Scientists sink ocean liner, create world’s largest artificial reef

The SS United States has officially gone from carrying A-listers to housing bottom feeders.

The historic ocean liner was intentionally sunk off Florida's Gulf Coast last night, where it'll begin a second life as the world's largest artificial reef.

A first-class trip down memory lane

The 990-foot ship, which is longer than the Titanic, was once the fastest ocean liner in the world. It set a transatlantic speed record on its maiden voyage in 1952 that remains unbroken, and carried passengers including presidents and Hollywood stars.

• But as air travel took off, the ship's popularity sank. It was retired in 1969 and eventually spent nearly three decades docked in Philadelphia.
• Preservation advocates spent years fighting to save the ship from destruction, hoping to restore it instead. But efforts to secure a permanent home and funding ultimately fell short.

Now, it's getting a new crew. After extensive cleaning and preparation, the vessel was deliberately flooded and sent to the seafloor yesterday some 25 miles southwest of Destin, Florida.

• The SS United States will rest in ~180 feet of water, with its upper decks accessible to recreational divers.
• Marine organisms are expected to colonize the structure over time, creating habitat for fish and other sea creatures.

Looking ahead…Scientists plan to study how marine ecosystems develop on the ship, while a planned land-based museum will preserve its history and iconic smokestacks.