The disturbing wreck of the SS America
Location: Playa de Garcey, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Building/Facility Type: Shipwreck
Last recorded use: 1994
Abandoned place description: The SS America was commissioned and built-in 1940 for the United States Lines and designed by famed Naval Architect William Francis Gibbs. SS America had a distinguished service life of 54 years before ending up wrecked on the Playa de Garcey in the Canary Islands.
Her name changed throughout that time with her last name (at the time of wreckage), the SS America Star. At the time, she was under tow to be refitted as a floating hotel in Thailand when a large storm broke the tow lines leaving her adrift.
She can still be seen beached and wrecked but has largely broken up since 1994. A large part of her bow remains visible at low tide and serves as a stark reminder of the power of the sea.
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