October, 2007

Lightship "Relief" goes to the scrap yard for $10,000.00.

 
photo courtesy of Judy Castleberry

NELL Members,

I received this email today from Ed Camara, a Producer for Cable Access Television. I was sorry to hear this news as once these ships are gone they are but a memory. Please click on the link to New Bedford and then on History. It’s a very interesting history of their lighthouses.


Dear Tom

Just in case you and your members did not hear, LV-114, the Lightship docked in New Bedford since the 1970s is no more. It fell to the torches of the local scrap yard who finally agreed to pay $10K. There was a small groan from the locals who tried to compare it to the loss of the last whaleship Charles W Morgan in 1941 to Mystic Seaport and to the tenuous situation of the Schooner Ernestina which is in serious need of restoration.  But, in the end it just wasn't enough.

When I was Director of Tourism here, I had tried to apply for some grants and get some funding to restore the 'old gal' but there was little support and I got tired of dead ends and brick walls. There never really was a lightship named New Bedford, and the vessel that sat here for so many years served under many names but mostly as "RELIEF" and  was used specifically for that purpose . . . relieving other lightships while they went to port for repair and refit. I have a number of old photos and drawing of it, if there is any interest.

Also, I am sure you know that New Bedford is home to THREE restored and functional lighthouses- although they can be viewed, none are accessible for tours.

Information on them is available on our city website: http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/

Ned's Point Light in nearby Mattapoisett is a land based light and can be made available for tours with prior notice.
I have visited the light a number of times.  Just some points of info for you to share with your NELL members.

Ed Camara, Producer
Cable Access Television