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Launched in 1963 Light Vessel 21 is a unique 40 metre steel-hulled lightship, the last of the renowned Philip & Son’s ships to be commissioned by Trinity House. LV21 saw most of her service off the Kent coast on the Varne, East Goodwin and Channel stations.
In 1981 she was involved in the worst Light Vessel collision in which the Lightvessel had survived, when the ORE METEOR, which was being towed by the tug SUZANNE M, struck the LV21.
She was retired from service in 2008 and was acquired by her current owners the following year. She is now used as a maritime heritage facility, as well as an art, culture and performance space.
In June 2023, LV21 was awarded the title of NHS-UK's Static Flagship of the Year, in recognition of a year of planned celebratory activities to commemorate the 60th anniversary of her launch, including public open days and a creative new learning package.
Ordered by Trinity House, London
Launched on 16 September
Handed over to Trinity House in December
Stationed at East Goodwin station, on the East Coast
Stationed at Varne station, southwest of Dover
Suffered a collision with ORE METEOR, which was being towed by the tug SUZANNE M, in June
Converted to automatic lightvessel in Newcastle
Stationed at Channel station
Stationed at East Goodwin station
Stationed at Seven Stones station, west of Cornwall
Decommissioned by Trinity House and moored at Trinity House Depot, Swansea
Acquired by current owners
Received the 2023 Static Flagship of the Year Award from National Historic Ships UK
LV21 received a £25,000 Continuity Support grant from round 3 of the Government's Culture Recovery Fund to help them recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk
National Historic Ships UK acknowledges the financial support of its sponsors