Coastal Resources

SS United States aft funnel removed as artificial reef preparations continue

The second 65-foot funnel was removed last Friday from the historic ocean liner in Mobile, Alabama.

Jared Williams

The aft funnel aboard the SS United States was removed last Friday in Mobile, Alabama, as another major step in preparing the vessel to become the world’s largest artificial reef, according to Okaloosa County.

The towering funnels, each standing 65 feet tall and as tall as a six-story building, were removed last week. The remaining propeller was also removed last Friday and loaded on the same barge as the aft funnel.

These items are among many others being preserved to be incorporated in the SS United States Conservancy’s land-based museum.

All of the fuel aboard the vessel has been removed and the tanks are being steam cleaned. A substantial amount of wiring still needs to be removed, according to the county.

“These steps are being taken to ensure an environmentally safe deployment of the vessel as an artificial reef, which is expected to take place in late 2025,” the county said on Friday.

The 990-foot historic ocean liner is being prepared for deployment off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Once deployed, it will surpass the current record holder as the world’s largest artificial reef.

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