Authorities emphasize that this incident transcends mere property theft, posing an immediate threat to public safety.
SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Coast Guard is on a mission to identify those responsible for the theft of a lighthouse beacon in the Twin Ports area, stressing that this act could potentially result in disastrous collisions involving vessels.
The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) reported that the beacon was recently removed from the Superior Entry South Breakwater Light, the lighthouse situated on Wisconsin Point.
The incident occurred on May 13, according to officials. The perpetrators broke into the structure, cut off the power supply, and made off with the beacon.
CGIS officials are clear that this is more than just a case of property theft; it is an act that poses a direct threat to public safety.
“Maritime aids to navigation function exactly like traffic lights and street signs on our roadways. The Superior Entry South Breakwater Light is a critical piece of safety infrastructure that guides vessels safely into and out of the harbor, especially during the night and in poor weather conditions,” CGIS officials said in a press release.
They went on to say that removing this light “creates a severe hazard that could lead to catastrophic vessel collisions or grounding.”
Investigators say they are aggressively pursuing all leads and there is a $1,000 reward to anyone who offers information that leads to an arrest. Click here to submit a tip to CGIS.