Five Fathom Bank light station, Lightvessel station off Delaware coast, US
Five Fathom Bank light station is a former lightvessel positioned off Delaware's coast to warn ships of shallow waters. The station sat on the water and transmitted light signals to guide mariners safely through this hazardous area.
The station began operation in 1837 and marked an important milestone in maritime safety along the Delaware coast. It served for over a century before being replaced in 1972 by more modern automated systems.
The station served as a trusted reference point for mariners navigating the waters off Delaware's coast. Sailors relied on its light and signals as dependable bearings during their voyages.
The station sits far out at sea and is not accessible to visitors, as it lies within an active shipping lane. It can only be viewed from a distance by boat or aircraft.
In 1913, the steamship Prinz Oskar collided with the schooner City of Georgetown near the station. The schooner sank in less than 10 minutes following the impact.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
