Famed Ocean Liner SS United States to be Sunk on Veterans Day

On Monday, the storied ocean liner SS United States departed Mobile, Alabama for her final journey to an artificial reef site off the coast of Florida, and she will be heading for the bottom sooner than expected. Her controlled sinking will occur Wednesday, a day ahead of schedule; a planned goodbye ceremony on Thursday has been canceled, the Okaloosa County's board of commissioners has announced.

Reefing operations are weather-dependent, like any complex and safety-sensitive evolution at sea, and the organizers of the reefing project had cautioned in advance that the exact timing would vary depending upon the forecast. The planned Thursday sinking date has now been advanced to Wednesday due to "forecast heavy winds and unsafe weather conditions" expected later in the week, the county board said. It is also a fitting tribute to hold the event on Veterans Day, Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin told local media.

The sinking operation will begin at 1300 hours on Wednesday afternoon. Since the ship is going down early, the planned sendoff ceremony for Thursday afternoon has been canceled - but the county will still hold a live televised viewing of the site for the public at a nearby bar in Destin, Florida.

Divers will be able to access the wreck from Thursday onwards, and substantial boat traffic is expected. SS United States is expected to settle to the bottom at 30° 07.148' N, 86° 46.755' W.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →