After months of delay, the historic ocean liner SS United States is getting towed down the Delaware River from Philadelphia on the first leg of its journey to become the “world’s largest artificial reef” about 20 miles off the Okaloosa, Fla., Gulf Coast.
The liner was a staple on the city’s waterfront for almost 30 years before tugboats began moving into position shortly before noon on Wednesday. Last week, SS United States was moved from an adjacent pier to make the towing easier.
Gale-force winds since Saturday further delayed the ship’s departure.