SS United States Ocean Liner Is Set To Become The World’s Largest Artificial Reef Off Florida

The SS United States ocean liner will become the world’s largest artificial reef. Okaloosa County announced the decision to sink the vessel in the Gulf of Mexico off Florida, 22 nautical miles from Destin, in mid-November 2026.

The vessel will be placed at a depth of 55 metres, and its upper decks will sit 17 to 18 metres below the surface, so that technical and recreational divers can reach it.

Popularly called the ‘Big-U’ and famous for more things than one, the record-breaking passenger vessel welcomed 4 U.S. presidents, namely Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F.Kennedy, and Bill Clinton, and personalities like Marilyn Monroe, Coco Chanel, Grace Kelly, John Wayne, Marlon Brando, Salvador Dali, and Walt Disney on a luxurious travel experience across the Atlantic.

The 990 ft ship was known for speed. On her inaugural journey in 1952, it crossed the Atlantic Ocean in just 3 days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes, beating the previous record holder, the Queen Mary, by 10 hours and winning the Blue Line Prize for the achievement.

This story was originally published by Marine Insight. Read the full story at Marine Insight →