A petition to save the historic ocean liner SS United States from being sunk to create the world’s largest artificial reef has attracted 15,000 signatures.

The Save the SS United States petition on Change.org calls on the United States Department of the Interior and other decision-makers to intervene in plans to sink the ship as an artificial reef.

Built in 1952, the SS United States once held the record as the fastest passenger liner to cross the Atlantic and served for 17 years between New York and Southampton.

New York Coalition To Save the SS United States argue the ship, currently docked in Philadelphia, represents a significant piece of American maritime history and engineering achievement, deserving preservation rather than destruction.

The Coalition states plans to sink the vessel off the Florida coast could violate federal law and pose environmental risks, including potential pollution from polychlorinated biphenyls and hazards to divers as the structure corrodes.

Supporters also point to protections under the National Historic Preservation Act, which they claim should trigger formal federal review before any major changes proceed.

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The petition proposes returning the ship to New York and incorporating it into a waterfront redevelopment project that could boost the local economy and celebrate the liner’s legacy.

As of this week, the petition has garnered 15,876 verified signatures and multiple media mentions, demonstrating significant public interest in the issue.

Featured comments on the petition page highlight emotional connections to the vessel, with signatories recalling its impressive size and historical importance.

Organisers also link to a GoFundMe campaign to support legal efforts and preservation plans – with more than $14,000 being raised so far.

Owners of the SS United States, Okaloosa County, who are behind the plans to sink the ship to the ocean floor have previously said the sinking is still set to go ahead as planned.

The SS United States was met crowds of almost 70,000 when she first came to Hampshire in 1952.