From PhillyVoice · · 1m 40s
SS United States Sinking Timeline
Okaloosa County plans November sinking of historic ship as artificial reef after legal battle.
In brief
Okaloosa County plans November sinking of historic ship as artificial reef after legal battle. Okaloosa County will sink the SS United States in early November as an artificial reef after resolving a $1 million legal sale and environmental reviews. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
SS United States Sinking Timeline
Okaloosa County officials say the historic ship will be sunk during the second week of November in the Gulf of Mexico.
Historic Ship Sinking Details
The ship, docked at Pier 82 in Philadelphia from 1996 to February 2025, will become an artificial reef for diving.
Legal Sale and Cost
After a legal battle with Penn Warehousing, the ship's conservancy sold it to Okaloosa County for $1 million.
Environmental Concerns
The ship is coated in zinc chromate primer, which activists say could pollute the Gulf of Mexico and disrupt food supplies.
Environmental Review Process
Okaloosa County requires approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before the sinking can proceed.
Sinking Timeline
The ship is scheduled to be sunk in early November after cleaning and removing two smokestacks for the museum.
Documentary Plans
A documentary about the ship will be released within two weeks after the sinking, directed by Robert Radler.
Museum and Tourism
Okaloosa County plans to build a museum about the ship's history and use it as an artificial reef for tourism.
Environmental Compliance
Okaloosa County claims the project meets EPA standards despite concerns about zinc chromate pollution.
Sinking Location
The ship will be sunk 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
The big picture
Okaloosa County will sink the SS United States in early November as an artificial reef after resolving a $1 million legal sale and environmental reviews.
