SS United States becomes reef
The gist
Okaloosa County plans to sink the 990-foot SS United States off Destin, Florida, as the world's largest artificial reef.
The record-holding liner's fate divides preservationists and county leaders backing the dive site.
How it unfolded
- 1952The SS United States made its maiden voyage from New York to Europe in three days, winning the Blue Riband for the fastest trans-Atlantic crossing at an average of 35.59 knots.
- 1969The ship was pulled from service as air travel and high operating costs sank its economic viability.
- 2011The SS United States Conservancy purchased the ship, seeking to save it by redeveloping it into a floating hotel or other tourist attraction.
Key terms
- Blue Riband
- An unofficial award for the passenger liner with the fastest average speed crossing the Atlantic.
- knots
- A unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, about 1.852 km/h, used in maritime and air navigation.
- US Army Corps of Engineers
- The military engineering branch of the United States Army, handling military construction and civil works projects.
Source: Wikipedia