The historic SS United States that once carried princes and presidents got a $600,000 lifeline. This will save the cruise ship from the scrap heap, for now.
Weeks away from being sold to a recycler, the SS United States' overseers put out an SOS for funding last month.
The SS United States Conservancy says it has secured a $250,000 donation, two $100,000 donations and smaller contributions from more than 800 supporters. The money will be used to continue docking the United States in Philadelphia while the conservancy negotiates with developers to convert the vessel into a mixed-use museum and development complex.
The United States holds the record for the fastest trans-Atlantic crossing. It became obsolete as air travel increased and was taken out of service in 1969.