New York Times: SS United States One Step Closer to Becoming World’s Largest Artificial Reef
After a federal court ordered that the SS United States had to leave its South Philadelphia pier, the once famed cruise liner has found its new home in Florida, at the bottom of the ocean, writes Kate Christobek for The New York Times.
The ship that once transported heads of state and celebrities from New York City to various destinations in Europe will make history once again, when it will be sunk off the coast of Florida to become the largest artificial reef in the world.
The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners in Florida approved a contingent contract earlier this week to buy the SS United States and to submerge the ship offshore of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
The deal also includes the establishment of a land-based museum dedicated to the ship, which would be run by the conservancy.
“The S.S. United States has inspired millions the world over as a symbol of American pride and excellence,” said Susan Gibbs, president of the SS United States Conservancy. “Converting the world’s fastest ship into the world’s largest artificial reef will write a new chapter for the S.S. United States as a world-class destination.”
Read more about the SS United States and its fate in The New York Times.
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