The Helwick lightship, a 225-tonne vessel that has been a fixture at Swansea Marina for 44 years, was removed on the night of 16 July 2026 for restoration work. Built in 1937, the 118-foot ship once marked navigation hazards at sea and has been part of the Swansea Museum collection since 1982. According to a Swansea Council report, the vessel had entered a state of advanced deterioration, prompting the council to approve a dry dock refurbishment in October 2025 at an estimated cost of £360,000.
Towage and Restoration
Rhossili Coastguards shared footage of the ship being towed away on Thursday night, stating: "Tonight an important part of Swansea, Gower and Rhossili’s maritime history was on the move. The Helwick Lightship LV91, which has been berthed in Swansea Marina since 1982, was moved from its berth, through the marina and lock gates, and into Swansea Dry Dock, where it will undergo restoration." The vessel, also known as Light Vessel 91, once marked the westernmost point of the Helwick Bank, which begins off Port Eynon Point and stretches for about six miles. It served on the Helwick Bank from 1971 until 1977, when it was retired and sold to Swansea Museum. A replacement lightship continued until 1989, when an automated cardinal buoy took over.
Broader Preservation Efforts
Alongside the Helwick, two other vessels—the Olga and the Canning—are also set to be preserved and protected under a council plan. The Olga may sail again, while the Canning will be restored by expert enthusiasts. In October 2025, the council also took action to address the abandoned vessel The Seamark, which is not council-owned and has extensive hull corrosion and asbestos contamination. The council used its statutory powers to remove and scrap the vessel to protect the marina from potential pollution.
