Spirits of the Sea: The Hauntings of the Berkeley Steam Ferry
While many visitors flock to the Maritime Museum of San Diego to see the world-famous Star of India, a quieter, equally chilling history rests within the
. Docked at 1492 North Harbor Drive, this 1898 Victorian-era ferryboat is more than just a relic of the San Francisco Bay; it is widely considered one of the most active paranormal hotspots on the San Diego waterfront.
A History Forged in Fire
The Berkeley’s paranormal reputation is inextricably linked to its tragic past. In January 1911, a massive explosion rocked the ship’s men’s restroom. John O. Norbom, a mining engineer, was killed instantly when a bottle of nitroglycerin he was carrying detonated. While officially ruled an accident, Norbom’s family long suspected foul play, claiming he had been followed and that the explosives were planted on him.
Common Paranormal Reports
Investigators and museum staff have documented several recurring phenomena aboard the ship:
- The Fedora Man: The most famous spirit is a man in a trench coat and fedora, believed by many to be Norbom. Jim Davis, the Museum’s Director of Marine Operations, famously reported encountering this figure late at night; when Davis told the man to leave, he simply vanished.
- The Locking Stalls: In the area where the 1911 explosion occurred, visitors frequently report restroom stall doors locking and unlocking by themselves.
- Phantom Footsteps and Voices: Disembodied voices and the sound of heavy boots are often heard on the upper deck, even when the ship is empty. Some visitors even report seeing apparitions of past passengers sitting on the original wooden benches, seemingly waiting for a destination that will never come.
Deep Dive: Alien Milkshake’s Investigation
For a modern look at these legends, the investigation by Alien Milkshake provides a compelling visual journey through the Berkeley’s darkened corridors. The video captures the eerie atmosphere of the lower decks and explores the specific locations where Norbom’s spirit is said to linger, adding a layer of contemporary evidence to a century-old mystery.
Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, the Berkeley remains a hauntingly beautiful piece of California history that refuses to let its past stay buried.
- Location: 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
- Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM
- Cost: Included with general museum admission (approx. $20–$28)
Are you interested in learning more about other haunted ships in the Maritime Museum’s collection, such as the Star of India?
Nena and Eric explore the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s “Berkeley Steam Ferry” to search of the infamous “Fedora Man.” Known to walk about the Ferry and seen wearing a Black Fedora Hat! But be careful what you ask for, sometimes you might get more than you bargained for.
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