SS United States is now in Alabama, proving doubters wrong
Though some were skeptical the vessel could make it through such a journey, it faced 14-foot waves and high winds without much trouble.
The SS United States, the former luxury ocean liner that was parked in South Philadelphia for almost 30 years, has reached Mobile, Ala., faster than expected and in one piece, proving skeptics wrong.
Colloquially known to many Philadelphians as the Ikea Boat — for its proximity to the Swedish big-box store — the vessel languished at its berth at Pier 82 for years until a federal judge ordered that it leave.
After an 11th-hour sale to Okaloosa County, Fla., which aims to transform the vessel into an artificial reef, the ship finally set sail about two weeks ago for Alabama, where it is slated to undergo months of environmental remediation.
According to the ship’s previous owners, the SS United States Conservancy, the trip was about 1,800 miles. Because the 990-foot behemoth is incapable of self-propulsion, it had to be towed by several tugboats out of Philly with one guiding the ship for the rest of the journey. The trip to Alabama was the SS United States’ 401st voyage, according to the conservancy.
“In the spirit of her record-breaking history, America’s Flagship concluded her journey from Philadelphia to Mobile faster than anticipated,” said conservancy president Susan Gibbs. “As she moved through the waves for the first time in 28 years, countless onlookers and admirers along the country’s eastern seaboard were inspired by her majesty and beauty.”
The SS United States continues to hold the record for fastest crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, set in July 1952 on its maiden voyage, of 3 days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes.
From Philadelphia, to Fort Lauderdale and South Beach, fans old and new shared photos of the vessel’s journey.
Of note, the vessel appeared to be taking the trip quite well despite earlier concerns by the U.S. Coast Guard that the SS United States might not be seaworthy. After additional inspections, the Coast Guard gave the green light for the journey, though some casual observers remained skeptical.
Mike Vinik, captain of the Vinik No. 6 tugboat that towed the ship to Alabama, told media that he experienced winds reaching 45 mph and waves 14 feet high in the first few days of the journey.
Okaloosa County purchased the ship for $1 million and committed $9.1 million more to clean, transport, and submerge the vessel, as well as build a land-based museum to honor its history. Tourism officials aim to have the ship underwater before year’s end.
The conservancy also plans to release a documentary about the ship, which iwhich would include the journey from Philadelphia to Mobile.
During the ship’s time in Philly, various owners sank more than $40 million into buying, maintaining, and reimagining the SS United States.