Former US ocean liner SS United States sunk off Florida to become artificial reef

The liner, which spent decades crossing the Atlantic, has come to rest on the seabed. The ship did not sink through a breakdown or accident. It was scuttled on purpose so that, over time, it can serve as a habitat for marine life.

The vessel was one of the best-known ocean liners in US history. In its heyday it carried presidents, film stars and the painting "Mona Lisa". It was withdrawn from service in 1969, and over the following decades it changed hands several times and deteriorated at a pier.

From wreck to reef

Okaloosa County in Florida bought the ship for one million dollars. The purchase was completed in October 2024. In February 2025 the vessel was towed to a shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, where materials and substances that could pollute the water were removed.

According to the SS United States Conservancy, which works with the county, cleaning the ship and carrying out the sinking cost 13 million dollars.

Plans for the new reef

Earlier announcements said the wreck would lie just over 35 km from the shore, between Pensacola and Destin. Not all of the ship will end up underwater. Two of its distinctive funnels are to go to a museum commemorating the liner's history.

Officials in the county expect the wreck to attract fish species including red snapper and Atlantic goliath grouper. Trey Goodwin, chair of the Okaloosa County Commission, said that sinking the ship means it will avoid being scrapped and will remain at sea.