Restoring Underwater History: Healthy Seas with Hyundai North America Supports Cleanup of Historic Shipwreck UB-88 in the USA

At Healthy Seas, our mission begins with cleanups—the first pillar of our work. One of our most recent successes is the UB-88 shipwreck cleanup in the United States, a collaborative effort supported by our valued partner Hyundai North America and led by Ghost Diving USA. This project exemplifies our global commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and addressing the dangers of ghost nets, which not only threaten marine life but also endanger underwater historical sites.

The UB-88, a World War I-era German submarine, lies off the coast of Southern California as an artificial reef and a significant piece of underwater heritage. Over time, ghost nets and other marine debris accumulated on the wreck, posing risks to marine life and maritime safety. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteer divers from Ghost Diving USA and the support of Healthy Seas, this historical site has now been cleaned and preserved for future generations to appreciate.

This project builds on our legacy of cleaning historical shipwrecks. In 2024 alone, Healthy Seas has led and supported similar cleanups in Europe (Italy and Greece), highlighting our global commitment to removing marine litter and ghost nets from oceans and seas. Shipwrecks serve as critical habitats for marine species, but when ghost fishing nets become entangled in their structures, they become death traps for wildlife.

Thanks to our partnership with Ghost Diving USA, these recovered nets will follow the same path as those collected in all Healthy Seas cleanups. With the support of Aquafil, founding partner of Healthy Seas, and their US branch, the fishing nets suitable for recycling will enter Aquafil’s regeneration system. This innovative process transforms discarded nylon waste—including fishing nets, carpets, and textiles—into ECONYL® regenerated nylon yarn. This regenerated material is then used to create new products like swimwear, carpets, and other sustainable items, giving these materials a second life while closing the loop in a circular economy.

This project is a testament to what collaboration can achieve. Through partnerships with organizations like Ghost Diving USA, Hyundai North America, and Aquafil, Healthy Seas continues to make strides in protecting marine ecosystems, preserving historical treasures, and promoting circular economy solutions.