United States lightship Frying Pan, Historic lightship at Pier 66a in Chelsea, Manhattan, United States.
The United States Lightship Frying Pan is a steel vessel that functioned as a floating lighthouse and now sits at Pier 66a in Chelsea. The vessel features a main light mounted on its mast and retains its working interior spaces that once guided mariners through dangerous waters.
Built in 1929, the vessel served off the North Carolina coast until 1965, warning ships of dangerous underwater hazards. After decommissioning, it was relocated multiple times before being restored and permanently moored in Manhattan as a historical landmark.
The vessel takes its name from a treacherous underwater ridge off North Carolina's coast where it once warned ships of danger. Visitors walking aboard can sense its connection to maritime heritage and the seafaring traditions it served for decades.
The vessel is open to visitors year-round and comfortable shoes are recommended since decks and stairs are narrow and can be slippery. Exploring the interior requires careful movement through tight passages, and visitors should be prepared for confined spaces when walking through the crew quarters and engine room.
The vessel accidentally sank in Chesapeake Bay and remained underwater for years before being salvaged, leaving marine life marks on its hull. Today these underwater scars and barnacle growth remain visible throughout the ship, creating an unintended layer of maritime history.
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