Move of SS United States from Philadelphia to Gulf of Mexico delayed

Nov. 14 (UPI) -- The planned move of the decommissioned former cruise liner SS United States from Philadelphia to the Gulf of Mexico has been delayed due to logistics issues, its owner said this week.

The 1,000-foot former superliner, which in the 1950s and 1960s ferried stars and world leaders across the Atlantic Ocean in record time, is to become the world's largest sunken artificial reef in the Gulf under the plans of its new owner, Okaloosa County, Fla.

After spending the last 28 years at a pier in Philadelphia, the ship was scheduled Thursday to begin a two-week journey to Mobile, Ala., where it is to undergo a year-long preparation process for its new role as a tourist attraction off the coast of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.

However, the move has been delayed until further notice, county officials announced this week.

"Like most large, multi-faceted operations, this move involves coordination with multiple agencies and dates, times and other logistics are subject to change to make certain the vessel is moved safely," Okaloosa County Public Information Officer Nick Tomecek said in a statement.

He said weather also played a role in the decision, citing reports of the potential for rough weather in the Gulf, which could "impede safe delivery of the vessel to its destination" in Mobile.

Tropical Storm Sara has since developed in the Gulf off the coast of eastern Honduras with maximum sustained winds measured at 40 mph as of mid-day Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Rainfall amounts of 10 to 20 inches with isolated storm totals around 30 inches area were expected over northern Honduras.