The historic SS United States will be sunk off the Gulf Coast of Florida a day earlier than originally planned due to forecasts of strong winds. Officials decided to change the schedule for safety reasons.
Okaloosa County announced that the 990-foot ocean liner will become the largest artificial reef in the world on Wednesday, November 11, instead of Thursday, November 12. The sinking operation will start at 1 p.m. Central Standard Time.
This change comes as the legendary ship makes its final journey from Mobile, Alabama to a reef site about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
“Safety is always our top priority in Okaloosa County,” said County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “We don’t want to take any unnecessary risks, and adjusting the schedule helps us ensure a safe and smooth deployment.”
The rescheduling means the public sendoff ceremony planned for Wednesday afternoon at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center has been canceled.
However, a public viewing party will still be held at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar in Destin starting at noon on Wednesday. A live feed of the sinking will be shown on the venue's large outdoor screen, and an online livestream link is expected to be available at thessus.com prior to the event.
County officials are also preparing for many spectators and vessels near the sinking site and are asking boaters to follow directions from safety boats managing the operation.
The sinking will take place on Veterans Day, adding special meaning to the final chapter of America’s most famous ocean liner.
Constructed in 1952, the SS United States still holds the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by an ocean liner. After years of inactivity, the ship has undergone thorough environmental cleaning in Mobile in preparation for becoming an artificial reef.
This sinking will end the ship’s 74-year history above water and start a new chapter as a diving destination and marine habitat off Florida's Emerald Coast.