Chris Willson, pictured with his partner Jin Li, purchased a cruise ship on Craigslist in 2008 with plans to turn it into a museum, but things didn’t work out as hoped. CNN
In 2008, Chris Willson, a tech entrepreneur from Utah, made a significant decision that would transform his life. He bought a historic cruise ship listed on Craigslist. Over the next 15 years, Willson invested around $1 million in restoring the 293-foot vessel, which boasted 85 cabins, a swimming pool, and a theatre. He even moved aboard with his long-time partner, Jin Li.
Willson’s plan was to convert the ship into a museum. However, his dream faced numerous setbacks. By October 2023, Willson was forced to sell the ship, only to discover that it began sinking shortly after. The Aurora’s future now looks uncertain.
Willson’s journey with the ship began when he saw an ad on Craigslist for the vessel, then named the Wappen von Hamburg. Built in Germany in 1955, it was among the first major passenger liners constructed post-World War II. Intrigued by its history, Willson struck a deal with the owner and purchased the ship. He renamed it the Aurora after a memorable sunrise he experienced on his first night aboard.
Initially moored in Rio Vista, California, the ship later moved to San Francisco’s Pier 38. In 2012, it was relocated to the California Delta, specifically Herman & Helen’s Marina, which offered a freshwater and shallow water environment, ideal for preservation. Despite having no prior maritime experience, Willson, with the help of volunteers, worked tirelessly on the Aurora. They restored several key areas, including the swimming pool and forward decks.
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The Aurora started sinking in May and was refloated by contractors in July, as reported by the US Coast Guard. CNN
However, Willson encountered resistance from locals who were not pleased with the large, decommissioned ship in their area. The situation worsened when other vessels nearby sank, leading to environmental concerns. In response, various local agencies became involved, and it became apparent that Aurora’s future at its current location was bleak. Moving the ship would have required costly dredging, making relocation impractical.
Faced with mounting difficulties, Willson decided to sell the ship, hoping the new owner would continue its restoration. Despite his meticulous maintenance and the ship’s significant improvements, the Aurora began sinking in May. It was refloated by contractors hired by a Unified Command in July, but the damage was already done. The ship was leaking diesel fuel and oil, prompting the City of Stockton to take over its operation.
As of now, Stockton officials are working to dispose of the ship, which poses a "public hazard" and "danger to the environment." The city is still trying to determine whether the Aurora is stable enough for a tow to a salvage location. The costs and challenges associated with the ship’s disposal have led to criticism of Willson, though he has expressed deep regret over the situation.
Willson dedicated about 15 years to working on the ship with the assistance of volunteers. CNN
Willson reflects on his time with the Aurora with a sense of pride, noting that the vessel had been a source of fascination and hope for many. He continues to follow its story closely, despite the ship’s current plight. He and Li, now seeking new projects, remain hopeful that the Aurora might yet find a way to be saved or properly preserved.
