Maritime history buffs got their hopes up when Crystal Cruises announced their desire to purchase the grand old 1950s-era ocean cruise liner SS United States from its conservancy, and put her back in service — pending a feasibility study. Crystal Cruises’ illustration of the ship is shown.

Well, the study is back and sadly, the dream is crushed, gCaptain reports (http://tinyurl.com/SSUSreborn). “Regrettably, the technical feasibility study concluded that while the ship is remarkably intact and structurally sound, modifying the ship for today’s standards for oceangoing service (SOLAS) would require significant changes to the hull that would pose stability challenges,” a press release said.

So, Crystal won’t buy the ship, but instead will donate $350,000 to help the conservancy’s ongoing efforts to save it from being scrapped. Since going back to sea isn’t possible, the conservancy now hopes to be able to find the ship a permanent home and turn her into a waterfront “mixed-use development and museum.” Fingers crossed.

— Elleda Wilson