Lighthouse Washed Out To Sea
By Sue Clark on Jan 12, 2009 in News 
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Between high tide and high winds, the Alfred Pier Light at the end of the harbor at Port St. Mary, Isle of Man, was washed out to sea sometime during the night between January 11 and 12. Captain Michael Brew, Director of Harbors at the Department of Transport, said the lighthouse is in “several pieces” on the seabed off the breakwater. The Victorian Pepper Pot type lighthouse, pictured at the end of the pier at left, has survived storms over the years, but the one last night dealt a fatal blow. It’s unknown if the light will be replaced, beyond a temporary navigation light.
History of the Light and Photos
The Alfred Pier foundation stone was laid by the then Duke of Edinburgh, on January 31, 1882 and was finished four years later, in 1886. A lighthouse was built at the extreme edge of the pier, and In 1884, a fixed green light was exhibited for the first time. It has served reliably until now.
The first photo below is a closer look at it before it disappeared into the sea. The ones following are of the site now.
Port St Mary - Isle of Man Originally uploaded by Mike Caine
It went that way! by Michael Kneale
Have you seen the light? by Quentin De Backer
Base of the lighthouse by John Maddrell
Very very sad story for today. Especially since there’s no guarantee the lighthouse will be back.
Photo Credit: Port St Mary harbour, late evening by Tasa_M. Some rights reserved.
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