L FACTS ABOUT LIGHTSHIPS
-One of first
3 lightships to be fitted with steam windlass when built
-First US lightship with capability for flashing light on one mast fitted with
English revolving apparatus consisting of 3 groups of 3 oil lamps mounted on a
"chariot" inside the lantern. When hoisted, chariot engaged gear system on shaft
at aft side of mast. This drive shaft was revolved initially by a weight driven
clockwork system, Found to cumbersome.
SUBSEQUENT DISPOSITION:
1919 Apr 24, rammed and sunk on station while relieving
Cornfield Point (CT). Struck by Standard Oil Co barge under tow; ship went
down
in 8 minutes; crew picked up by tug, saving only the log and fog signal
book.
Damage compensation from Standard Oil paid for later construction of LV
111
LV "O" was captured by Confederate forces in 1861. This lightship's ultimate fate remains unknown.
More Interesting Facts About Lightships
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