Historic ship’s propeller saved by $120,000 gift

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A group trying to save a historic cruise ship moored in Philadelphia has received $120,000 to preserve its last massive propeller.

The SS United States Conservancy announced the gift Tuesday from cruise industry executive Jim Pollin.

The group had planned to sell the 60,000-pound propeller for scrap if it couldn’t find a buyer. Four other propellers from the ship are displayed in museums in New York and Virginia.

The organization hopes to repurpose the SS United States as a museum and mixed-use destination, but says time is running out.

Pollin also pledged to match $100,000 in additional contributions to help preserve what was once the world’s fastest ocean liner.

Pollin is the son of the late Abe Pollin, who owned the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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