A new timeframe has been set for the sinking of a historic ship with links to Southampton that is due to be turned into the world’s largest artificial reef.

The SS United Sates has been the centre of much controversy in recent months after a long and drawn-out debate over what should be done with the ship – which was moored in Philadelphia for around 30 years.

Turning it into floating hotel, refitting the ship for service and many other ideas were bounced around before Okaloosa County in Florida bought the ship in October 2024 with a new plan – sinking the 53,330-ton ship and create the worlds largest artificial reef.

A new date has now been set for the ship's sinking, with Okaloosa County confirming to the Echo that the ship is set to be sunk in late 2025 or early 2026.

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Nick Tomecek, spokesperson for Okaloosa County has explained how the ship will be sunk.

He said: “Holes will be strategically cut around the vessel both before and at the deployment site.

“She will then be pumped with water beginning with the stern until the water level reaches the holes.

“As the water fills the vessel, she will begin to sink using this controlled flooding method.

“She will be anchored at the bow to ensure she is upright when she lands on the bottom of the Gulf.

“The ship will be sunk at a depth of 180 ft, 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

“We have not selected a specific location or date for deployment yet.”

For 17 years the liner powered through the Atlantic making regular journeys between Southampton and New York.

The SS United States was also the fastest ship in the world at the time and was met crowds of almost 70,000 when she first came to Hampshire in 1952.

A marvel of engineering and design at the time, the ship even claimed the coveted Blue Riband for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic.