Unique reason 1,000 foot long cruise ship is being sunk on purpose

One of the world's most famous cruise ships, the SS United States, is set to be purposely sunk by authorities for a very unique reason.

Built back in the early 1950s, the retired ocean-liner was the fastest of its age, hosting famous guests including John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney, Judy Garland, and Salvador Dalí.

Larger than famous ships such as the Titanic, it was discounted almost 20 years later in 1969; an announcement that surprised many with cruises already booked in for 1970 and beyond.

Behind the scenes, the ship was decaying and had not been maintained properly, with the majority of its interior furnishings sold on.

Now, 55 years later, the ship is being sunk by officials in the USA.

Sinking the SS United States

It hasn't been authorised yet, but plans are close to being completed to sink the old thing.

Currently situated in Philadelphia, plans are afoot to move the huge vessel to Florida’s Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

There, it'll be sunk to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico.

The SS United States is being sunk (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images)

Reason for the sinking

Getting the ship to Florida will mean it has to be repaired first, with it unable to be moved in its current state.

Alongside structure issues, it's not watertight, has an uncertain towing condition, and an off-centre of gravity.

As a result, it won't be moved for years.

But when it is sunk, it'll be for a good reason, with the SS United States hoping to become a wildlife haven for sea life.

Okaloosa County’s tourism director, Jennifer Adams, said: "This will be an exciting addition to our artificial reefs and wrecks and will provide essential habitat for fish."

It's being sunk - eventually (Michael S. Williamson / The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Problems with the ship

Okaloosa County bought the cruise ship for $10,000,000 (£7,923,900) in October 2024.

And reports have suggested the ship will come within meters of hitting a key bridge; that being the massive Walt Whitman Bridge over the Delaware River in Philadelphia.

The Delaware River Port Authority, which operates and maintains local bridges, said in a statement: "At this time, we have not been informed of any changes to the previously established clearances or received notice of differences that could affect our bridges."

Whether it makes it there in one piece remains to be seen, with the cruise ship sitting abandoned since 1996.

In 2021, the then owners were told to find a new home for the ship after they had stopped paying rent.