Pollock Rip LV Demise

If you are a lover of Coast Guard Heritage and the preservation of historical vessels, Look no further. The Pollock Rip Light Vessel was acquired by the City of New Bedford MA many, many years ago. Why she was not preserved as originally intended is anyones guess. She recently capsized and was righted at a considerable expense. Too bad this money was not used in her restoration. It is a disgusting example of neglect and hard to view her in her present condition.

These photos were taken by and forwarded by Bill Collette USCG (ret).
______________________________________________________________

The below are two fine examples of preserved Light Ships. Why couldn't the city of New Bedford MA do the same?

An article written by Brian Fraga, staff writer for the Standard Times. Used by permission.

Mike Doody cuts the steel parts from the brass parts. The New Bedford lightship is being torn apart by Sea Roy Enterprises Inc., which purchased the vessel from the city for $10,000. Workers separate the steel from the brass and aluminum to be shipped out to various yards.

By Brian Fraga
Standard-Times staff writer
July 03, 2007 6:00 AM

NEW BEDFORD A giant mechanical claw ripped through the hull of the Lightship New Bedford on Monday, reducing the historic Coast Guard vessel into a scrap pile.

The lightship's fate was sealed in late May after the city sold the vessel for $10,000 to Sea Roy Enterprises Inc. Conrad Roy, the firm's owner, said the lightship's deteriorated condition made it only good for scrap.

"We're just tearing it up now," Mr. Roy said Monday afternoon, sitting off to the side while his son operated the machine tearing large chunks off the ship's hull. Mr. Roy said the lightship will be completely dismantled in two weeks.

The ship's demise leaves 12 remaining lightships in the world. The city had owned the ship, the former Pollock Rip, since 1971. It was built in 1930, and was on the National Register of Historic Places.

The lightship's condition deteriorated badly from neglect after it nearly sank in its berth last June. The city spent $212,000 last year to right the ship and clean it after an open portal let in too much water during a heavy thunderstorm.

Considered nothing more than a liability, the City Council Property Committee repeatedly tried to sell the lightship last year before finally offering it to Mr. Roy's firm.

It is probably too late to save her but if you would like to voice your concerns over the care of (or lack of) the Pollock Rip Light Vessel there are a few email addresses below.

_______________________________________________________________
For another example of New Bedford's preservation projects, check out the 36 footer page.