They were in New York's Lower Bay when they heard the blasting horn of the SS United States. The ship, returning from its maiden voyage to Europe, was headed straight for them, Fein said.

The historic SS United States is set to be turned into an artificial reef, but people who sailed on the majestic ship remember her heyday.

The SS United States may be sunk in the near future ... "I was in a little tin horn driving to the big city and then I saw this immense ship and I was just like, 'Oh my God,' " 89-year-old ...