ON the northern aspect of Fingal Island, facing Broughton Island, is a small cove known by fishermen and islanders as the “Crayfish Hole”.
It was on the rocky shoreline of this natural harbour that a wharf and boathouse existed in 1918.
Here the Government Department kept two boats, a whaler of 20 feet and a double ender for light work.
These boats were lowered by winch into the calm water which could be four to five metres below the level of the wharf – according to the tide.
Exposure to the elements meant continuous maintenance was required.
Unfortunately, such work was not carried out requiring the boathouse and wharf to be rebuilt.
A crane was added to facilitate the unloading of heavy stores.
A decision not to proceed with repairs to the rotting crane was taken in 1973 and the wharf, boathouse and crane were subsequently demolished – ending a significant period in the history of the Outer Light.
It was in 1973 that the keeper was removed from the island and the light became fully automatic.
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
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