Progress made to ensure SS United States can leave Philadelphia waters safely, Coast Guard says

This week, the Coast Guard confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia after months of delays that "positive progress has been made" in making sure the historic SS United States can safely be towed down to Mobile, Alabama. Sources say that was the final hurdle to clear -- allowing the ship to finally leave Philadelphia.

[slovakiaballif]

Pretty symbolic that the ship named for the country is being sunk.

[trcoilman]

No matter what anyone thinks should happen to her, its a sad commentary on the state of the United States merchant marine. Perhaps one or two ships being built in American ship yards this year. China will build 1200.

[dmfinpa]

Joe, you’ve done a superb job on your reporting about the ship and her transit, best among Philly media. Thanks.

[WilliamCox-ihdu]

This is so sad! I sailed on her in '69 from France to NY. We passed the Queen Mary on the Atlantic and came into NY 30 minutes ahead of them. She is a beautiful lady!!

[Chris-fnr]

In Europe they preserve history like this.

[Leylandcars]

You simply can't sink this, where are you gonna find another American made ocean liner from that time period

[RaymondFunnell-bswl]

It is a piece of United States history

[timothymarklast]

its a disgrase to sink her, what are they thinking i can not believe what im seeing.

[KINGZILLA]

I really dont like this, she deserves better

[Yogibear-ibrt]

The Coast Giard had originally stated that the SS United States was not seaworthy and they would not allow her to leave Philadelphia

[Erplane]

So sad to think she will be sunk, when she should have been used for so many other purposes. I still think to have used her for emergency relief in areas hit by coastal nat disasters would have been incredible.

[trucking]

What a sad fate for an American icon. Would have loved to see her restored.

[GtheS]

It’s a shame that Philadelphia couldn’t give this historic maritime relic a home 😔

[anthony.]

Fantastic ship went round trip NY to Le Havre France July September of 1969.Awesome unforgettable Ed experience.She deserves better then this.

[direstrait]

The Pain and Anguish of having No Money. See it.

[BGCW_]

I’m excited to see her move one last time!

[rusty]

Do any of US who gave to try to Save her get our money back?

[landhopper]

Such a beautiful ship. She looks fast while she’s standing still. Not economic to save, but it’s still sad.

[michaelwalker]

The purchase price of the ship was $1 million. Okaloosa county is investing a total of $10 million in the whole project, including purchase, sinking, and a musuem.

[IowaBudgetRCBashers]

It’s a shame it sits like that. It should be saved and made into a floating museum