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Key
1. Fog horn This was a standby fog horn in case the electric nautophone foghorn failed.
2. Wireless room Messages were transmitted back to shore including weather warnings. The crew could contact home for a considerable charge of 2.5d (1p) per word.
3. Optical apparatus The light was powered by burning acetylene gas and could be seen for 11 miles.
4. Sky light Sky light to the crew’s quarters which included bunks,
5. Life boat Emergency rations were stored under the seats.
6/7. Sky light/companion way (stairs) to the Master’s cabin. This was shared with the mate and had better facilities than the crew’s quarter such as a coal fire and an enclosed lavatory!
8. Store Essential items for the running and feeding of the ship were stored here. Provisions were sent out on Wednesdays except during bad weather.
9. Windlass Used to lower and raise the anchor. This was hard physical work which needed “all hands” to take a turn, especially during a storm.
Introduction
The River Humber is said to be one of the most difficult rivers to navigate in the world. The Spurn Lightship was part of a network of lighthouses, lightships and floats that marked a safe route to Humber ports. Seven crew members worked on the Lightship. It was a dangerous job as the Lightship had no engine and could not be moved to avoid a collision.
Life on Board
The daily routine would be four hours on duty and eight hours off duty. On duty they recorded the weather conditions, the names of passing ships and made repairs to the Lightship.
Off duty they would read, play cards, make model ships and fish, which provided extra fresh food.
The crew spent one month on board and the next month working on the buoy yacht and on shore. They received one week’s holiday a year.
Technical data
Built at Goole the Spurn Lightship’s measurements are:
| Length |
100ft (30.5m) |
| Weight | 200 tons (203.2 tonnes) gross |
| Beem | 24ft (7.3m) |
| Depth | 14.5ft (4.4m) |
| Draught | 10ft (3m) |
| Lantern housing | 8ft (2.4m) in diameter |
| Anchor cable length | 60 - 90 fathoms |
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