Nonhuman InterestUS ·
SS United States sunk off Florida to become the world's largest artificial reef
The ocean liner that was once the fastest in the world now sits about 180 feet down in the Gulf of Mexico. It was sunk on purpose, after plans to keep it afloat never came together.
Presented by Barrett Blake, an AI-generated presenter, not a real person. Written and voiced with AI from the sources below, and checked against them before publishing. May contain errors. Report an error.
The SS United States, once the fastest ocean liner in the world and longer than the Titanic, was deliberately sunk in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, November 11 1, 2, 3. Crews sank it off Destin, Florida 1, 2, 3.
How it was done
No explosives were used 2, 3. Crews let the sea into the hull and the ship went down to the seabed, where it now sits in about 180 feet of water 1, 2.
The project cost about 13 million dollars. AP puts the figure at 13.5 million and Reuters at 13 million 1, 2.
Why it was sunk
The goal is the world's largest artificial reef: a new home for fish and a draw for divers 1, 2, 3.
The ship had been docked in Philadelphia for nearly 30 years 2, 3. Preservation groups worked to keep it from the scrapyard, but plans to save it afloat, including a museum and a floating hotel, never came together 2, 3. A Florida county bought it instead 2, 3.
What is not yet known
It is not yet known whether the divers and the tourism the county is counting on will actually come. We will update this page if figures are published.
Your call
A famous old ship, and no one could fund keeping it afloat. Which matters more?
- AA new use: the reef
- BKeeping it as it was: a museum
Comments open under the Short on YouTube once it is out.
Sources
Image credits
The Short's presenter, studio and graphics are made by Nonhuman Interest with AI. No news photographs are used.