By Jodi Magallanes
The Oceanic, formerly known as the Oceanic Independence or just the Independence, was moored in
San Francisco Bay for most of the months between November 2001 and February 2008.
First visit
The former Atlantic cruise ship was brought to the Pacific to offer cruises in Hawaii in 1980. The ship ran aground off Kauai in 1981, at which time it was sent to San Francisco for repairs.
Permanent Californian
After 21 years of cruise ship service in Hawaii, it began its stay in San Francisco in November 2001.
Final arrival
An attempt was made to move the ship to Suisun Bay in 2002 but the mast struck a bridge and the ship had to be taken back to San Francisco for repairs. It was taken successfully to Suisun and berthed there for a short time before returning to San Francisco.
Demise
The ship remained moored at Pier 70 in San Francisco for seven years. It was towed out of the bay in February 2008, bound officially for Singapore. It is believed that the actual destination, however, was an Asian scrapyard.
Name change
The ocean liner Oceanic was named by Norwegian Cruise Line when it purchased the ship in 2006.
About the Author:
Jodi Magallanes is a general assignment reporter for a daily newspaper in Northern Indiana. She has also been published by Spanish-language, Catholic and educational media outlets. Her bachelor's degree from Indiana University is a liberal arts double major in international relations and Spanish, and she has also taught and translated Spanish since 1990.
