S.S. United States sinking date moved up due to weather

Ss United States S.S. United States sinking date moved up due to weather Deployment operations are set to begin at 1 p.m. CST (2 p.m. EST) on Wednesday. Officials say a livestream will be available By 6abc Digital Staff Wednesday, November 11, 2026 1:18AM The S.S. United States is now set to become the world's largest artificial reef in just a matter of days. WPVI PENSACOLA, Fla. (WPVI) -- The S.S. United States is now set to become the world's largest artificial reef in just a matter of days. On Monday night, leaders in Okaloosa County, Florida, announced they were moving up the sinking by one day because of weather conditions. "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 | Judge denies preservation group's request to stop sinking of SS United States The ocean liner will be sunk off the Okaloosa County coast on Wednesday. Action News reporter John Paul is in Florida ready to capture the final voyage of this storied ship "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." Officials say they will share a link to watch the deployment via livestream. Video shows bicyclist wanted for striking woman in Philadelphia's Chinatown 1 hour ago Former West Goshen police officer charged with DUI, strangulation 2 hours ago Mayor Parker orders review of Philadelphia's foster care system after death of Malayshia Allford 2 hours ago Deployment operations are set to begin at 1 p.m. CST (2 p.m. EST). RELATED: Ship sinking expert explains how the SS United States will be prepped for its underwater grave The ship has been undergoing remediation since it was towed from Philadelphia's Delaware River waterfront last year. 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. 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. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics SOCIETY FLORIDA SS UNITED STATES U.S. & WORLD Judge denies group's request to stop sinking of SS United States Date set for SS United States sinking Final resting place set for historic SS United States Questions continue about SS United States' exact resting place Watch Live ON NOW Video shows bicyclist wanted for striking woman in Chinatown 1 hour ago Former police officer charged with DUI, strangulation 2 hours ago Mayor orders foster care system review after Malayshia Allford's death 2 hours ago Man arrested after bomb threat on Newark-to-New Orleans flight 1 hour ago House tables Hegseth impeachment, effectively killing it in current Congress 1 hour ago Suspect wanted after shooting leaves man dead, 2 teens injured Cruise ship homicide suspect allegedly strangled wife after argument: Officials 2 hours ago Bengals nix agreed-upon trade with Eagles, sources say 2 hours ago