United States, with the intention of transforming it into the world’s largest artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners will review and vote on the contract at their upcoming meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, at 3 p.m.

This development comes as a surprise to historians and preservationists, who have long hoped that a suitable port would be found to preserve the historic vessel. However, the final decision on this plan has not yet been officially confirmed.

Mark Perry, treasurer of the SS United States Conservancy, addressed the situation in a statement on Facebook: “As we’ve indicated previously, in an urgent effort to comply with the Judge’s initial ruling and subsequent hearing in U.S. District Court, the Conservancy has been in discussions on a range of scenarios for the ship’s future, including proposals to deploy the SS United States as an artificial reef in tandem with a land-based museum.

Perry continued by saying “Negotiations with Okaloosa County have been advancing positively on a confidential basis. We value the County’s appreciation of the historical importance of the SS United States, their extensive experience in respectfully and effectively deploying artificial reefs, and their desire to preserve the ship’s extraordinary legacy. However, it is inappropriate for the Conservancy to comment further until the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners considers the contingent contract.”

The issue of finding a new home has been her size. Sitting at 990 feet, she needed a 1,000-foot port but all of the big ports on the East Coast were being used—that along with funding made a search for her new home quite difficult.

A few weeks ago, the Wildwood Video Archive visited the SS United States and filmed several videos, including a walk-through tour, a drone video, and a 360-degree video.

You can watch the walk-through tour and drone video at the bottom of this article.

Based on the information released by local Okaloosa County news, the deal is very close to happening. Below is what has been described in their report.

Preserving History, Boosting Tourism

The Tourist Development Department of Okaloosa County is pushing forward with a budget allocation request of up to $9 million to acquire, clean, transport, and sink the SS United States.

A land-based museum is also part of the plan, aiming to celebrate the vessel’s storied past. Launched in 1952, the SS United States holds the prestigious Blue Riband for the fastest transatlantic crossing by an ocean liner.

Currently docked in Philadelphia, the ship’s future became uncertain after a federal judge ruled on June 14, 2024, that it had to vacate its location within 90 days, prompting swift action to save this piece of American history.

Also See: Exploring Inside the SS United States – 4K Video

The Project Breakdown

The county has identified three potential sites, all less than 25 miles from shore, that could house the SS United States.

These locations, known as Large Area Artificial Reef Sites A, B, and C, meet the depth and clearance requirements suitable for divers of all skill levels. A total of $1 million is earmarked for the purchase of the ship, with the remainder of the budget set to cover other necessary expenses.

Due diligence began in early August, with a completion deadline of September 12. The final closing date for the acquisition is set for October 4, 2024.

The SS United States Conservancy, the ship’s current owner, is on board to develop the museum, which will offer non-divers a chance to experience the legacy of “America’s Flagship” through exhibits and interactive displays.

Okaloosa County is prepared to invest up to $1 million in this museum, which will include purchasing property, construction, or renovating an existing space. Terms for the museum are expected to be finalized within a year of the ship’s purchase.

Next Steps and Funding

Should the Board approve the agreement on September 3, Okaloosa County will move forward with finalizing contracts related to remediation, transport, deployment, and museum development.

Environmental assessments are already underway, with initial reports showing promising results. The county is actively seeking funding partners to help share the cost and has reportedly secured $5 million in partnership contributions so far.

All agreements and funding allocations will be presented to the Board for final approval, ensuring transparency and due diligence.

If all goes according to plan, Okaloosa County will not only save a historic ship but also establish Destin-Fort Walton Beach as a premier destination for diving and fishing, with the SS United States serving as a centerpiece attraction.

When Will The Ship Move?

There isn’t any information yet about when the SS United States will be relocated from its current berth in Philadelphia. However, the judge overseeing the case indicated that if a contract to move the SS United States is signed before September 12th, they might consider allowing the ship to remain in Philadelphia until it can be moved at a later date.

Originally, the ship was supposed to leave the dock area by September 12th.

Below are our videos of the SS United States. Before you watch please consider subscribing as we try to hit 100,000 subscribers.