Rumors have been swirling that the iconic S.S. United States, currently docked along the Delaware River, has been purchased by Okaloosa County in Florida with plans to transform it into an artificial reef. However, the conservatory overseeing the ship has denied that any such plans have been finalized.
A recent report from Floridian news outlet Get the Coast claimed that Okaloosa County officials have signed an agreement to acquire the S.S. United States and sink it off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. However, conflicting reports suggest that discussions are still ongoing, and no final decisions have been made.
MORE: Philly is exploring adding concrete barriers to bike lanes on Spruce and Pine streets, official says
According to the report, the county’s board of commissioners is set to vote on the contract, which indicates that the total cost for acquiring, transporting, remediating, and deploying the ship would be $9 million.
The S.S. United States Conservatory responded to the reports with two social media posts, stating that while discussions are ongoing, many details are still unresolved.
In one of the posts, it was mentioned that negotiations with Okaloosa County were progressing positively on a confidential basis, hinting at potential plans for the ship’s future, including the possibility of creating an artificial reef alongside a land-based museum.
The conservatory emphasized that while reefing is not the preferred outcome for the S.S. United States, it could be a dignified option. They expressed gratitude for continued support and partnership in preserving the ship’s legacy.
Originally built and launched in 1952, the S.S. United States holds the record for being the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic Ocean in any direction. Despite ceasing operations in 1969, the ship has remained a prominent fixture in the Delaware River since 1996. The conservancy, established in 2009, acquired the ship in 2011 and has been working towards its preservation ever since.