DIAMOND SHOAL LIGHT VLSSElL, NORTH CAROLINA 



This vessel is anchored in 30 fathoms of water in the Atlantic Ocean 13 miles ofif Cape 

 Hatteras, and occupies one of the most exposed and dangerous positions. The vessel is 

 shown after being stranded in 1899. The diagram below shows the improved method now 

 in use of mooring light vessels with a submerged buoy. 



Notwithstanding the severe conditions, 

 Diamond Shoal Hght vessel has in recent 

 years been maintained on the station with 

 little interruption. The vessel is now 

 moored with a 7,500-pound mushroom 

 anchor and 150 fathoms (900 feet) of 

 heavy chain. About one-third of the 

 length from the vessel a submerged 

 spherical buoy is attached to the chain, 

 carrying a part of its weight and greatly 

 easing the pull of the vessel. 



In recent years some unattended light 

 vessels have been established abroad. 

 These are small vessels without any crew 

 and with all the apparatus automatic in 

 operation. The Barrow light vessel, on 

 the coast of England, with no crew, has 

 an automatic flashing gas light with a 

 revolving lens, a fog bell in the air, and 

 a submarine bell, both actuated by the 

 motion of the vessel in the sea (see 

 page 48). 



DIAGRAM SHOWING THlJ MOORING ARRANGE;me;nT 01* DIAMOND SHOAL LIGHT VESSEL 



Length of chain on buoy, 7^ fathoms; from the anchor to buoy chain, 105 fathoms; from 



buoy chain to ship, 45 fathoms 



44 



