The Smalls Lighthouse Tragedy

[@BigOldBoats]

Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code OLDBOATS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: incogni.com/oldboats Thank you for watching!

[@BrahTonne]

Good one! Thanks.

[@TheBullethead]

This should have been your Halloween special. Salute to those old lighthouse keepers.

[@heirofaniu]

When I was a kid I wanted to be a lighthouse keeper. All alone for weeks or months on end, nothing but solitude while you could be your own boss and just work on the machines to keep the lighthouse going. Sounded nice. Even stories like this didnt really bother me too much, they're fairly uncommon in the grand scheme of things and the reward outweighed the risk. I don't like crowds, and other people mostly just annoy me, so a job with endless hours of solitude sounds grand. Then I found out that "Lighthouse Keeper" was a dead profession by the time I was born and that made me really sad.

[@sheep1ewe]

Same here, still dreaming of it from time to time.

[@OgYokYok]

I think you can still do seasonal fire watch for the forest service.

[@mountfairweather]

What. What? What what what what whattt. Dammmm yeee Winslow !

[@ponyote]

Yeah. Sad that most lights are now unmanned. Though nuke lights are kinda cool in their own way.

[@ponyote]

​@@OgYokYokdepends on the forest, but yeah. I loved my time in that job.

[@lght5548]

My father was stationed at Ft. Jefferson Dry Tortugas lighthouse while serving in the Coast Guard in the late 1940's. He had VERY interesting stories about it. Even then, lighthouse service was harrowing with a low quality of life.

[@erickrobertson7089]

Any care to mention one of those stories?

[@mikem.s.1183]

I try... but really i can only imagine what it must be like to have experienced such conditions. No hope in heaven to be rescued if something happened, daily dominated by solitude and the immense power of the ocean. Scary.

[@EverendeverGroup]

Seems to me that if he'd just turned off the light for a night or two the mainland would have come running.

[@ronjones1077]

A clear thinking person would most likely do that. The stress this man was facing was too much

[@andrewdavis5181]

Madness usually doesn't include logic 😊

[@lescook9021]

The problem wasn't that no one knew there was an emergency, Howell had signaled that there was an emergency and the people on the mainland were well aware of it. The problem was that the weather was so bad, for approximately four months, that no boat could get close enough to the island to land or hear any reply from the man waving from the railing. (which of course was never coming)

[@OriginalCoalRollers]

Ok “DOWN” lol

[@EricDaMAJ]

All he had to do was risk a ship with potentially hundreds of lives to do that. I’d understand if he did. But it’s incredibly commendable he did not.

[@jamesshore3191]

The classical cello music works extremely well with these videos, this might be my favourite Old Boats video

[@Betterdayz12]

That was an incredibly bone chilling story, it's kin to an Edgar Allan Poe or H.P Lovecraft short story. Bravo my friend! 👏🏾

[@littlespinycactus]

It's an honour to hear Big Old Boats tell a story from this side of the Atlantic.

[@TheSaneHatter]

I’ll gladly drink a toast to the courage of anyone who stayed to work in that lighthouse, but certainly not to the wisdom of the architect who built it! It’s easy to understand why they had to get a musical instrument maker to build it, since probably no one else wanted to construct the impossible job. The tragic irony is that the outpost and its resources were silvery scanty, no doubt on account of how hard it was to build there, when a certain logic dictates, and it should’ve been a larger, sturdier, even more impressive structure, both to understand the elements and to store in more extensive supply of provisions and other items. This building needed to be like a small castle, not just a tower.

[@Skaitania]

"Three men are enough." The three vanished keepers of Flannan Isles would probably say that a fourth could have saved them... Personally, I'd love to stay on a lighthouse with a friend for a few weeks. But not with a corpse. THAT really is a nightmare. So much so that I would probably have jumped into the sea myself, just to get away.

[@Comm0ut]

Easier to ditch it in the sea. Corpses aren't very interesting after your first couple. Everyone dies and almost all of us are disposed of with or without ritual by other humans. No way I'm spending time next to that much rotten meat.

[@caroleminke6116]

I spent a week rough camping on a small island off Maine & would rather be in a prison than alight house alone

[@rightmadmod9416]

My Newfoundlander great, great, great grandfather was a light house keeper. ❤❤❤😊

[@roderickcampbell2105]

I live in Newfoundland although I am not a Newfoundlander

[@patrickglaser1560]

​@roderickcampbell2105 it's not really new anymore

[@roderickcampbell2105]

@@patrickglaser1560 True. Newfoundland is not so new. There were many folk tramping around this place for many centuries.

[@egcarbone2410]

The movie “The Lighthouse” is VERY lightly based on this incident.

