Ned’s Point Lighthouse wasn’t only vandalized for $3,000 worth of property on the weekend, it was the target of a serious crime, according to Staff Officer Sal Giglia of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 63.
“It’s not just a federal building and a federal offense (destruction of property), it is a crime, and I believe several historic statutes have been violated,” said Giglia, noting that Ned’s Point Lighthouse is an active Aid to Navigation (ATON.) “It’s sort of been considered the last line of defense since 911 because of electricity … it can affect (sailors) and their navigation.”
Giglia suggested that the vandalism constitutes “irregular warfare” and the destruction of “cultural property” important to emergency management. The crime, he says, falls into the category of cultural looting, ransacking and looting of shipwrecks and is punishable from fines of $3,000 to $5,000 and up to 20 years in jail time.
“Luckily, there was no damage to the lamp or the lamp room itself,” he said. “They’ve tried to break in before, but they’ve never gotten this far.”
On a prior attempted break-in, a welder was called in to fix the lock.
In this case, the storage area at the bottom of the lighthouse was trashed, where the Coast Guard Auxiliary keeps all of its boating and kayaking materials and emergency management (FEMA) information.
The vandal(s) left a tag, drawing out four letters in orange paint on the black railing outside the light room at the top of the tower. Giglia hopes exposure of photos of that tag helps identify a suspect.
In reply to the Wanderer, Mattapoisett Police Chief Jason King wrote in an email that the Mattapoisett Police Department is investigating the incident but, as of Tuesday, had no further details to release.
Town Administrator Mike Lorenco told the Wanderer that he learned of the matter on Monday and that the police was working with the Coast Guard Auxiliary to investigate the matter.
“It is upsetting especially given we’ve had several acts of vandalism in that area of late,” said Lorenco, alluding to the recent restoration of the Tri-Town Against Racism Little Free Library that had been vandalized late last year.
Lorenco also said security camera coverage at Ned’s Point is still planned for installation in approximately a month. “Maybe we can find out who is doing this,” he said, anticipating there will most likely be stepped up police presence in the area.
“It sort of breaks my heart when those things happen,” said Giglia, citing the rarity of the Ned’s Point Lighthouse’s accessibility. “Some of them are privately owned by historical societies.”
Unlike Wing’s Neck in Pocasset and the Chatham lighthouses that are closed to the public, Ned’s Point Lighthouse welcomes the public and holds special events and tours.
Giglia told the story of a couple who recently drove five hours from Maine to meet friends who also drove five hours from New Jersey. They met at Ned’s Point, took pictures and went their separate ways.
“They turned around and went home,” said Giglia, amazed that they did not even stay in town for dinner. They only wanted to post their photos on the Lighthouse Society page.
“That lighthouse is the Sistine Chapel of the (Tri-Towns),” he said. “This just so happens to be the Coast Guard, we are the only ones that can open it and service it.”
There will be a necessary upgrade to the locking system, and Giglia hopes that the town will follow through with the installation of the security cameras anticipated by Lorenco.
The Coast Guard is not allowed to receive donations, but an ongoing restoration effort exists on the part of fundraisers of the Friends of Ned’s Point Light.
“Friends is in the process of raising funds to restore the entire structure, so yes, there is going to be a cost,” said Giglia.
The immediate schedule, meanwhile, has not been impacted, and Giglia indicated that the lighthouse will reopen to the public on Saturday, June 4.
By Mick Colageo and Marilou Newell