Jack O'Neill, above.
Ghostly apparition of a presence, who was not visible in the flesh.
Strange blue orb illuminates with this ghostly presence. Eerie glowing eyes of the translucent being shimmer in the dark, as this disembodied figure, wanders down the path, appearing to be wearing a back pack, perhaps holding a small dog.
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Steamer Lane, located on the Westside of Santa Cruz, is a reef point overlooking some of the area's most popular surf zones. The area is divided into four well-known surfing breaks, primarily suited for experienced surfers. The higher the zone, the more challenging the surf: Indicators, Middle Peak, The Slot, and The Point. The story behind the name “Steamer Lane” dates back to Santa Cruz's early surfing days, when large waves would break along the reef as steamships passed through the area on their way to dock at the nearby wharf. However, Steamer Lane is more than just a place to overlook the surf. It also symbolizes and honors generations of surfers and the rich surfing history of Santa Cruz. A dedicated bronze statue depicting a surfer standing beside his surfboard sits proudly at the peak of the point, overlooking the sea. The statue was sculpted by Brian W. Curtis and Thomas Marsh and erected in 1992. Throughout the generations, Steamer Lane has attracted countless surfing enthusiasts, some of whom have tragically lost their lives attempting to conquer that one last big wave. Miscalculation, rogue waves, rocky reefs, drowning, shark attacks, and preexisting health conditions can all contribute to surfing accidents and fatalities. Yet despite the risks, the love of surfing continues to prevail. A dedicated plaque in a small park near the bronze statue reads: “Dedicated to All Surfers, Past, Present and Future.” Nearby, a park bench faces both the statue and the ocean. Carved into its backrest are the words: “In Memory of All Surfers Who Have Caught Their Last Wave.” — Santa Cruz Surfing Club The point of Steamer Lane is reinforced with a wooden safety fence along its cliff face. Along the fence, dozens of personalized memorials left by friends and family can be found, each dedicated to a surfer who lost their life at sea or passed away from unrelated causes. Their names and memories remain, continuing a tradition that honors their love of surfing—and the idea that, in some way, they are forever catching that one last ride. So, what does any of this have to do with ghosts, you might ask? Throughout the years, Steamer Lane has remained a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. The area carries the emotional energy of thousands of people who have stood along its cliffs over the decades—sharing memories, leaving memorials, gathering for celebrations, and even holding funerals as loved ones' ashes are scattered into the sea from the overlook. For those who believe that places can retain emotional energy, Steamer Lane offers no shortage of it. And what better place for a surfer to return after death than a location forever dedicated to the sea, surfing, and those who have taken their last ride? On the evening of July 13, 2019, a local Santa Cruz resident named Rick Cordeiro was visiting Steamer Lane. Sitting in his car at approximately 10:30 p.m., Cordeiro suddenly felt compelled to get out and photograph the full moon. As he began taking pictures, he noticed what appeared to be blue and white orbs floating within the images. He took several photographs before returning to his car to review them. It was then that he noticed something he hadn't seen while taking the pictures—something that, according to Cordeiro, left him stunned. In his own words: “Last Saturday night July 13th 2019, I was on the Westside of Santa Cruz California at a place called 'Steamer Lane' it's about 10:30 at night and I was compelled to get out of my car and take pictures of the full moon, as I'm taking the pictures I have a feeling I'm capturing something as I can see blue and white orbs floating around. I took several shots and got back into my car and as I reviewed the pictures, I saw something that wasn't there when I took the picture and it blew me away!” — Rick Cordeiro Not only did Rick capture some interesting blue orbs seemingly descending from the sky, but he was adamant that there was no one in the area—or walking down “The Lane” at Steamer Lane—while he was taking the photographs. He also maintained that no Photoshop or other editing had been used to add the figure into the frame. So, could this be the disembodied apparition of a former surfer taking a stroll down The Lane? The translucent figure, accompanied by what appears to be a blue orb, is certainly open to interpretation. Could it be a tall male wearing a backpack, with what appears to be a small white dog tucked beneath his arm? Others have suggested that the figure could be a tall, slender woman. And, of course, there are those who believe it may simply be a living person whom the photographer failed to notice walking in front of him. The eerie photograph, which initially appeared to capture blue orbs before seemingly taking on the form of a human figure, is undeniably curious. Could it be a deceased local—a residual imprint of someone whose energy remained so strong that it manifested in a recognizable form? Or perhaps July 13 held some significance for this particular apparition, drawing him or her back to a place once loved in life. We may never know for certain. Rick Cordeiro remained adamant that at the moment the photographs were taken, there was no physical person visible to the naked eye walking along the narrow four-foot path of Steamer Lane and passing directly in front of him. Perhaps his sudden compulsion to step out of his car and photograph the full moon that evening was more than simple coincidence. Perhaps it was fate. Or perhaps it was simply an unexplained moment captured by a camera. An intriguing ghostly tale—one that, for now, we will let you be the judge of. Is it a ghost, or simply a ghost story? (If you have any interesting ghostly tales or possibly ghostly footage taken from Steamer Lane, please email us @ [email protected] We would love to add your story!) Images of blue orbs / lights were captured by photographer Rick Cordeiro, prior to the ghostly apparition caught on camera. This is the footage - looped by photographer.
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