Updated: Jun 29, 2023 10:01 PM
Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Southampton is not currently operational (File photograph)
Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is out of operation leading to navigation warnings being issued to marine traffic.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Marine and Ports Services confirmed a light bulb atop the 117-foot structure was broken and that the lighthouse has been out of operation since Sunday evening, when the outage was reported just after sunset.
A replacement was said to be in transit to the island.
A warning is active on www.marops.bm that says: “Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, light flashing white once every ten seconds. The light is extinguished.”
The duty officer for Harbour Radio said: “We are running a navigation warning for Gibbs Hill Lighthouse — it is extinguished and is in the process of being repaired.
“An initial report went out on Sunday night.
“There are protocols in place to advise the marine community. We have various ways of making ships aware that it’s not operational and once they are aware there is a navigational fault, they are not going to use Gibbs Hill Lighthouse for navigational purposes.
“Marine vessels have GPS and passage plans as navigational aids as well as the navigation markers around the island.
“We broadcast it out to channel 16 via VHF, medium frequency single sideband, and it goes on Navtex [a maritime safety information service]. Marine traffic can listen to updates.”
One of Harbour Radio’s key functions is monitoring radar systems so it can see passing marine vessels and make sure they keep clear of Bermuda.
The spokesman added: “There’s a navigation warning that always runs that asks marine traffic not coming to the island to keep 30 miles distance. We proactively monitor the maritime area.“
In September of 2016, the lighthouse, which began operating in Bermuda on May 1, 1846, temporarily stopped spinning forcing repairs at the landmark.
The Department of Works and Engineering said a broadcasting notice to shipping warned the beacon had gone out, with mariners to “take precautions accordingly”.
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