The owner of the SS United States has said the ship is to be sunk as planned despite a last ditch effort to save it.

As previously reported in the Echo, the New York Coalition to Save the SS United States wants to stop the sinking and turn it into a museum or a hotel.

The ship’s owner, Okaloosa County, intends to sink the ship off the coast of Florida for it to become the world’s largest coral reef and said the bid to save it has not affected its plan.

READ MORE: Crash hailed a miracle after drivers walk away uninjured

Nick Tomecek, spokesperson for Okaloosa County said: “Okaloosa County is aware of the Coalition and other groups that are passionate about the SS United States.

“We are equally passionate about this great vessel and continuing to tell her story as the world’s largest artificial reef with a land-based museum.

“We feel privileged to have been able to save her from the scrap yard and continue her legacy.”