[@firstnamelastname6216]

I was wondering about this.

[@thomasharper4166]

Excellent movie!

[@drake000666]

Think that was based on Flannan Isles lighthouse, a real mystery.

[@egcarbone2410]

@@drake000666 it’s based on both but mostly this

[@egcarbone2410]

@@drake000666 I love the Flannan lighthouse mystery

[@vibingwithvinyl]

Love it. Lighthouses are often such iconic places.

[@randomlyentertaining8287]

To put things into perspective, three days before they set out to construct the first lighthouse, George Washington was named Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. By the time it was replaced, Kentucky had joined the Confederacy. That was one tough pile of sticks.

[@liamkatt6434]

That is a very interesting fact.

[@eisenkopf69]

The Continental Congress commissioned George Washington as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army on June 19, 1775. Kentucky was admitted to the Confederacy on December 10, 1861. in case anybody else on this planet has those dates not accurate in mind atm

[@BoBandits]

@@eisenkopf69thank you! I don’t live in the centre of the universe and thus had no idea what this timeline was..

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

I can only imagine the sound (Noise) of crashing waves 24/7 would be enough to push you over the edge.

[@bearcatracing007]

I have heard it for 42 years, I can't sleep without it now.

[@Summernightsandneonlights]

Screw that. Sitting out there on a couple wood pillars. Hell NO.

[@jabbermocky4520]

Ever hear of the Minot's Ledge Lighthouse? No big tragedies there because it's unmanned but, perched on a rock in the wild Atlantic, it's no place any sane man would want to be.

[@jessicalypsojessicakyliemc9879]

It's unmanned NOW, but was most definitely manned in the past. And 2 keepers were swept away when the lighthouse broke apart in a hurricane in 1851.

[@p1lcr0w93]

I remember hearing about this story on the Lore podcast a few years ago - I much prefer your retelling!!! The history of the lighthouse was fascinating and your dramatic narration really pulled the Howell and Griffith story together!

[@yoseplatuallaki7817]

God bless you Big Old Boats for your work. My life is on the verge of going down the drain, but your videos keep me calm and focused. Thank you.

[@heatherabbott2130]

God bless you.

[@ronjones1077]

I appreciate this side story to the ships we all enjoy learning about. The trials of man throughout history are many times hart breaking. Thank you for these well researched mini documentaries.

[@MercuryKnight5]

I've always thought I was born too late and missed my calling; lighthouse keeper. Just..not THIS lighthouse!

[@williamdunklin]

Chilling and fascinating. Many thanks!

[@Styphon]

I feel a song coming on... "I want to marry a lighthouse keeper And keep him company. I want to marry a lighthouse keeper And live by the side of the sea. I'll polish his lamp by the light of day, So ships at night can find their way. I want to marry a lighthouse keeper, Won't that be okay?" Songwriters: Erika Eigen

[@DeezMoobs]

"This is a story about madness." That is some excellent storytelling. I really appreciate your videos. Well produced and well narrated.

[@miapdx503]

It's 7:30am on the west coast, and I wake up to this. Awesome. 🌹⚓

[@Oakleaf700]

Just got back from a cold, chilly damp walk with dog- and can now lie on the sofa and listen to this lovely narrator and warm up . I'm not too far from where this Lighthouse is, either! 133 miles away.

[@SamBroadway]

This channel has definitely moved into my top 10... Each time I watch a story it is usually the favorite of the day

[@ARSENALGeared]

I've never heard of this one, interesting.

[@Electriceye1984bySam]

I love a lighthouse story and your narration makes it special, thanks bro!

[@willglasbrener2605]

Love the increase in content!!! Keep it coming love your vidios

[@Oakleaf700]

I do, too...the quality of the uploads and the soothing voice.

[@honodle7219]

Hard to imagine what devils were chasing him as he awaited rescue with a dead man waving to him.

[@PublicEnemyNo19]

Awesome video as usual. But could you be so kind to use some more maps so we get an idea where these places are.

[@DiabetesActual]

That fog horn always creeps me out 😂

[@NostalgicGen-Z2003-nt5ji]

Lighthouses: You have nothing around you but the sound of the waves crashing on the rocky shores The smalls lighthouse: Your on your own, keeping the beacon shining

[@eigleenalegri2664]

What a horror! At least they had that cello music.

[@supernoodles91]

Not often I praise the 'algorithm gods', but on this occasion, finding your channel, I will! Great video!

[@michaelwhite2823]

What did you search for? Isolated men who haven't seen a woman in a year?

[@Eric-s3r5c]

Glad to see a new video. I had gone thru the entire great lakes series on Wednesday and was hoping for some new material soon.

