Interesting Fact...
The Lightship.
Light Vessel number One was the first light vessel to be built by Trinity House after the Second World War, and was built by Phillips and Son Ltd in Dartmouth at a cost of £50,392. She was posted to various sites as can be seen on the map (hold your mouse over each location for the dates), and not being self-propelled, she was always towed to location, this regardless of weather.
Initially she would have been manned with a Master and six crew on rotating shifts of four weeks on, two weeks off, and the crew would spend spare time radioing back weather reports to the Met Office and doing basic maintenance. Crew changes were by boat at first, and then on completion of the helipad aft, by helicopter. In 1983 she was fully automated so was unmanned until her retirement, with shipping hazards subsequently being marked by LANBY buoys.
Now up for sale by Trinity House in 1993, John Dean and Richard Reddyhoff saved her from the scrappers, and had the vessel towed to Poole Quay for a headscratch and a think. There, the major modifications were carried out, including: a new lower deck amidships; addition of portholes, doors and windows; installation of shower cubicles; addition of bar, restaurant, galley, etc; marquee, and a colour change. Large pile guides were also added to anchor the vessel ‘pontoon style’ on piles to the sea bed. LV1 was then renamed ‘Mary Mouse 2’ (after Mary Reddyhoff and Joanna ‘Mouse’ Dean).
High on the maintenance agenda, she is painted as they used to do with the Fourth Bridge and always looks great. For those interested in her bottom, a recent slipping demonstrated the underside was in excellent condition, with a shotblast, re-paint and new anodes being all that was required after 20 years at sea.
Now you are a lightvessel nurd, you may care to check out other vessels on this Lightship website. Or Google Mary Mouse and you will find a surprise from Enid Blyton! 