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Cape May Diver Helps Unveil World's Largest Artificial Reef Following SS United States Sinking

Issue #870

November 14, 2026

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🤿Cape May Diver Helps Unveil World's Largest Artificial Reef Following SS United States Sinking

🎡Wildwood Looks to Bring Back Hotels with Major Boardwalk Redevelopment Initiative

✈️Cape May County Commissioners Unanimously Back New Airport Lease Talks with DRBA

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇

 November 14

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Cape May Diver Helps Unveil World's Largest Artificial Reef Following SS United States Sinking

A Cape May-based shipwreck diver was among the first people to explore the legendary SS United States after the historic ocean liner was intentionally sunk off the coast of Destin, Florida, on November 11, 2026, to become the world's largest artificial reef.

Rustin Cassway, who operates the Research Vessel Explorer out of Cape May, descended to the wreck on November 12, spending approximately 45 minutes exploring the massive 990-foot vessel. During the dive, Cassway captured some of the first underwater photographs of the ship, including an image of fellow diver Will Hinton swimming near its stern. His observations confirmed that the ocean liner had settled upright on the Gulf of Mexico seafloor, just as Florida officials had planned.

The sinking marked the end of a long journey for the SS United States, which entered service in 1952 and became famous for setting a transatlantic speed record. After retiring from passenger service in 1969, the ship spent nearly three decades docked along Philadelphia's Delaware River waterfront, becoming a familiar landmark for residents and travelers throughout the region. Cassway, who had admired the vessel for years while crossing the Delaware River, described the opportunity to explore it underwater as an extraordinary experience.

The approximately $13.5 million artificial reef project, organized by Okaloosa County, placed the ship roughly 22 to 25 nautical miles southwest of Destin in approximately 180 feet of water. Its upper decks rest about 50 to 60 feet below the surface, making portions of the wreck accessible to appropriately trained recreational divers. The project is expected to attract diving enthusiasts, fishing charters, and tourists from around the world while providing new habitat for marine life.

Although the controlled sinking experienced delays caused by flooding valves and trapped air inside the hull, the vessel ultimately reached its intended location and landed upright. Cassway reported that the ship appeared carefully cleaned and prepared for its underwater role, and he observed fish already gathering around the structure during his initial exploration.

Before the sinking, crews removed several historic features, including the ship's iconic smokestacks and a propeller, for preservation on land. Plans also call for a museum in Florida honoring the vessel's remarkable history and its significance to American maritime transportation.

For Cape May's maritime community, Cassway's participation provides a local connection to a major moment in maritime history. His photographs and underwater footage offer an early glimpse of the SS United States in its new resting place, where the former luxury liner will begin a second life as an artificial reef, recreational diving attraction, and habitat for Gulf marine species.

The historic ship that once carried passengers across the Atlantic will now welcome a different kind of visitor beneath the waves, with a Cape May diver helping document the beginning of its remarkable new chapter.

Wildwood Looks to Bring Back Hotels with Major Boardwalk Redevelopment Initiative

Wildwood's Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a major redevelopment plan covering 29 blocks and approximately 134 properties along the boardwalk, from Cresse Avenue to 26th Street. The initiative aims to attract new hotels, apartments, condominiums, and commercial development while reversing a decline in hotel rooms from approximately 11,000 to 8,000 over the past 20 years.

The plan encourages mixed-use buildings, potentially reaching 12 stories in certain areas, and supports proposed parking improvements, including a possible 780-space garage near Oak and Cedar avenues. Officials hope the changes will strengthen tourism, attract private investment, and modernize the boardwalk district. The plan does not permit eminent domain or approve specific construction projects, and property owners are not required to participate.

Ocean City Unwraps 2026 Holiday Festivities With Free Family Fun and Christmas Traditions

Cape May County and the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) have agreed to resume negotiations on a new 30-year lease for Cape May County Airport. The County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to restart discussions, marking a significant step toward resolving uncertainty over the airport’s future.

As part of the agreement, the county has committed to abandoning plans for residential housing development on airport property. The DRBA has operated the airport since 1999, but questions about its long-term management arose after the county issued a five-year lease notice in June 2024. The renewed negotiations aim to establish a stable operating agreement, support future airport improvements, and preserve the facility’s role in Cape May County’s transportation network and local economy.

In 1885, an unusual attraction was built in South Cape May—a large 'Lucy type elephant' structure called the "Light of Asia." What was its primary purpose?

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 Answer to the November 13th Trivia Question 

Which event caused the borough of South Cape May to officially cease its existence in 1945?

A. A devastating hurricane and storm surge
B. A major fire in downtown Cape May
C. Economic collapse during the Great Depression
D. Merger with the city of Cape May

Answer: A devastating hurricane and storm surge

South Cape May was severely damaged by a series of storms, particularly the hurricane of 1944. The destruction was so extensive that the borough was officially dissolved in 1945. The land is now part of the South Cape May Meadows nature preserve.

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