Projectsactive
Project UB-88
A World War I German U-boat, deliberately sunk in a 1921 naval exercise and rediscovered over 80 years later, at the center of an urgent mission to clear the ghost nets that threaten both the wreck and the marine life around it.
December 16 – 20, 2024
Discovering the UB-88
The UB-88 was a remarkable German submarine built in Hamburg, Germany, and launched into service in January 1918. Despite joining the war in its final months, it successfully sank 13 ships and damaged two more, earning a significant place in World War I naval history. After the war ended, UB-88 was among six U-boats gifted to the U.S. by Great Britain, where it became a symbol of victory and technological advancement on a tour along the eastern seaboard. Ultimately, the UB-88 found its way to California, contributing to war bond drives until its deliberate sinking as part of a naval exercise in 1921. Rediscovered by divers over 80 years later, the UB-88’s story exists beneath the waves of Southern California.
Addressing an Underwater Threat
The UB-88 is now at the center of an urgent mission to protect our marine life from the dangers of ghost nets—abandoned fishing nets that continue to trap and harm ocean creatures like fish, seals, and dolphins. These nets not only throttle new growth on the submarine’s structure but also pose serious risks to its stability and our local marine ecosystem. Our goal is to combat this “Circle of Death” and preserve both the historical and ecological significance of the UB-88.
Our Project Plan
We’re rolling up our sleeves for a comprehensive cleanup of the ghost nets and debris surrounding the UB-88. Supported by Healthy Seas and Hyundai USA, our committed team of four diver groups, documentation divers, and safety divers will work over five days (December 16 - 20, 2024) to restore balance to this underwater site. Once we’ve cleared the nets, most will be recycled through Aquafil, with some turned into unique bracelets by Bracenet. Additionally, we’ll create a detailed photogrammetry model after our cleanup to compare with the model from before the cleanup, vividly demonstrating the significant difference our efforts make.
Project Highlights
- Expert-Led Dive Team: The UB-88 team is composed of highly trained technical scuba divers, marine biologists, and underwater cleanup experts. Their experience in marine debris removal is unparalleled, having successfully completed multiple large-scale underwater cleanups. Detailed pre-dive surveys have already been conducted, including the creation of a 3-D photogrammetry model of the wreck.
- Scheduled Net Removal: The net removal efforts are scheduled for December 16-20, 2024. During these five days, teams will conduct two dives per day. The primary team will focus on the careful removal of ghost nets, while the secondary team will document the process. This diver-assisted removal technique is designed to minimize harm to the marine environment while ensuring thorough extraction of the nets.
- Post-Cleanup Assessment: Following the cleanup, GDUSA will conduct a comprehensive site assessment to document the recovery of the UB-88. This assessment will establish a clear benchmark for the restoration of marine habitats impacted by ghost nets and will inform future conservation efforts.
- Community Outreach: GDUSA is committed to raising awareness about the dangers of ghost nets. The project’s outcomes will be shared through various media outlets and educational programs, highlighting the importance of targeted underwater cleanups. Additionally, recovered nets will be repurposed into bracelets available for purchase online, with proceeds funding future net removal projects.
- Expanding the Mission: The UB-88 Project is part of a broader commitment by GDUSA to continue removing ghost nets from other sites, such as the Tuna Clipper, and to monitor the recovery of previously cleaned sites. GDUSA also plans to increase community outreach and advocacy over the next year, furthering the cause of marine conservation.
UB88 Photogrammetry Model
The first model aims to document the wreck’s current state before we clean it. Photogrammetry serves as a digital time capsule, preserving the site’s history for future generations. It allows us to display a compelling before-and-after showcase of our environmental conservation efforts. We also want to make underwater exploration accessible to everyone, offering a virtual tour for those who cannot dive. Additionally, this model will be an invaluable pre-dive orientation tool for our divers, enhancing safety and efficiency.
View our UB88 photogrammetry model
Downloads
Contact
For more information about the UB-88 Project or to schedule an interview, please contact:
- James Babor, President of GDUSA, at (818) 219-8664 | jim@ghostdivingusa.org
- Gözde Akbayir, Media and Marketing Manager, at +356 99310255 | gozde@ghostdivingusa.org
Gallery
Mission Journal
