Is SS United States upright? Sonar scan shows successful deployment, officials say

Ss United States Is SS United States upright? Sonar scan shows successful deployment, officials say Newly released video shows the crews working to prepare the vessel, as well as the final moments before the vessel is swallowed up by the Gulf BooneOakley/Destin-Fort Walton Beach By Danielle Ellis Friday, November 13, 2026 4:24PM Share DESTIN-FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (WPVI) -- The SS United States has entered a new era, as it now sits on the bottom of the Gulf off the coast of Florida's panhandle. The legendary ocean liner, which was once the fastest in the world, now has a new record title as the world's largest artificial reef. Officials say the deployment was a success, despite our final look as the vessel descended showed it leaning on its side before taking a final gulp of saltwater as it disappeared into the darkness. Early sonar and Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) inspections indicating that America's Flagship is sitting upright, officials said. "The successful deployment of the SS United States is a significant achievement, and I couldn't be prouder of the team," said Jennifer Adams, Tourism Director. "To see a vessel of this size come to rest upright, within feet of its intended location, is a great testament to the expertise and collaboration of everyone who helped bring this ambitious vision to life." Organizers had predicted the sinking could finish in as quickly as an hour, but in a dramatic fashion, the historic ship -- that was designed to not sink -- gracefully took several hours to be fully submerged. ALSO SEE: Explosives were not allowed to be used in sinking of SS United States "She is an amazing lady who will not lay down without a fight," Coleen O'Malley, president of Coleen Marine, the company sinking the ship, said before the vessel disappeared beneath the water. "Much like the amazing nation she was named after." "She's a big ship," said Nick Tomecek, a spokesperson for Okaloosa County, adding that the slower-than-expected descent was partly due to crews filling 128 fuel and lubricant tanks aboard the ship with water so that it would rest evenly on the ocean floor. The safety zone was lifted on Thursday, opening it for divers to now enjoy the site. The ship was intentionally sank on Wednesday after years of legal battles and fruitless plans for the once-luxurious behemoth, giving it a new life beneath the waves. The tourism board streamed the historic event on it's website for all to watch and revel in. Newly released video from Destin-Fort Walton Beach shows the crews working to prepare the vessel, including the massive cutouts that were created to allow the flood of water to fill the hull. We also see the final moments as water blasts out of the portholes as the vessel is swallowed up by the Gulf and the water goes still. Severe storms slam parts of Philadelphia region; NWS to assess damage in Delaware and Burlington County | LIVE UPDATES 23 minutes ago Man wanted for abducting 7-month-old son in Philadelphia's Frankford section, police say 21 minutes ago Is SS United States upright? Sonar scan shows successful deployment, officials say 36 minutes ago Located at 30 07.148' N, 86 46.755' W, the historic vessel sits roughly 22 nautical miles off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach and approximately 180 feet below the surface, where officials hope it will thrive as a new habitat for marine life. "For Destin-Fort Walton Beach, the milestone represents far more than the completion of an ambitious project. It introduces a one-of-a-kind attraction to the destination's already extensive artificial reef system. The historic deployment marked the culmination of years of planning and collaboration to safely give the iconic vessel a second life," officials said following the intentional sinking. "This sets Okaloosa County apart as a leader in the tourism industry worldwide and we could not be happier to see this project come to fruition," said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. Once voyaging Hollywood stars, presidents and a king , tourism officials now expect tens of thousands of people to visit the new attraction, as well as the planned museum and visitor center on land. Officials say the new reef will be accessible to divers of various levels, with the uppermost deck being at a depth of just 60 feet. RELATED: 'It was just epic': Cape May diver among first to explore SS United States after historic sinking 'It was just epic': Cape May diver among first to explore SS United States after historic sinking More than just a dive destination, the 990-foot long vessel joins more than 580 artificial reef sites throughout Destin-Fort Walton Beach, in an effort to support the growth of an underwater ecosystem that will inhabit species such as sea turtles, grouper, snapper, marlin, mahi mahi, tuna and many others. Being larger than the Titanic, officials say the deployment of the SS United States also creates new opportunities for scientific discovery, with several organizations studying how large-scale artificial reefs develop and support marine ecosystems over time. "This is so much more than creating a new dive destination. It's an opportunity to advance marine science on a scale we've never experienced before. The sheer scale of the SS United States presents a rare opportunity to study how an artificial reef of this size transforms over time," said Alex Fogg, Natural Resources Chief for Destin-Fort Walton Beach. "America's Flagship has found a new home, and we can't wait to share this next chapter of her remarkable story with the world," Adams said. "I can think of no more fitting day for her final voyage. On Veterans Day 2026, we honor those who defended the nation whose name she bears, and we lay the SS United States to rest," Goodwin added. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved. 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