Along the waterfront.... Lightship being built 1952

[Ron J]

What you are viewing is the AMBROSE Lightship being built in 1952, at Curtis Bay, Maryland. Notice the forward Mast and Light are not on the vessel yet. FYI, a Lightship is a vessel with a Flashing Light on the mast, anchored to mark a dangerous reef, or Shoal. This was in the days, before we had better navigational tools, such as GPS. This Vessel, was originally stationed off the Ambrose Channel, at the entrance to New York Harbor. It would have been manned with a Crew of twelve Coast Guard Sailors. The ship was not allowed to leave station, regardless of weather. The only time, the vessel could leave, is when a Relief lightship could come out and take its place.
This vessel is also known as the WAL 613, it was the only lightship built by the Coast Guard, to have a Tripod Mast. All others had a Single or Twin masts with Lanterns, similar to a Lighthouse. A Lightship was placed where a Lighthouse was needed, but could not be built. The 613, was on station as the AMBROSE for her entire existence, 1952 - 1967, however, that location was phased out, and the 613 was transferred to Massachusetts, and became the NANTUCKET.II, This vessel, has one other distinction,as the LAST Lightship on duty. All Lightships were terminated in 1983, after about 150 years of Service to Mariners.
The last photo, is as it appears today. Privately owned, just sitting there in Whareham Massachusetts.
Rj

 

[Kelley (Texas)]

Do you think the owners will do anything with it, or just sell it for scrap? Also, if the lighthouse ship was anchored and could not pull anchor, did any ever sink during a bad storm? Ron, thanks for posting the great pictures and story. Kelley (Texas)

 

[Ron J]

And lost. A few were rammed and sunk in thick Fog. The 613 has been rumored to be for sale, with a couple of Takers... I hope it is ne'er sold for scap, there are only about Fifteen remaining Lightship in the U.S. in various stages of repair.

 

[Tony6352]

Nice picture.. I was on the ship when it was the Relief back in the 70's. Made many trips to the light with the Electrician. Think his name was Bob Mcgrill.
I had that antenna installed on the aft mast for when we started to alternate on Nantucket station

 

[Tony6352]

WLV 613 was also used as relief for Chesapeake Bay,Portland and Boston lightships stations. After Chesapeake,Portland,and Boston stations where no longer used we swapped with the Nantucket station. Not sure Chesapeake was replaced by monster buoy but I believe both Portland and Boston were. WLV 612 former Portland Lightship our sister ship was converted to the Nantucket and we swapped until monster buoy was installed.

 

[Ron J]

You must sign in though.

 

[Tony6352]

U can email me at drsmell@yahoo.com
Regards

 

[Tony6352]

Ron let me correct myself because I did not stay until 1983 ? I was transferred to New London USCG at the Naval Underwater Sound Lab in 1975 and discharged in 1976. I think you are correct about the 613 being the final Nantucket ship on station but I don't think the Relief ever changed the name on the hull...could be wrong not sure. Because I was the only ET
I made every trip and my longest was 57 days when the 612 went in to dry dock to be converted into the Nantucket Lightship.
BTW I was born in the same year the 613 was built !!

Regards,

Tony