Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents assisted with enforcing a safety zone during the SS United States scheduled sinking on Nov. 11 in the Gulf of America.
LDWF agents were requested by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to help with enforcing the one mile safety zone around the sinking of the SS United States 22 miles off the coast of Florida. Other agencies participating in enforcing the safety zone were the FWC, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Alabama Law Enforcement Highway Patrol and Texas Department of Public Safety officers.
The LDWF Enforcement Division deployed six agents and two vessels to the area on Nov. 10 and stayed until the sinking ended. The six agents were all tactical operators and trained to enforce maritime security zones. The LDWF agents enforced the safety zone under USCG authorization with a USCG boarding officer on both LDWF enforcement vessels.
The SS United States debuted in 1951 as a passenger ship and still holds the world record for fastest transatlantic trip set in 1952. The SS United States was sunk in the Gulf of America to now become the world’s largest artificial reef, where it will be a home for multiple species of marine life, provide a premier diving destination and contribute to the regional fishery.
The sinking of the SS United States attracted hundreds of public spectator vessels to the area. The safety zone was enforced without any incidents.
