Watch CBS News

Historic Ocean Liner SS United States May Sail Again

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The S.S. United States, the huge ship rusting for two decades along Columbus Boulevard, may set sail again.

The iconic ocean liner was on the verge of the scrap heap, says Susan Gibbs, executive director of the S.S. United States Conservancy.

"We rescued America's flagship only days away from the scrapper's blowtorch," said Gibbs.

The luxury travel company Crystal Cruises announced in New York that it had secured an option to buy the ship with the aim of refurbishing and sailing it, says company CEO Edie Rodriguez.

"It is our aspiration that the ship returns to the seas as America's flagship once again," said Rodriguez.

The company will pay the ship's $60,000 a month maintenance costs, while it does a nine-month feasibility study.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.