The African Queen
Ghost Diving USA · 1/24/26
Location: Southern California
Wreck/Site: The African Queen (“Tammy”)
Boat: Giant Stride
Team: 6 divers, 2 surface support
Mission Impact: Survey dive. Ghost net and a lobster trap located and documented for future recovery; a hooked cabezon was freed.
Not every mission is a removal day. Team Ghost Diving USA set out aboard the Giant Stride for a survey of the African Queen, known to some of us as “Tammy,” as well as a few other local wrecks. Before we can plan a clean-up, we need eyes on the site — what gear is down there, how it sits, and what it will take to bring it up safely.
Heading out past the harbor cranes to start the day.
Over three dives at recreational depth, the team surveyed and documented the wreck. They found ghost net draped across the structure and photographed it from multiple angles to map out a future recovery.
Documenting a section of ghost net on the African Queen.
The team also located and documented multiple lobster traps on the site, recording there position and condition so it can be addressed on a return trip.
Survey dives are also a reminder of exactly what is at stake. As the team worked, they came across a cabezon that had been hooked and freed it — a small but meaningful save, and a reminder of why this gear cannot be left where it lies.
Norbert Lee frees a hooked cabezon during the survey.
For all the damage ghost gear does, these wrecks are also bursting with life. Among the survey shots was this tiny ovulid snail (simnia barbarensis) tucked into a gorgonian — exactly the kind of habitat we are working to protect.
With the African Queen surveyed and documented, the groundwork is set. We know what is down there and what it will take — and we will be back to remove it.
A very special thank you to Captain Jim and the crew of the Giant Stride, and to our partners for supporting our work.