DESTIN, Fla. (WEAR) — Crews began sinking the SS United States about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin Wednesday afternoon.
The historic ocean liner is now the world’s largest artificial reef. Divers and charter boat captains say they’re looking forward to exploring the reef.
Divers have already signed up to explore the wreckage. In just 24 hours, folks and fish should be able to see this new underwater habitat.
“Anytime you have these underwater structures, assuming they’ve been inspected and installed correctly, these provide an incredible habitat for all of our local fisheries,” said Aquatic Charlie, charter boat captain for Wavecutter Charters.
Kerry Freeland with Dive Pros and Niuhi Dive Charters says divers may be able to explore the site in the next day or so.
“Yeah, so they’re gonna make people wait, so things have got to settle,” Freeland said. “The ship potentially could hit the bottom in a violent fashion and dislodge equipment and things of that nature. And there could be bubbles that would escape in a potentially violent manner. So they’re probably gonna wait a minimum of 24 hours. I know that’s what we had to wait before we could dive the Oriskany.”
Niuhi Dive Charters says divers from all over the world have already signed up to explore on Friday.
Marine biologist Mackenzie Rothfus says over the next couple of months, algae, coral, and other marine life will begin growing. That attracts smaller fish, followed by larger species looking for food and shelter.
“So it’s same thing with all of our artificial reefs that you have out here,” Rothfus said. “So when you have all that algae you’re gonna have more fish and then you’ll have more fish after that so it’s kind of a big process.”
By spring, the wreck could be a thriving ecosystem. It’ll be just in time for tourist season.
“Sinking kind of timed out well as well, so as we’re entering at the winter season,” Charlie said. “Typically this is when the camp has a pause, but hopefully sounds like by spring it should be popping and hopefully full of wildlife and all kinds of cool fish.”
The SS United States has spent the past year in Mobile, Alabama, being cleaned. The 990-foot boat will rest about 180 feet underwater.
Source: weartv.com
