The SS United States is now off the coast of Florida.
After a series of delays, the 990-foot ocean liner left Philadelphia last week, on its way to become the world's largest artificial reef off the Okaloosa County coast.
Now, tugboats will maneuver the ship around Florida's peninsula.
It's headed to the Port of Mobile, where it will undergo preparations to be sunk. Crews will make sure it's environmentally safe, and that it will land upright underwater. That process is expected to take about a year. Chairman of Resolve Marine Group, Josesph Farrell, says that includes stripping the engine room, removing toxins like asbestos, and scraping off paint.
The exact location along the Gulf Coast for the vessel’s deployment has not been set, but it is expected to be about 20 nautical miles south of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.
You can track its movements HERE.
The ship's departure was delayed several times this month. The U.S. Coast Guard requested a delay on Feb. 6 to ensure a proper tow from both piers. High winds delayed the departure on Feb. 17, then again on Feb. 18. The ship finally departed on Feb. 19.
History of the SS United States
Okaloosa County commissioners voted in October to buy the ship for $10 million. It's estimated that the economic benefit will be $3 million annually. The project will also include a land-based museum.