- Authorities in Okaloosa County, Florida, have confirmed plans to sink the historic SS United States ocean liner on 12 November to create the world's largest artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Measuring nearly 305 metres in length, the mid-century ocean liner still holds the transatlantic speed record for a passenger ship, which was set during its maiden voyage in 1952.
- The $10.1 million project involves towing the vessel from Alabama following months of extensive cleaning to remove hazardous chemicals, glass and wiring.
- Local leaders say that turning the ship into an artificial reef is the only viable alternative to scrapping it, despite a lawsuit filed by a preservation group.
- Once submerged off the coast of Florida, the vessel will sit 55 metres deep, creating a new marine habitat and attracting diving and fishing tourism to the region.
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