Florida to sink SS United States ocean liner for world’s largest artificial reef

Okaloosa County plans to deploy the historic 990-foot ocean liner SS United States into the Gulf on Nov. 12 to build the world's largest artificial reef.Destin artificial reef projectCrews will tow the 990-foot SS United States from Mobile, Ala., days before sinking the historic ocean liner in the Gulf. Operations are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Nov. 12 at proposed coordinates 30° 07.148' N, 86° 46.755' W, located about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.Tourism revenue and partner contributions fully funded the artificial reef project. The sunken vessel will create a habitat for marine life, build a premier diving site, and bolster local fisheries.Historic ocean liner recordThe SS United States set the record for the fastest ocean liner crossing in 1952. It will continue its record-setting tradition as the world's largest artificial reef.Public sendoff event scheduleCounty officials will host a public sendoff ceremony at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the Destin-For