SS United States faces final doom due to seaworthiness issues

In the United States, the SS United States, a decommissioned luxury liner, faced serious delays in its planned towing to create an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico. Initially set to depart from its dock on the Delaware River on November 14, 2024, the ship's voyage was postponed due to storm activity. A subsequent decision by the U.S. Coast Guard further complicated things after they raised concerns about the vessel's seaworthiness, halting the towing indefinitely. Inspectors indicated that the ship might not have suitable stability for transit and could present hazardous conditions to navigable waters. Concerns were specifically raised about a weak tank in the ship's port side that could jeopardize its structural integrity during transport. Additionally, a significant amount of oil residue around the vessel posed another risk, prompting demands for its removal to prevent pollution before any towing could commence. The situation escalated further when the Coast Guard issued a Captain of Port Order on November 20, effectively barring movement of the ship until these issues were addressed. Okaloosa County, which purchased the SS United States in September 2024 for $1 million, is now facing considerable financial penalties for failing to remove the vessel by set deadlines. The county has accrued fines for each day the move is delayed, with the possibility of fines totaling $114,630 daily should corrective actions not be taken promptly. Moreover, they are responsible for covering all associated costs, including an additional $1 million to establish an SS United States museum and for mooring expenses on the Delaware River. For the towing to resume, Okaloosa County must submit a comprehensive inspection report by a qualified third party addressing the vessel’s structural integrity and overall seaworthiness. The report is expected to outline any weaknesses in the hull, as well as strategies for safe passage and nearby emergency anchorage locations while towing to Mobile, Alabama, where the ship is intended to be sunk. Without compliance, the county faces mounting financial repercussions, casting a shadow over the ambitious plan to re-purpose the SS United States as a marine habitat.