The Dangers of Lighthouse Keeping

Lighthouses have played a critical role in maritime navigation for centuries. The way they function has changed a great deal over the years, moving from lighthouse keepers and manual work to automated lights. Lighthouse keepers, also known as “wickies,” have historically endured extreme and often life-threatening conditions before the days of automation.

The Smalls Lighthouse Tragedy

One of the most significant dangers of working on a lighthouse is the isolation. Lighthouses are typically located in remote areas, far from the comforts of civilisation. This isolation can be mentally taxing, leading to feelings of loneliness and depression. We’ve previously visited the story of the Smalls Lighthouse, which provides a poignant example of the psychological toll of isolation. Situated off the coast of Wales, the Smalls Lighthouse was inhabited by two keepers, Thomas Howell and Thomas Griffith, in 1801.

Tragically, Griffith died within months of their arrival, leaving Howell alone for months on end. Having the body inside understandably distressed Howell, so he hung the body outside the lighthouse to give himself a bit of reprieve. However, Griffith’s arm came out of the makeshift coffin he’d been put in, leading to his arm banging against the lighthouse window. This, and the isolation, took a severe toll on his mental state. This extreme case underscores the emotional hardship endured by lighthouse keepers, and this inspired the 2019 film featuring Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe.

Treacherous Weather Conditions

Another dangerous aspect of lighthouse work is the exposure to extreme weather conditions. Lighthouses are often located in regions prone to storms, high winds, and rough seas. For example the famous Fastnet Lighthouse, situated on an exposed rock off the coast of Ireland, is notorious for its treacherous conditions. It’s infamous for the Fastnet Yacht Race tragedy of 1979, which highlighted the dangerous waters surrounding the tower, and took the lives of 15 sailors in the competition.

Keepers are also often the victims of such conditions. In 1900, at the Flannan Isle Lighthouse, three keepers disappeared off the face of the Earth during a brutal storm. It is thought that they were caught by a huge wave and washed off the island.

Furthermore, the physical demands of lighthouse maintenance are daunting. Keepers must climb steep, narrow staircases, sometimes carrying heavy equipment, to reach the lantern room. The Pigeon Point Lighthouse in California, for instance, features a spiral staircase with 115 steps leading to the lantern room, where the light source is located. This gruelling ascent, often performed in the dark or during adverse weather conditions, poses a constant risk of accidents, slips, and falls. Moreover, the maintenance of the lighthouse lantern itself is a hazardous undertaking. Traditionally, lighthouses were illuminated using oil lamps or gas burners. Keepers were responsible for the meticulous care and operation of these delicate and highly flammable light sources.

In conclusion, while the romanticised image of a lighthouse keeper gazing out over the stormy sea has its appeal, the reality of the profession is far more perilous. Isolation, extreme weather conditions, physical demands, and the constant threat of accidents and disasters make working on a lighthouse a dangerous occupation.

The stories of lighthouse keepers throughout history, as exemplified by the Smalls Lighthouse, Fastnet Lighthouse, and Eddystone Lighthouse, serve as stark reminders of the hazards faced by those who dedicated their lives to guiding ships safely through treacherous waters.