[@Lemmon714_]

BOB, a great way to start the day

[@bold810]

Smalls? You're killing me, Smalls... -"The Sandlot

[@FryingTiger]

I'm to lucky enough to live in a town with not one, but two, of the Great Lakes' most recognizable lighthouses. St. Joseph, MI.

[@jasonking3182]

You know what would make a great video, Piracy on the Great Lakes. I enjoy all of your about the Great Lakes and decide to google Great Lakes piracy because I never knew if it existed and was shocked to see not only did it it was still going on in the 1920s! There was also the massive smuggling operation’s going on during prohibition when millions of dollars in liquor flowed through the Lakes as well.

[@anemone104]

I've dived the Smalls. It's only do-able in the best of weather and you have to get slack water right or you can get swept in between two of the the rocks and away. It's a looong trip from Milford Haven out past Skomer and Green Island with all its gannets, including some spreadeagled on the rocks, pinioned by the polypropylene rope and fishing net they harvest to build nests. The seals on the Smalls are friendly and curious as they don't see many divers so have never been bothered. You're working at 20m and they will come in and tweak your fins - 'Go away, seal, I'm trying to count!" Bu99er, I'l have to start again). A very wild place, beautiful on a calm sunny day and wonderful diving, but you just know it''ll be horrendous in rough weather.

[@jkephart4624]

Idk why but lighthouses seem cozy and peaceful

[@T0ska0_0]

Still think so after the vid?

[@legoeasycompany]

Except when you have to be in one during storms or Hurricanes

[@holopilot2241]

Great work!

[@tragalecounts]

Your narration is top notch! Your content is always interesting and well planned and executed! I really enjoy your channel and am always excited to listen. Thank you

[@bromisovalum8417]

I have a friend like that. He's like a brother, but we also quarrel over anything. Animated discussions. People sometimes mistake it for a fight.

[@charliekezza]

I couldn't imagine being stuck all alone for months and a rock in the middle of the ocean

[@LarryCrandall-z2w]

BOB that is kinda creepy. Just goes to show that a light keeper in an isolated house, needs to have a certain mind set. Like, not need a lot of social or outside contact. Just someone who is is happy to be by themselves.

[@Chord_]

Christ, the thought that Thomas could've been rescued sooner if it weren't for the body "waving" is... If it were a novel, I'd call it heavy handed dramatic irony. But the fact that it actually happened is both deeply tragic and soul-rending. That poor man.

[@colinleat8309]

I've heard this story before. Really messed up! I can't imagine what it must have been like for them. The irony of the waving dead arm...🖖🇨🇦🍻

[@manhattenman6075]

This has got to be one of the most chilling stories you’ve ever covered on this channel. Chilling and interesting. Genuinely made me feel the horror.

[@abnurtharn2927]

Interesting how you use the painting of Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan at 13:18

[@Oakleaf700]

I thought I recognised that face, too. {Ivan the terrible, with his red rummed son on the rug.....}

[@abnurtharn2927]

@@Oakleaf700 Yea, but so symbolize madness, it is fitting.

[@RyanKlapperich]

More lighthouse stories if you can. This was great!

[@JH-th9th]

Thank you for an amazing piece of history !!!! Really appreciate your channel !!!

[@pheffr]

Honey! Wake up from your turkey coma! Big Old Boats dropped a video!

[@jaynorris3722]

😂😂😂

[@Arterexius]

For those curious, the large glass lenses of Lighthouses are called a _fresnel lens_

[@jenniferlevine5406]

How terrible. What a devastating turn of events. Those men were so brave to take on the job. Great video!

[@pcka12]

The stories of light vessels can be even more harrowing!

[@deecawford]

I wish we still had more of the old light houses. They are history to a great many shore lines

[@DexterGregg]

I've never heard of thid tragedy really interesting

[@BeatenRustBuckets]

I love your channel, personally I turn up the speed to 1.25 so it moves along a little faster... but otherwise perfect.

[@lyedavide]

What an awful and horrifying thing to happen. I can't begin to imagine what Howell had to endure. It's even more unbelievable that he continued to keep the light lit and working. Whatever the circumstances surrounding the death of his mate, it is clear that two men died in that wretched lighthouse.

[@mssixty3426]

I'm surprised they didn't have a system of lights signals to indicate any emergencies or problems or that everything was okay, to be used on a regular basis. Ships used flags to communicate - seems they could have thought of something. Is this a reflection of the class system in Great Britain at the time, or were lighthouses run the same way around the world?

[@cyberleaderandy1]

This or another similar event was the basis for a Tom Baker adventure of Dr Who in the 70s.

