Lichtschip 1

West-Hinder I

 - active lightship from 1950 until 1972 -

 

Position as West-Hinder: 51° 23' 00'' North - 02° 26' 20'' East

 

Ship data

Length overall: 42,50 m

Length: 37,50 m

Beam: 7,80 m

Depth: 3,00 m

Weight: 420 t

Displacement: approx. 401m³
Side height: 5,90 m  
   

Elevation: 14 m

Range: 12,4 sm

Builder: Beliard, Crighton & Co. Werft, Oostende

Number: 115

Year of construction: 1950
 

Engine: Diesel engine 200 PS, today no more existing
Speed: 8 knots
 

Personnel: 9 men, changing every 2 weeks: captain, machinist, stokers and 6 sailors

 

History:

1950-1968 in 6-monthly rotation with "Lichtschip 2" and "Lichtschip 3" on stations "Wandelaar", "West-Hinder" or as "reserve" in harbour

10.05.1972 out of service

1976 sold for 438.000 BEF, rebuilt to be a restaurant ship and bar, berthed at Brugge (Scheepsdale)

1976-1978 restaurant ship and bar in the Mercatordock in Oostende

1978 the ship sank because water breached the hull during a party in the harbour basin, it was lifted and was repaired

17.04.1978 transfer to Oostende, still restaurant ship

Towards the end of the eighties, the ship was sold to the scrap company De Nolf in Brugge. After this it should have been at a ship breakers in Gent. Actually, however, it was saved from scrap

Since the 11.07.2002, the lightship lies as maritime visitor center providing numerous possibilities for receptions, parties, exhibitions and discussions in Rupelmonde in Belgium

From April 17th, 2003 it is also accessible to the public. People who would like to view it, can contact the tourist information to arrange an individual visiting date. Outside viewing is of course possible any time without prior arrangement.


Visitor address:
Nederstraat, Kade Rupelmonde, Rupelmonde, Belgium


 Photo-Gallery