Deal struck to save historic ocean liner SS United States
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A historic and speed record-breaking ocean liner that once hosted royalty and presidents has escaped the scrap heap and will undergo a rebirth.
Supporters of the SS United States announced Thursday they have an option agreement with a redevelopment partner. A spokesman for the ship's conservancy group says details won't be released until a news conference Feb. 4 at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York.
The defunct, rusty hulk was stripped of its interior years ago and has been moored in Philadelphia for nearly two decades.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The onetime luxury vessel is larger than the Titanic and still holds the record for the fastest trans-Atlantic crossing.
Preservationists feared running out of money before a ship-saving deal was reached. Last fall, they received a lifeline — $600,000 in donations — to keep it afloat while negotiations continued.