SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – The Coast Guard is proposing to install Mariner Radio Activated Sound Signals at an additional seven remote lighthouses in the Gulf of Maine.

Last year, the Coast Guard replaced 17 fog detectors with MRASS devices that enable mariners to activate lighthouse sound signals on-demand with a marine radio. The Coast Guard is now proposing to install MRASS devices at Halfway Rock, Matinicus Rock, Mt. Desert Rock, Great Duck Island, Petit Manan Island, Libby Island, and at the Little River Lighthouse.

“This environmentally responsible decision will reduce the negative effects that continuous sound signals have on area wildlife, especially migratory bird populations, along with the people that live and work in these remote locations,” the Coast Guard said in a news releaes. “Instead of the fog horns sounding continuously 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week, the MRASS will allow mariners to activate the sound signal when needed by keying the microphone of a standard VHF-FM radio five times on channel 83A. Once activated, the current sound signal type will remain unchanged, and it will shut off after 60 minutes of operation.”

“This change will allow us to reduce our overall footprint by decreasing the required number of solar panels and lead acid batteries onsite when compared to the current configuration.” said Capt. Michael Baroody, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Northern New England, in the release. “It will not alter the light characteristics, equipment, or patterns; it only changes the method used to activate the sound signal.”

The proposed conversions are planned for May 2017. The Coast Guard will advertise the changes in the weekly First District Local Notice to Mariner publication and will also conduct direct outreach to harbormasters and other waterway users.

“Given our strong commitment to the safety of all mariners who operate along the coast of Northern New England, we will be providing ample opportunity for public comment along with an extensive public safety and awareness campaign before installation begins”, said Lt. David Bourbeau, Waterways Division Chief at Sector Northern New England. “Should you or members of your organization have any questions, we would be more than happy to meet with you personally.”

For more information, contact Lieutenant David Bourbeau at (207) 347-5015 or nnewaterways@uscg.mil. 

Matinicus Rock is 6 MILES SOUTH OF MATINICUS ISLAND 

Station Established: 1827 
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1857 
Operational? YES 
Automated? YES 1983 
Deactivated: n/a 
Foundation Materials: NATURAL/EMPLACED 
Construction Materials: GRANITE BLOCKS 
Tower Shape: CYLINDRICAL 
Markings/Pattern: NATURAL 
Relationship to Other Structure: ATTACHED 
Original Lens: THIRD ORDER, FRESNEL 1857 

Historical Information:

• Lighthouse is best known for the heroics of Abbie Burgess who, as a teenager, saved her mother and younger sisters during a storm by moving them into the lighthouse. While her father was kept away by the storm, she tended the light and kept it burning for the duration.
• 1827 – Twin wooden towers built.
• 1846 – Wooden towers replaced by granite towers and granite keeper’s house built.
• 1855 – Fog bell installed.
• 1856 – Keeper’s house washed away during storm, family saved by Abbie Burgess.
• 1857 – The towers were refurbished and fitted with third order Fresnel Lenses.
• 1869 – Daboll trumpet replaced fog bell.
• 1883 – North tower discontinued, Daboll trumpet fog signal swept off the rocks by waves.
• 1888 – North light tower was re-established.
• 1924 – North light extinguished for good. Government changed the station to a single tower.
• 1950 – Stations outbuildings and keeper’s house removed following a violent storm.
• 1983 – Lighthouse automated.