Manhattan Hudson River Lighthouses Lighthouse
Location & Light Range
About Manhattan Hudson River Lighthouses Lighthouse
Built in 1913, the steel lightship LV-115 previously marked Frying Pan Shoals off Wilmington, North Carolina, and later the Delaware Capes. This vessel guided mariners through hazardous waters until its decommissioning in 1965. Its service life was followed by several incidents, including sinking in Wilmington in the 1970s and again in Whitehaven, Maryland, in 1983. Rescued in 1987, the ship underwent a two-year restoration that included a new engine. It arrived in New York in 1989 and remains operational, having sailed in the harbor for OpSail 2000. The lightship now provides a direct connection to maritime history.
Why it matters: The lightship's original service was essential for navigating the shoals and capes, contributing to maritime safety. Its subsequent restoration offers a rare opportunity to engage with a preserved piece of naval engineering history.
Tower & Structure
- Material
- steel
Structure: The LV-115 Frying Pan lightship, built in 1913, once marked the treacherous Frying Pan Shoals off Wilmington, North Carolina, and later the Delaware Capes, guiding mariners through dangerous waters. This robust steel vessel served faithfully until its decommissioning in 1965. Its post-service life was eventful, sinking twice—first in Wilmington in the 1970s, then again in Whitehaven, Maryland, in 1983. Rescued from its watery grave by John Krevey in 1987, the ship underwent two years of meticulous restoration in Baltimore and Philadelphia, including the installation of a new engine. In 1989, it made its way to New York, where it remains operational, even sailing into the harbor for OpSail 2000. Today, the Frying Pan lightship offers a tangible link to maritime history, a testament to the vital role lightships played in safeguarding coastal navigation before the era of automated aids.
Location
- City
- New York
- Country
- 🇺🇸United States
- Region
- New York
- Sea Region
- Served at Frying Pan Shoals off Wilmington, North Carolina, and off the Delaware Capes; currently in New York harbor
- Latitude
- 40.7521°
- Longitude
- -74.0093°
Nearby Vessels
Construction & History
- Year Built
- 1913
Significant events: Decommissioned 1965, sank twice in the 1970s and 1983, rescued from Whitehaven in 1987, arrived in New York in 1989, sailed for OpSail 2000
References & Identifiers
- Nearest Port
- Guttenberg(2.4 km)
- ARLHS No.
- USA-311
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