From ocean legend to undersea reef: Why has the SS United States been sunk?

Detailed summary

The ship had been inactive for years despite various owners attempting to save and restore it.

The historic SS United States ocean liner has taken its final trip, this time to the bottom of the ocean, as it becomes part of an artificial underwater reef.

The nearly 1,000-foot (302m)-long vessel, the fastest ocean liner in the world, was sunk on Wednesday after its hull was hollowed out to ensure it remains on the ocean floor, in a process also known as scuttling.

Over five hours, the ship gradually filled with water and, in its final moments, tilted to its side and sank to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Destin, Florida.

The vessel will now feature as part of the world’s largest artificial reef, which is expected to become a popular diving destination.

Built between 1950 and 1951, the ship was larger than the Titanic, which was 882 feet nine inches (269.1 meters) long. The SS United States was known for its speed, strength and luxury.

Officially launched in 1952, the vessel made history by setting a transatlantic speed record during its first trip, crossing the Atlantic in three days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes at an average speed of 35.59 knots (almost 66km/h). The ocean liner’s record has yet to be broken by another passenger liner.

During 17 years of operation, the SS US carried thousands of passengers, including former Presidents John F Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower.

Hollywood stars Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando also graced the ship, as did surrealist painter Salvador Dali and jazz musician Duke Ellington.

With the advent of air travel, the ship’s career came to an end in 1969.

Opening of the article, excerpted from Al Jazeera. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.