Live stream from the SS United States: Historic ship being sunk, poised to become world’s largest artificial reef off Florida coast
Thousands of people expected to see the SS United States sink on Wednesday, but the historic liner had other plans.
As of 9:30 p.m., the ship remained above water despite hours of efforts to send it to the bottom of the Gulf and begin its new life as an artificial reef.
“It was designed to be unsinkable, and that fact definitely posed challenges for our crews today,” said Nick Tomecek, Okaloosa County spokesman.
Image captured at 9:40 p.m. Wednesday as the SS United States continued to sink off the coast of Florida on November 11, 2026.
The ship, which spent nearly three decades docked at Philadelphia’s Pier 82, appeared determined to weather its final chapter despite years of preparation and large openings cut into its hull for deployment.
Okaloosa County is working to sink the ship about 22 miles off the coast of Destin, Fla., where it is expected to become the centerpiece of what officials say will be the world’s largest artificial reef.
The event attracted spectators from around the world, with hundreds of boats gathering offshore to witness the historic moment.
But maritime enthusiasts say the ship’s resilience is no surprise.
Its designer, William Francis Gibbs, made safety improvements after studying previous maritime disasters like the Titanic, creating a ship renowned for its strength and durability.
“William Francis Gibbs said you can’t burn it, you can’t catch it and you can’t sink it,” said Bill Magee of Delran, New Jersey. “And I guess we found out today, didn’t we?”
Magee traveled from South Jersey to witness the sinking of a ship he had admired for years while on the Philadelphia waterfront.
However, as night fell, he realized that he would probably not see the ship disappear underwater.
“I’m a little disappointed she didn’t come down today,” he said.
For supporters of the SS United States Conservancy, the ship’s refusal to sink had special significance.
The organization spent years waging legal and preservation battles to keep the liner afloat.
“It was a sturdy ship. It still is,” said Warren Jones of the SS United States Conservancy. “It might be a fitting ending, in a way.”
Officials said the ship continues to descend slowly and is expected to reach the seabed. However, exactly when this will happen remains unclear.
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