The Ocracoke Light Station, which includes the lighthouse and Lightkeeper’s Quarters. Photo: C. Leinbach

From our news sources

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is investigating two recent acts of vandalism at the Ocracoke Light Station and is seeking help from the public.

Seashore rangers on Sept. 27 noticed that a wooden ventilation slat was missing from the Ocracoke Lighthouse door. Additionally, the wire screening behind the missing wooden slat was forcibly detached from the door.

On Monday (Oct. 5), rangers discovered that numerous windows were damaged in the Keeper’s Quarters, the lighthouse and several outbuildings. It is believed that the damage was caused sometime between the evening of Saturday, Oct. 3, and Monday morning.

Anyone with information that may help determine the individuals, circumstances and events that led to the acts of vandalism are asked to contact the National Park Service’s Investigative Services Branch (ISB). Call or text the ISB Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or submit a tip at www.nps.gov/isb.

Completed in 1823, the Ocracoke Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Missing wooden ventilation slat and damaged wire screen on Ocracoke Lighthouse door. Photo courtesy of NPS.
Damage to Keeper’s Quarters window. Photo courtesy of NPS.
Damage to Keeper’s Quarters window and door. Photo courtesy of NPS.
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1 COMMENT

  1. Oh how sad! One would hope that dear Ocracoke would be immune from such deviant behavior. It shows such complete disrespect for the history of what those people in the lifesaving service went through. If the criminals are caught they should be taught a history lesson about the lifesaving service, made to perform some of the nasty duties the lifesaving people had to do and fix the windows!

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