Q&A · 4:14:26-4:14:48

Did friendly shipping prevent lighthouse blackouts?

A coastal blackout could extinguish lighthouse lights even with friendly ships in the area.

Coastal Blackouts Lighthouses Navigation

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Question

Were lighthouses switched off only when no friendly ships were nearby or enemy ships were expected?

Short answer

No. Lighthouses could be switched off completely, regardless of friendly shipping nearby.

Notes

Lighthouses could be extinguished completely during a blackout. The presence of friendly ships did not necessarily keep them operating. Friendly traffic therefore also lost the light as a navigation aid.