Nantucket Lightship

"Lightships were stationed at the most dangerous areas along the U.S. oceanic and Great Lakes coastlines. These floating sentinels were part of a lifeline that played an important role in the development of our country. They are a part of our maritime heritage and serve as a memorial to the brave U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) lightship sailors who served on them, risking and sacrificing their lives.

Lightship duty for crewmembers was extremely hazardous, especially on the Nantucket Shoals station — considered the most dangerous lightship assignment in the USCG and the world.

During the winter months, nor’easters could last for days. Howling winds and mountainous seas tossed lightships so violently, even the most seasoned sailors became seasick. The constant odor of diesel fumes was equally nauseating, in addition to the ship's piercing and incessant fog signals, which caused ear pain and even deafness. "

www.nantucketlightshiplv-112.org/lv-112.htm

For more information, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_lightship_Nantucket_%28LV-112%29.

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