The historic, aging ocean liner that a Florida county plans to turn into the world’s largest artificial reef has departed from south Philadelphia’s Delaware River waterfront

The historic, ageing ocean liner that a Florida county plans to turn into the world’s largest artificial reef left south Philadelphia’s Delaware River waterfront on Wednesday, marking the opening segment of its final voyage.

The SS United States, a 1,000-foot vessel that shattered the transatlantic speed record on its maiden voyage in 1952, is being towed to Mobile, Alabama, for planned prep work before officials eventually sink it off Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The SS United States is a 1,000-foot vessel that shattered the transatlantic speed record on its maiden voyage in 1952.