The Coast Guard has confirmed that progress has been made to ensure the SS United States can safely leave Philadelphia waters after months of delays, writes Joe Holden for CBS News Philadelphia.
According to sources, that was the last hurdle left to clear before allowing the ship to relocate.
As a result, the historic vessel will eventually be towed to Mobile, Alabama.
From there, the SS United States will be cleaned and prepped for sinking as it will then become the world’s largest artificial reef off the coast of Destin, Florida.
The move was delayed after a tropical storm, coupled with last-minute concerns that the ship could potentially strike the Walt Whitman Bridge upon its move.
David Boone, a Cherry Hill native and retired tugboat captain who has spent his life on the Delaware River.
In 1996, he was responsible for maneuvering the ship under the Bridge, using a dozen tug boats. Therefore, he has a special connection to the SS United States.
He had hoped there would be life for the ship above water.
“This is the second best choice other than scrapping, which I really didn’t want to see,” Boone said.
It remains unclear when the move will occur.
Read more about the latest update on the SS United States in CBS News Philadelphia.
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