Post by SpiderX22 on Sept 24, 2020 3:08:52 GMT
Lightvessels are ships that act as a lighthouse, used in waters too deep or otherwise unsuitable for lighthouse construction.
Although some records exist of fire beacons used by Romans, the first modern lightvessel was off the Nore sandback at the mouth of the River Thames in England in 1734.
Lightvessels have become largely obsolete: lighthouses have replaced some stations as construction techniques advanced, while large, automated buoys replaced others.
Today, all active lightvessels are unmanned and automated, with only a few active stations around the world, primarily in England and China.
Many lightvessels have been preserved, either as museum ships or in the hands of private owners, being used as residential ships, nightclubs, and restaurants.
Lightvessels, both active and historical, exist in 16 countries spread out over every continent except Africa and Antarctica.
This is a collection of all lightvessels viewable in Google Earth, including historical and active ships.
The collection contains 132.5 unique ships in 16 countries. In addition, there are 10 unidentified ships and 13 additional ships I was unable to find.
Google Drive Link - Last Updated: September 23, 2020