The SS United States Conservancy, which oversees the historic SS United States ship, has launched a new $500,000 fundraising campaign to help cover costs as it looks to relocate, writes Bruce Shipkowski for AP News.

The conservancy was recently given a deadline to move from its location on the Delaware River in South Philadelphia by September 12.

Beyond its search for a new home, the conservancy also needs funds for insurance, tugs, surveys, and dock preparations for moving the ship.

“Our search for a new temporary or permanent location has been ongoing and began well before the litigation, but if a dock cannot be found in the coming weeks, we’ll be forced to commit to reefing or scrapping the vessel,” Warren Jones, conservancy board member, said in a statement posted on the group’s website.

The group is focusing its efforts on finding a temporary home in the Philly area or on the East Coast, with fears that if a temporary home can’t be found soon, the historic ship could be lost forever.

Christened in 1952, the SS United States doubled as a military vessel capable of carrying thousands of troops. It broke the transatlantic speed record in both directions, averaging 41 mph on its maiden voyage.

Read more about the SS United States and its search for a new home in AP News.

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