I have read that the same thing happened in Melbourne in the 1850s - the gold discoveries were only 120kms away, a relatively easy journey. Apparently Hobsons Bay was choked with ships whose crews had deserted and headed off the the goldfields, and as no other crews could be found the ships just sat there. But I don't know if any of them ended up as the San Francisco ships you describe did. Perhaps some of the Victorians on the list may be more familiar with their state's history than I am?

Cheers
JennieG