United States lightship Nantucket (WLV-612)

The United States lightship Nantucket (WLV-612), later known as WAL-612, served as a floating lighthouse at various locations off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, marking dangerous shoals and serving as a navigational aid for transatlantic shipping. She was the last lightship to serve on that station and one of the last lightships operated by the United States Coast Guard.

Prior to the deployment of Nantucket (WLV-612), several other lightships had served on the Nantucket Shoals station, a particularly hazardous area with frequent fog and heavy maritime traffic. The earlier vessels were often lost or damaged due to collisions, storms, or mechanical failures.

Nantucket (WLV-612) was launched in 1936 and commissioned into service shortly after. She was designed and built for improved seaworthiness and equipped with more powerful signaling devices, including a radio beacon, foghorn, and powerful light. This improved the safety of navigation in the area considerably.

During World War II, Nantucket (WLV-612) served as Examination Vessel at Portland, Maine.

After the war, she returned to her station off Nantucket Shoals. She remained on station until 1983, when she was decommissioned, marking the end of an era for lightships on that crucial station. The Nantucket (WLV-612) was replaced by a large navigational buoy.

Following her decommissioning, the Nantucket (WLV-612) was eventually transferred to private ownership and has been preserved as a museum ship. She offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of lightships and their vital role in maritime safety. Her preservation ensures that the legacy of these important vessels is not forgotten.