The story:
The notorious gangster Ape is deported from the US on board the cruise ship S.S. Gay, but is denied entry in all other ports along the ship's route, including Bengali, where Diana joins her mother for the remainder of the cruise.

Simultaneously, a number of sinister-looking thugs board the ship in different ports until Ape's organisation is reunited and ready to take over the S.S. Gay. The Phantom must act fast to save Diana and Lily and prevent Ape from reaching his destination, the free port and safe haven of Mala....