Ron J
Active member
Here is an old photo, circa mid 1950, showing the S.S. United States Liner cruising by the Nantucket Lightship. A Lightship was a stationary vessel, anchored at most likely a dangerous Shoal, similar to a Lighthouse, but unable to build a Lighthouse on that location. The Lightship was manned by a crew of 10 to 12 on average, and NOT allowed to leave position, regardless of Weather. Quite a few were struck and even sunk. As this photo demonstrates how close Vessels came into striking distance, and the difference in size. This Lightship is 149 ft in length.... The Ocean liner is a little longer...wouldn't you say??
This was a time, with no GPS. When Ocean liners left Europe, they would set their course to the Nantucket Lightship, off the Coast of the United States. Once the destination was seen, (Lightship), the Liner would continue to Boston, or head South to New York Harbor. So you see, The Nantucket Lightship was actually like a "Gateway" to the United States. Of course We only hear of the Statue Of Liberty, being the first thing passengers remember seeing of the U.S.
By the way, The S.S. United States held the Speed Record for ocean liners, crossing the Atlantic. The Vessel still exists by a non profit group hoping to keep it afloat as a museum and Hotel? The Nantucket Lightship LV 112, also is still around, also a floating Museum, berthed in East Boston.
Rj
This was a time, with no GPS. When Ocean liners left Europe, they would set their course to the Nantucket Lightship, off the Coast of the United States. Once the destination was seen, (Lightship), the Liner would continue to Boston, or head South to New York Harbor. So you see, The Nantucket Lightship was actually like a "Gateway" to the United States. Of course We only hear of the Statue Of Liberty, being the first thing passengers remember seeing of the U.S.
By the way, The S.S. United States held the Speed Record for ocean liners, crossing the Atlantic. The Vessel still exists by a non profit group hoping to keep it afloat as a museum and Hotel? The Nantucket Lightship LV 112, also is still around, also a floating Museum, berthed in East Boston.
Rj