SS United States, once the fastest ocean liner, is sunk to become a reef
Crews began sinking the SS United States in the Gulf of Mexico about 22 miles southwest of Destin, Florida, on Wednesday to create what Okaloosa County calls the world's largest artificial reef. The nearly 1,000-foot liner set the trans-Atlantic speed record on its 1952 maiden voyage. It is expected to rest in about 180 feet of water in a $13.5 million project.
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Why it matters
Okaloosa County, which bought the ship, says the reef is meant to draw divers and anglers and provide habitat for fish such as tuna, marlin and swordfish. County tourism officials say marine life could begin moving in within days of the deployment.
Sources
- CBS Philadelphia: Historic SS United States begins sinking off Florida's coast
- WKRG via Yahoo: SS United States deployed off Destin coast
- 6abc Philadelphia: SS United States live updates
- Fox News (citing AP): Famed ship faces dramatic end
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