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The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society is still waiting for a report detailing the damage to the historic lighthouse after a barge collision in April. The incident occurred when a barge, pushed by a Carver Marine Towing tugboat, struck the lighthouse, destroying its dock and gangway stairs. Initial inspections revealed structural damage to the lower access area, but the full extent will be revealed in an upcoming report.
The lighthouse, located in the Hudson River between Hudson and Athens, New York, is a crucial navigational aid and a symbol of the region's maritime history. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was recently named one of the "11 Most Endangered Historic Places in America" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The collision delayed ongoing restoration work on the lighthouse's roof, as the damage made the structure temporarily inaccessible.
According to MarineLink, Carver Companies has taken responsibility for the incident and is cooperating with the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society to address the damage. The company has already installed a temporary dock and plans to repair the stairway. The tugboat captain involved in the incident has been suspended pending an internal investigation.
The preservation society is concerned about the impact of the collision on efforts to stabilize the lighthouse's deteriorating base. Engineers are currently analyzing the damage, and a report is expected in about two weeks, as reported by Times Union. The Greene County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Coast Guard are also investigating the incident.