SS United States Put Up For Sale

rogue · February 13, 2009

How sad. I see this ship rotting away every day on my way to and from work.

Even with all of the rust and such, you can still see the wonderful silhouette

that she strikes. I wish that I had sailed on her in her day...

The SS United States docked in Philadelphia has been put up for sale. A

preservation group for the mothballed ocean liner fears a buyer could

end up using it as scrap metal.

Steven Ujifusa, who was a volunteer production assistant for the above

video, has a story on PlanPhilly about the ship's possible sale and an

awareness campaign launched by The S.S. United States Conservancy to

save the ship. This is part of what he had to say.

Today, many observers are terrified that the ship- which captured world

headlines in July 1952 with its record-breaking maiden voyage from New

York to Southampton - will make its final voyage. If she is towed to the

breakers, there will be no streamers, cheering well-wishers, or Navy

planes soaring overhead to give her a final send off.

In 2003, NCL purchased the ship with the intention of restoring her as a

world-class cruise liner. But these promises have come to naught.

Would you miss the sight of the SS United States on the Delaware River

in Philly? What would you do if you owned the ship but didn't have

enough money to fix it up? Do you think a buyer could be found who would

restore her?

This is her today

coloradocruisers · February 13, 2009

Howard: I saw her picture in Cruise Travel magazine, from back in her hey day. What a beautiful ship.

Unfortunately, her scrap value probably exceeds her museum or cruise ship value.

Longboysfan · February 13, 2009

Too bad there was not a company that did restores and the ship would end up as a waterfront Hotel.

JoeyandDavid · February 13, 2009

Too bad there was not a company that did restores and the ship would end up as a waterfront Hotel.

that seems to be the growing trend....and what a wonderful respectful way to end a sailing ships career

elfed · February 13, 2009

Yes, so sad to see this magnificent ship which still holds the Transatlantic speed record rust away. I'm sure if this had been a British ship the thousands of conservationists over there would have made great efforts to preserve her. That's not meant as a knock against the U.S. but Britain is well known for preserving the past- transportation as well as buildings and castles etc. I suppose it's better to 'put her out of her misery' so to speak and sell her for scrap.

Regards,

James.