The Fog Signal

“The Fog Signal ( fog horn) is currently out of use in order for an assessment of its mechanical condition in order that its long term service can be maximised, as far as is possible. We apologise for this and though we have no current timetable as to how long this essential work will take, we hope that it will be back in service, for occasional use, before too long.”

N.B. The Fog Signal has not been used as an Aid to Navigation since the mid 1990’s and therefore the current situation is not in any way detrimental to mariners.

At Nash Point Lighthouse we are extremely fortunate in having one of only a few sets of compressed-air, “Siren-type”, Fog Signals in working order in the whole country. These are no longer used as an Aid to Navigation, being discontinued in the mid 1990’s, but they were restored in the five years between 2002 – 2006 by Trinity House engineers, in their spare time and using any available spares.

We have to be very gentle with the engines and only run them twice a month for short periods. We also run them when we have School Visits, Weddings or other special occasions at the Lighthouse. The following video clip is a fairly good representation of its sound though nothing, of course, compares to hearing it from close by and though it will not damage or harm your ears (it may make you jump!) it can be heard from up to 20 miles away.