THE STORY
Reported Haunting
The Star of India is the world's oldest active sailing ship and is associated with numerous ghost stories from its long maritime history. Visitors have reported apparitions, phantom footsteps, mysterious voices, and shadow figures aboard the vessel. It is considered one of San Diego's most haunted attractions.
Star of India, originally the Euterpe, is a restored historic 1863 sailing ship with more than a few mysteries under its sails. Its fascinating history is detailed at its docking place, the Maritime Museum of San Diego. It is thought to be haunted by many ghosts, including John Campbell, a teen who stowed away on the ship in 1884. He was discovered and put to work, but while tending to the mast he took a nasty fall and broke both his legs, dying three days later. It is said that folks standing near the mast sometimes feel a cold hand on them, as if John is warning them not to climb the mast. And another ghost may reside in the anchor chain locker, where a Chinese crewman was crushed to death. A cold spot is often noticed around the area. And in the galley, folks have seen pots and pans move by themselves and smelled bread baking.