The Legacy of the Stonehorse Shoal Lightship Station
Cape Cod’s waters have long been a challenge for sailors, with shifting sandbars and hidden shoals lurking beneath the surface. One of the most treacherous of these areas is Stonehorse Shoal, part of the Monomoy Shoals just off the elbow of Cape Cod. To protect ships from these hazards, lightships were stationed at key locations throughout Massachusetts waters. Among them was the Stonehorse Shoal Lightship Station, which played a critical role in safeguarding mariners for nearly two decades.
Photo Courtesy of: Boston Public Library
Lightships: Massachusetts' Floating Lighthouses
Before the advent of modern navigational aids, lightships served as floating lighthouses, stationed in areas too dangerous or impractical for traditional lighthouses. Massachusetts, with its extensive and perilous coastline, relied heavily on these vessels. Lightships were stationed at locations such as Nantucket Shoal, Handkerchief Shoal, and Pollock Rip, all of which were known for their shipwrecks. These vessels were equipped with beacons, fog signals, and later, radio signals to warn passing ships of impending danger.
However, serving aboard a lightship was no easy task. These vessels were constantly exposed to severe weather and heavy seas. In addition to battling the elements, they also faced the risk of being struck by the very ships they were meant to protect. Ships navigating through fog or at night would home in on the radio beacons but were expected to veer away before impact—yet collisions still occurred.
The Peril of Stonehorse Shoal
The waters off Monomoy Island are notoriously dangerous due to a collection of shallow, sandy formations known as the Monomoy Shoals. Among them, Stonehorse Shoal was particularly hazardous, lying just south of Monomoy’s tip near the infamous Handkerchief and Pollock Rip shoals. Even in the early days of European exploration, ships struggled with these waters—the Mayflower itself was forced to change course after encountering the shoals.
For centuries, countless ships wrecked here, their remains claimed by the ever-shifting sands. It was clear that a navigational aid was necessary, leading to the deployment of Lightship LV-53 at Stonehorse Shoal in 1934.
The Life of the Stonehorse Shoal Lightship (LV-53)
Built in 1892 at the J.W. Wheelan Company in Michigan, Lightship LV-53 was originally constructed to serve on the Frying Pan Shoal off the coast of North Carolina. Over the years, it was reassigned to various hazardous locations along the East Coast, including several spots in South Carolina. By the time it reached Massachusetts in 1934, the vessel was already over 40 years old but still a reliable sentinel of the sea.
Stationed at Stonehorse Shoal from 1934 to 1951, LV-53 underwent multiple upgrades to improve its visibility and reliability. In 1946, it received an extensive overhaul, including a 151 HP Diesel Engine, a new 375mm electric lantern, and modernized fog signals. These improvements allowed the lightship to continue its duty despite its age.
For the crew aboard LV-53, life was isolated and demanding. They endured violent storms, harsh winters, and the ever-present danger of collision. Yet, their mission was crucial—providing an unmistakable warning to mariners navigating the tricky waters of Nantucket Sound.
The End of an Era and Beyond
In 1951, advancements in navigational technology and shifting Coast Guard priorities led to the decommissioning of LV-53. The vessel was towed to Cape May, New Jersey, awaiting its final fate. On September 15, 1951, it was sold to Doan’s Salvage for scrapping. However, a fascinating piece of its legacy remains—its beacon mast was preserved and later incorporated into a drive-through restaurant called “The Beacon.” The restaurant is gone, but the beacon has remained and is now in the parking lot of a liquor store. To this day, the mast still stands at 429 NJ-156, Hamilton Township, New Jersey, a quiet reminder of its past service.
Photo Courtesy of: Google Maps
Stonehorse Shoal: Still a Danger Today
While the Stonehorse Shoal Lightship is now a relic of the past, the shoal itself remains a hazard. Even with modern GPS and radar, boats continue to run aground, and occasional capsizes still occur in these treacherous waters. It’s a humbling reminder of how far maritime technology has come—and how nature still commands respect.
The story of the Stonehorse Shoal Lightship Station is a testament to the bravery of its crews and the critical role it played in protecting mariners. Though the lightship is gone, its legacy lives on in the stories of those who sailed these waters and the continued vigilance required to navigate Cape Cod’s unpredictable seas.