February 8, 2008. Today the legendary cruise liner Independence left San Francisco for what could be the last time.

The ship, originally built for American Export Lines 57 years ago, was towed out of the port yesterday en-route to Singapore. Most ship enthusiasts believe the ship will ultimately end up at a ship breaker's yard in India, Bangladesh or China. . Independence originally operated on the transatlantic service between New York and the Mediterranean, she has sailed under a number of different owners including Oriental Overseas Lines and American Hawaii cruises - between the Hawaiian Islands.

The Independence had been purchased by Norwegian Cruise Line in 2001 and has remained idle in San Francisco. NCL insists that they purchased the ship, to someday run her between the Hawaiian Islands as the 4th or 5th ship in the Hawaiian Island trade. Many believe the ship was purchased just to eliminate any chance of competition in the inter-island trade from Hawaii.

The Independence was sold to unknown buyers and re-named Oceanic. Her ultimate destination remains unknown.

Just as a side note, her sister ship, the Constitution, was also towed from the West Coast in 1997 and sank near Hawaii en-route to Chinese breakers. Hopefully the Independence will not suffer the same fate.