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Famed ship SS United States to be sunk off coast of Florida

BBC • November 11, 2026 • nation

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The SS United States, once the fastest ship in the world and longer than the Titanic, will be sunk off the coast of Florida to become the world's largest artificial ocean reef and an underwater attraction.
After nearly 30 years docked in Philadelphia, the ship was moved to Florida following cleaning and remediation work in Alabama, with plans for a land-based museum to preserve its history.
Despite efforts by activists to preserve the ship as a museum, it was purchased by a Florida county and will be added to existing artificial reefs instead.
The SS United States, active from 1952 to 1969, famously carried royalty, celebrities, and U.S. presidents including Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and a young Bill Clinton.
Conservancy President Susan Gibbs expressed satisfaction that the ship's legacy will continue, honoring her grandfather who helped design the vessel.

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