The classic ocean liner SS United States' departure from the Philadelphia dock it called home for decades has been delayed again.
Due to a tropical weather system developing near the Gulf of Mexico, a flight scheduled to depart Pier 82 today (November 15) has been postponed.
Ocean liner to become Florida's artificial reef
The ship had to be towed along the Florida coastline to Mobile, Alabama, where it was prepared for the final journey back to Okaloosa County, Florida. There it will sink and become The world's largest artificial reef.
A new departure date has not yet been determined. In Mobile, the ship will be partially dismantled to remove all hazardous materials in preparation for sinking. this Journey from Philadelphia The move is expected to take about two weeks.
the ship's new owner Delayed response. “Like most large, multifaceted operations, this one involves coordination with multiple agencies, and dates, times and other logistics are subject to change to ensure the safe movement of the vessel,” Okaloosa County officials said. “
Okaloosa County purchased the vessel, once known as “America's Flagship,” from the U.S. Navy Conservation Society for approximately $10 million. The conservancy spent months trying unsuccessfully to find a new home for the 1950s ocean liner.
one land museum As part of the deal, a building dedicated to the ship's history will be built near the reef. The SS United States still holds the transatlantic passenger ship speed record set more than 70 years ago.
The ship had called Philadelphia home since 1996 until a legal dispute over dockage fees. After multiple hearings, a federal judge ruled that the SS America must be relocated and find a new home. It took the Navy Conservation Society several months to secure a new permanent berth.
