USCG Northern California shared a photo of the Aurora, a cruise ship that a man from Utah had spent over $1 million restoring after purchasing it on Craigslist. The man, Chris Willson, expressed sadness as the vessel was demolished, calling it one of the saddest things he had ever witnessed. Willson and his partner, Jin Li, had devoted 15 years to restoring the 293-foot ship, originally named the Wappen von Hamburg and known for inspiring The Love Boat. The ship began sinking in 13 feet of water near Stockton, prompting the U.S. Coast Guard to take action to prevent pollution.
In December, the USCG confirmed a “dead ship tow” had been conducted, leading to the vessel being taken to Mare Island, where it was ultimately destroyed. Willson, reflecting on his decision to sell the ship in 2023, shared his disappointment at seeing years of hard work go to waste. Despite wanting to turn the Aurora into a museum, he decided to sell it due to challenges faced with the project. Maritime historian Peter Knego described the ship’s demolition as a harsh and final process, involving cranes grinding up the steel.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response reported on the removal of oily water and hazardous waste from the ship, highlighting the environmental impact of the vessel’s demise.
Willson expressed regret that he was unable to rescue the ship, which eventually met its end. Despite this, he has no regrets and values the experience. Willson documented the ship’s restoration project on social media and mentioned the missed opportunities to save it. Although efforts to save the ship fell through, he remains hopeful. The new owner showed enthusiasm for preserving the vessel. Willson mentioned striking a good deal with the previous owner but did not disclose the vessel’s original cost. No immediate response was received from Willson or Stockton Community Relations Officer Connie Cochran when contacted for comment. For more stories like this, sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter.