[@heatherabbott2130]

The terror of fang rock

[@pissedoff-is1mt]

I always quite fancied the idea of working as a lighthouse keeper but never in a wooden one, must have been hell.

[@thomasthomsoniii]

It's *amazing* that you used the Russian painting of Ivan the Terrible killing his son, to convey lighthouse staff going insane!

[@lelandcarlson1668]

So the moral of this story is, if you want to be relieved from your job, stop doing your job!

[@chrishewitt1165]

I worked at sea for 40 years. Before GPS, lights were so important for navigation

[@CStone-xn4oy]

You should have released this around Halloween, this is a truly chilling real life horror story.

[@danozism]

Great video, cheers. Fascinating stuff. Thanks for the upload.

[@Uncle_Roadkill]

Bad luck to kill a seabird!

[@8roundclip]

Fascinating!! I absolutely love your channel.

[@icaasi5221]

Love the occassional bits of comedy in these videos.

[@robertc.delmedico6242]

Well done sir!! Keep up thegood work!❤

[@ravismcromarty5600]

“Yes, I have a dream, and it’s not some MLK dream for equality. I want to own a decommissioned lighthouse. And I want to live at the top. And nobody knows I live there. And there’s a button that I can press, and launch that lighthouse into space.” - Stanley Hudson. Wise words 😁

[@max1point8t]

Oh my god. That ending is such a nightmare.

[@b.w.22]

What an amazing video this was. Great, great job!

[@randyhebbebusche3644]

So sad those men. Can't imagine what he went through.

[@Mr.Sam321]

YAYYYY BIG OLD BOATS

[@NathanHassall]

Question...Don't mean to be disgusting but would flys manage to get at the body out there? Just wondering what the decomposition process would be in an environment like that or if it would basically be the same as on land.

[@AururaTinn7930]

the greatest miracle, in my opinion, is not the fact that the bottle was found, but that these 18th century fishermen could read

[@sthenzel]

I bet even back then a bottled message was well known to be of significance, even to the illiterate, especially if they were men of the sea themselves. To organize a response or to deliver the message, they had to go back to shore anyway, where there always was someone who could read, and be that the local priest.

[@eigleenalegri2664]

It's Great Britain, that is why they are literate

[@orionwesley]

You'd think that they'd have some sort of filter to denote when the keepers are in distress. Like when people leaving different color bulbs in their porch lights?

[@susanpasarow2680]

This would have been a great Halloween story, it's absolutely dreadful! Thanks again for the excellent work!

[@kennybruce2597]

A very captivating story.

[@celowski6296]

Here in Michigan, we have the Stannard Light in Lake Superior. Just as secluded.

[@peterkropotkin6224]

This is essentially a nonfiction version of an Edgar Allan Poe short story.

[@Survivin2Thrivin]

Oh, not over already😮😢.

[@TheNuckinFoob]

Way to ruin my childhood impression that working in a lighthouse was like Pete's Dragon.

[@manicmechanic448]

You're killin me, Smalls.

[@thejudgmentalcat]

Definitely more of a spooky Halloween story, but so sad too

[@tactical_pat6449]

That twist of fate was a brutal ending ❤

[@Ilikefinalfantasy795]

very good video thanks a bunch.

[@rebeccahylant7695]

Fascinating history!

[@garymckee63]

It's always an excellent video 👍

[@ponyote]

Yay! A new video!

[@user-tt8xf9td6b]

Ivan the Terrible at his side-gig as lighthouse keeper.

[@Chairman-Joseph-Stalin]

I really can’t fathom how they build the original lighthouse on such a small island given it was the 1860s.

[@patrickkalmakoff6314]

The fact i had 6 ads in a 20 min video on top if a sponsor mention twice is ridiculous

[@Soundofwindonsand]

Rogue Wave... never heard of such a thing...

[@ponyote]

Gotta ask: was this light actually a Fresnel Lens as shown?

[@BigOldBoats]

No, at the time the lighthouse used lamps placed inside glass-faceted reflectors. Fresnel Lenses came later.

[@ponyote]

@BigOldBoats thank you. My brain wouldn't let me not ask. Very unsurprised that you know when those became used.

[@ANeonSkinJoke]

yeaaaahh i love these stories

[@rogerallen6644]

The incredible stupidity of the support people. You go TO the lighthouse and SPEAK to someone. Two people alone for months. What could possibly go wrong?

[@markroe8229]

In 1801? In the middle of a series of back to back winter storms? You should row out there in a storm in a rowboat and show how simple it is to do.

[@johnwagenhauser9835]

Thanks, truly disturbing .