Repro ID: H3120
Title: Relieving the Tongue light vessel by night.
Description: Working on a lightship was a dangerous business. Lightships were stationed at a fixed site. Other vessels often steered directly to this position and as a result there was always the risk of collision during bad visibility or fog. The lightships also had to remain in their position; neither strong gales nor hurricanes permitted them to sail to a safe port. Only if the Captain found it absolutely necessary for survival could the ship lift anchor and head for safety.
Creator: Illustrated London News
Date: 14 January 1882
Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London
