The legendary SS United States was intentionally sunk to become the world’s largest artificial reef. She slipped below the surface on November 11th, 2026, at 9pm on the dot (CST).
Despite listing to her port side during sinking, she came to rest on the bottom UPRIGHT as intended.
Due to bad weather approaching the original date, it was moved up a day.
It is already open to divers.
Why did they sink it?
It had fallen into such disrepair that it was destined for the scrapyard, at which point @DestinFortWaltonBeach decided to adopt, strip down, & prep the ship for sinking (removing pollutants & loose items). The major components & artifacts were preserved, including the smokestacks, to be part of its new museum opening soon in the area.
The smokestacks would be a severe maritime hazard had they been left intact, with weather eventually destroying them at the surface.
The environmental impact of the artificial reef has many benefits: In a sandy, barren area it creates new habitat & sanctuary, & allows coral reefs to encrust & support an entire marine ecosystem. While there are always some initial contamination risks, it is considered acceptable & cleared by the EPA, with benefits far outweighing any potential risks.
No dynamite was used, the “smoke” was actually air blasting out water. Dynamite has negative environmental impacts, & requires clearing/inspection in the event of undetonated ordinance, resulting in long wait time for divers to enter.
Depths start in the 50-60ft range at the top, with the main deck reaching 80-100ft.
The sand is at 180ft. This means Advanced Open Water Divers can dive the majority of the “good stuff”, but Technical training is required for the remainder.
She is 22nm off the coast of Destin, FL, with publicly available coordinates.
Water temps range from 85F in the summer to 65F or less in the winter. Currents are generally mild but can be strong or nonexistent.
Visibility ranges from beyond 100ft (sometimes visible from the surface), to what divers call “dirty thirties”, meaning a greener 30ft range of viz.
Many charters run out of the local area & beyond.
Big thank you to @NAUITV and @ScubaTechDestin
Her story now begins a brand new chapter…
🚢🤿🫡
