The SS United States Becomes the World’s Largest Artificial Reef

Braving the Cold for History: An SDI Instructor’s Perspective on the SS United States’ Final Voyage

Among those who gathered to witness the SS United States embark on her final journey was Ryan Verhey, an SDI Scuba Instructor with South Jersey Scuba. With nearly two decades of diving experience and a strong passion for wreck diving, Ryan has explored numerous shipwrecks throughout his career. As an instructor for almost 15 years, he has trained countless divers, many of whom share his enthusiasm for exploring history beneath the waves. Standing in the 17-degree wind chill, Ryan watched as the legendary ocean liner was towed away, marking the beginning of her next chapter. For him, this wasn’t just a farewell—it was the start of an exciting opportunity to one day explore the wreck as part of the world’s largest artificial reef. We spoke with Ryan about his experience witnessing this historic moment and what the ship’s transformation means for the diving community

What motivated you to brave the 17-degree wind chill to witness the SS United States begin her final voyage?

“It’s a part of history. The ship had been there for almost 30 years. I only moved to the area recently, but for people who have lived here a long time, it’s always been part of the cityscape. It’s near the big IKEA, right off the highway—you can see it as you drive by. It’s always been a landmark, so it’s a big deal that it’s finally leaving. Plus, it still holds the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by an ocean liner.”

As a scuba instructor, what was going through your mind watching this historic ship embark on its journey to become an artificial reef?

“Funny enough, when I was there, I took a picture of the ship and sent it to our group of instructors with the message: «Just checking out a future dive site.» But honestly, it’s bittersweet. You can see the wear and tear on her; it’s sad in a way. But at the same time, I’m really excited to dive her once she’s ready. I think I read that the bottom will be around 180 feet, but the top deck will be in about 50 feet of water, so it will be accessible to a lot of divers. That’s really exciting. I’m even considering getting more into technical diving just so I can explore the deeper sections of the wreck.”

How do you think this artificial reef project will impact divers, especially those from the South Jersey Scuba community?

“Yeah, I think especially for those around here, it will be meaningful. The ship has been a big part of this area’s history for a long time. I’ve already talked to a couple of divers who are interested in traveling to dive it once she’s finally sunk. I think it’ll definitely bring a bunch of us down there. For 30 years, she’s just been sitting there—people haven’t been able to go inside or really see much except for her slow deterioration. Now, we’ll be able to explore her up close. I think a lot of us will want to see the wreck firsthand, maybe even penetrate the interior. That’s an opportunity that wreck divers don’t get very often.” 

Do you have any personal connection to the SS United States or shipwreck diving in general, and how does this moment compare to other diving experiences you’ve had?

“I don’t have any direct connection to the ship, aside from seeing her around and passing by whenever I go to IKEA (laughs). But ever since I started diving, I’ve been drawn to wreck diving. It’s one of my favorite kinds of diving to do. Years ago, I saw a ship being prepped to become an artificial reef, but I didn’t really know much about it before it was sunk. This is different. We’ve seen her before she sinks. We’ve watched her leave for her final journey. And soon, we’ll get to dive her. That’s going to make the experience even more special.”