Officials in Okaloosa County are gambling on a $10 million plan to sink the historic SS United States, transforming it into a massive artificial reef and a lucrative diving attraction. The ambitious project aims to draw scuba divers and tourists, potentially injecting millions of dollars annually into the local economy.
The SS United States, once a symbol of American engineering and a record-breaking trans-Atlantic ocean liner, will join the county’s more than 500 existing artificial reefs. Officials envision the ship becoming a signature diving site, attracting enthusiasts to local scuba shops, charter fishing boats, and hotels.
The vessel, which once held the trans-Atlantic speed record and served as a military transport, has sat dormant for years on Philadelphia’s Delaware River waterfront after various redevelopment plans failed. Now, it’s poised for a new chapter as an underwater attraction.
While the project promises economic benefits, the $10 million price tag has raised eyebrows. Proponents argue that the long-term tourism revenue will justify the investment, transforming the SS United States into a barnacle-encrusted spectacle and a key economic driver for the region.
