Efforts are underway to prevent the Aurora cruise ship from sinking and spilling fuel into San Joaquin County waters

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY – Crews are working to save a 300-foot decommissioned cruise ship anchored in San Joaquin County waters from sinking and leaking fuel.

The sheriff’s office said the Ship Aurora sank Wednesday morning near Herman and Helen's, in the area of ​​Empire Tract and Eight Mile Road, after it sprung a hole and filled with water.

The ship also leaked diesel fuel and oil into the Delta Waterway.

“There are some older boats out here, some abandoned boats, so I wouldn't say this situation is very common,” said Heather Brent of the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office.

The San Joaquin County Boating Safety Unit and other ground units are on site trying to coordinate their efforts to contain the oil spill.

Cal OES, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the U.S. Coast Guard Pollution Response Team were contacted.

“During our initial inspection of the area, we did not find any impact on wildlife, but we want to ensure it stays that way,” Brent said.

Crews will be on site throughout Memorial Day weekend and the Coast Guard has established a water safety zone around the ship.

Weekend work includes maintaining the barrier, cleaning up debris and conducting diving surveys.

Officials said the ship was in the same location where a Tug sank and lost diesel fuel and oil in September 2023.

The Aurora, the recognized as inspiration for the successful 1970s television series “The Love Boat” has been anchored near Stockton for some time. In addition to its connection to “The Love Boat”, the Aurora also appeared in the 1963 James Bond film “From Russia with Love”.

People are urged to avoid the area where the aurora is setting.