Watch: Divers explore US ship sunk off Florida coast to create new reef

What the report says

BBC World News reports that the SS United States has been intentionally sunk off the coast of Florida as part of a planned effort to create what is described as the world’s largest artificial ocean reef. The former ocean liner was recently shown in underwater video after being scuttled, drawing attention to the next stage in its transformation from historic ship to marine habitat.

The vessel had spent nearly 30 years docked in Philadelphia before being moved to Florida. According to the report, it is now expected to serve both as a home for sea life and as an attraction for divers and marine enthusiasts. The ship was once known as the fastest in the world and was longer than the Titanic, facts that help explain the interest surrounding its final fate.

The decision to sink the SS United States followed a long debate over its preservation. Activists had campaigned unsuccessfully to save the liner and turn it into a museum. BBC World News notes that the ship crossed the Atlantic hundreds of times during its service, underscoring its historical significance. More broadly, artificial reefs are often created by placing retired structures underwater to support marine growth, although the specific ecological impact can vary by location and design.