A barge being pushed by a tugboat struck the historic Hudson-Athens Lighthouse early Wednesday morning, damaging its dock and newly installed access stairs.
The 150-year-old lighthouse, a cherished mid-river structure on the Hudson River, was already listed among America’s 11 most endangered historic places due to long-term foundation deterioration.
The tugboat Erin Elizabeth, operated by Carver Marine Towing, was pushing seven barges when it ran aground near the lighthouse at around 2 a.m. during an outgoing tide.
In an attempt to manoeuvre out of the mud while outside the shipping channel, the vessel made contact with the lighthouse’s east-facing dock and the southeast stairway, both of which were destroyed.
An initial inspection confirmed no structural damage to the lighthouse tower itself.
However, access to the site is now compromised, which could delay an ongoing roof restoration project. Volunteers had just installed the now-destroyed staircase last week.
“This incident reinforces what we’ve known for some time—the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse is in urgent need of structural restoration,” said Van Calhoun, Chair of the HALPS Restoration Committee. “We appreciate Carver Companies not only for stepping up to repair what happened, but also for recognising the broader need to preserve this historic landmark.”
Carver Marine Towing has pledged to complete emergency repairs and is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society (HALPS).
The tug’s captain has been suspended pending an internal investigation, according to company GM Brian Moore. The weather may have contributed to the incident.
The U.S. Coast Guard estimates damage at $50,000 and has deferred the investigation to local authorities. Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky said potential violations of state navigation and parks laws are under review.
The lighthouse, operated by HALPS for over 40 years, is facing bigger risks to its stability. Decades of tides, ice flows, and vessel wakes have eroded the wooden pilings under its granite caisson foundation.
A 2022 study and recent inclusion in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s endangered list prompted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin planning a long-term restoration.
Construction of a steel sea wall to protect the lighthouse’s base is scheduled to begin next year. For now, tours remain suspended, and repair efforts are focused on restoring vital access for the current roof replacement deadline set for September.
References: wamc, dailygazette
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