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Why is the SS United States still in Philadelphia after being evicted? What we know

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Why is the SS United States still in Philadelphia after being evicted? What we know

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The historic SS United States’s voyage to Alabama is being delayed by more than just bad weather.

Okaloosa County, Florida, purchased the iconic ship from the SS United States Conservancy after a lawsuit evicted it from Pier 82 in Philadelphia, where it’s been docked for 28 years. With plans to sink the SS United States and turn it into the world’s largest artificial reef, the ship was set to make the journey to Alabama for preparation in November.

That never happened, due to “logistical details and procedures” and a potential storm, county spokesman Nick Tomecek said.

A new date for the trip has not yet been set, and on Friday, a Coast Guard spokesman said they are still waiting on documentation from Okaloosa County.

“We’re concerned about the safety of the public and our waterways, essentially, right now,” Petty Officer Christopher Bokum said. “There are a few factors … the whole movement of the vessel and whether it’s safe to be moved right now.”

Bokum declined to be more specific about concerns related to the ship.

In addition, CBS News Philadelphia reported Thursday there are concerns related to the ship’s size and its passage under bridges on the Delaware River. The ship’s stacks will come within several feet of the Walt Whitman Bridge, the story said.

Mike Williams is the spokesman for the Delaware River Port Authority, the agency responsible for the bridge.

“At this time, we have not been informed of any changes to the previously established clearances or received notice of differences that could affect our bridges,” Williams said.

Tomecek said Friday that Okaloosa County is confident in the ship’s ability to make it to Alabama.

“An engineering/survey firm as well as the contractor handling the move have performed necessary steps to ensure the stability of the ship for a safe move,” he said. “The ship will depart Philadelphia at low tide to avoid any bridge contact.”

If the SS United States is still at Pier 82 after Dec. 12, a $100,000 penalty will be issued, per the purchasing agreement.

Shannon Marvel McNaught can be reached at smcnaught@gannett.com or via Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

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