Shipwrecks have always drawn the curious and the adventurous. The wreck of the American Star, which ran aground in 1994, is one such place. The liner is visible from the shore because the seabed here is only 9 metres below the surface. Although diving is strictly forbidden, locals have often broken the rule and have been taking the wreck apart for almost 30 years. The area was also a filming location for the film American Star (2024), which tells the story of a hitman.
Fuerteventura is known for the saying:
On Fuerteventura there are 3 kinds of people — those who live here, tourists, and those who are running away from something.
The story of the SS America: from luxury liner to forgotten wreck
The SS America, also known as the American Star, was a 723-foot luxury liner launched in 1939. Unfortunately her grand debut coincided with Hitler's invasion of Poland and the start of the Second World War. As a result she was quickly converted into a troop transport known as the USS West Point AP-23.
The war and post-war years
During the war the SS America carried soldiers and military equipment. Once the war ended she returned to her original purpose and resumed her voyages as a luxury liner. In the 1970s, renamed the SS Australis, she carried passengers from Europe to Australia and New Zealand.
Failed comebacks and a fateful end
After many unsuccessful attempts to return to service as a cruise ship, the SS America was towed from Greece to the Far East. During that voyage in 1994 the tow line snapped in a force 12 storm off the west coast of Fuerteventura. The ship broke in half on a sandbank; the stern sank while the bow proved somewhat more resilient.
The end of an era
Ever since the ship broke apart in 1994, the bow has gradually been swallowed by the sea. From 2006 onwards it sank steadily beneath the waves. By January 2009 only a small part of the bow was still visible. If you would like to see photographs of the ship from 2005 to 2009, look up Alan Dawson photography.
Over her long history the ship carried several different names:
- SS America (1939—1941, 1946–1964, 1978)
- USS West Point AP-23 (1941–1946)
- SS America (1978)
- SS Australis (1964–1978)
- SS Italis (1978–1980)
- SS Noga (1980–1984)
- SS Alferdoss (1984–1993)
- SS American Star (1994)
The SS America is a fascinating example of a ship that served many purposes and lived a turbulent life, from luxury liner to troop transport and finally a forgotten wreck. Her story is a testament to constant change and adaptability.
