SS United States sinking: Final journey to become artificial reef happening now | Watch Live

Ss United States SS United States sinking: Final journey to become artificial reef happening now | Watch Live By 6abc Digital Staff , John Paul Wednesday, November 11, 2026 11:20PM PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The sinking of the SS United States is now underway off the coast of Florida's panhandle. In an updeate just before 6 p.m., officials say the ship was fully flooded. Lights are being brought in as the sinking process continues. It will become the world's largest artificial reef after it is sunk off Okaloosa County. The official deployment of the ship began around 1:40 p.m. CST (2:40 p.m. EST) on Wednesday. The intentional sinking of the ship is expected to last several hours as the vessel fills with water, making its way to the bottom of the Gulf. Destin-Fort Walton Beach has shared a link to watch the deployment via livestream . 6abc Action News reporter John Paul is in Florida ready to capture the final voyage of this storied ship. The sinking was originally set to happen Thursday, but was moved up a day due to weather. "While the weather may have changed our plans, it has given this historic occasion an especially meaningful date," said Goodwin. "On Veterans Day, as we honor the men and women who served our nation, we will also honor the legacy of the SS United States, a magnificent ship that proudly bears the name of the country they so bravely defended." Federal environmental and explosives rules prevent Okaloosa County, Florida, and its contractor from using explosives to scuttle the ship, said Nick Tomecek, the county's spokesperson. Concerns about inclement weather prompted officials to move up the sinking by a day. Driver accused of killing 3 women in crash near NoHo Metro station arrested on suspicion of DUI 15 minutes ago Pasadena woman fights to bring home mother she says was taken by caregiver Rescue operations underway after building collapses in Brooklyn, New York: FDNY 4 minutes ago "Safety is always a top priority in Okaloosa County," said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. "There is simply no reason to take an unnecessary risk when adjusting the schedule will allow us to carry out this historic deployment safely and smoothly." RELATED: Ship sinking expert explains how the SS United States will be prepped for its underwater grave The SS United States has pipes that pulled seawater into tanks as part of the system that cooled its boilers, he said, and those tanks have been removed so that once the valves are opened, water will flood the hull. Workers also have cut 10-foot by 10-foot (3-meter by 3-meter) holes in the decks, and more than 400 portholes have been removed. The ship is to sink in about 180 feet (55 meters) of water, with its top deck about 60 feet (18 meters) below the surface — shallow enough that inexperienced divers can visit. It will settle on the floor of the waters about 25 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of Destin, between Panama City and Pensacola. The SS United States, an ocean liner that was once the fastest on the seas, will soon hold a new title, becoming the world's largest artificial reef The ship has been undergoing remediation since it was towed from Philadelphia's Delaware River waterfront last year. In preparation for the sinking, organizers removed the 65-foot (20-meter) smokestacks and plan to have them anchor a new museum that celebrates the ship. RELATED | Judge denies preservation group's request to stop sinking of SS United States Okaloosa County officials have promoted the project as both an economic development opportunity and an environmental asset, saying the vessel will become a major diving attraction and a habitat for marine life. It will join about 500 artificial reefs are located in the waters nearby. The SS United States, launched in 1952, still holds the trans-Atlantic speed record for an ocean liner. The ship was designated for the National Register of Historic Places in 1999 and is widely regarded as one of the most important examples of American maritime engineering. The vessel spent nearly three decades docked along Philadelphia's Delaware River waterfront before departing last year for Alabama, where crews have been preparing it for its next role as an artificial reef. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics SOCIETY FLORIDA SS UNITED STATES U.S. & WORLD Date set for SS United States sinking Watch Live ON NOW Driver in deadly NoHo crash arrested on suspicion of DUI 15 minutes ago SoCal woman fights to bring home mom she says was taken by caregiver At least 1 dead, multiple injured after building collapses in Brooklyn: FDNY 4 minutes ago 'Malcolm in the Middle' star Frankie Muniz hospitalized after Daytona crash 34 minutes ago Hegseth's group admonished at Tomb of the Unknowns during Veterans Day visit 2 hours ago