Roter Sand
P4
Roter Sand is the name of a lighthouse in the North Sea, in the Outer Weser. Completed in 1885 building is now no longer as a beacon in operation, but continues to serve as a daily visual signs. The lighthouse Roter Sand was the first built by people on the seabed building at all and was therefore quickly become a symbol of technological progress.
On 31 October 2010 he was honored by the Federal Chamber of Engineers as a Historic Landmark of the art of engineering.
- 3.1 First ideas
- 3.2 Creation of structure
- 3.3 Operating 1885-1964
- 3.4 transitional phase from 1964 to 1987
- 3.5 Restoration 1987-1990
- 5.1 Protection and Care
- 5.2 Tourism
- 5.3 The lighthouse in the film
Description
The lighthouse Roter Sand has an overall height of 52.5 meters, which also includes the foundation under water. At low tide, its height above sea level is 30.7 meters. The height of fire is 24 meters above mean high tide level.
The foundation is cylindrical and extends at low water about 1.5 meters as a platform above the water addition. In the tower tapers towards the top. He has a red and white paint which attaches over an approximately eight -meter-high black base area. The order of the colors is white-red -white-red - white, with the individual color sections simultaneously mark the five floors. At the lower end of the lowermost white ring is the entrance door.
The lowest room serves as storage space. A staircase leads to the overlying bedroom. The following are the kitchen with a coal stove, cabinets and an upholstered bench and the stay or service room with a large table and chairs. From this branch three bay from. Two of them have the same height as the floor itself, while the third runs even higher. The bay windows were once home to the fire side and facing north-west, south and north-east. From the service area is accessed via another staircase to the balcony which runs around the lantern house with the copper dome. However, a walk on the balcony is not possible because of the high bay blocked at one point the way.
In the 1940s, the room layout was a different place. At that time the interior of the black lacquered sector was walkable and served as a storage room. On the first floor entry level (today's storage room ) there was at that time the technology to generate electricity.
Technology
History of technology
The first beacon of the Red Sand was a kerosene burner with two wicks. The identifier created by Otter apertures that are opened and closed by a movement that is driven by a chain passing through the entire tower shaft with weights. The cross light in the Northwest and in Süderker of the tower showed both a fixed fire. As a light source served eindochtige Argandsche Petroleum lights here. For the entrance to the Outer Weser in the north east bay but a two- term Argandsche lamp was installed as a secondary fire.
Just one year after the commissioning of the tower in November 1885 was adjusted by an electric arc lamp. For the required current, the lighthouse was connected by a submarine cable with Wangerooge. After installation of the arc lamp tower identifier has been changed and no longer needed Quermarkenfeuer deleted in the bay windows. The secondary fire in the large bay window remained. Since the cable connection was frequently interrupted, it was decided after eight years to switch back to Petroleumglühlicht.
In the early 1940s a large belt light with incandescent lights or change device was installed in the lantern house. The secondary fire in the East bay was preserved and in addition still got a telegraph device, and a mist the sound transmitter. The light source used was from 1945 propane gas with a Gasglühlichtkörper. The red sand in 1947 was electrified again with diesel engines with around 110 volts DC. This supplied the entire tower with power and invited the nickel-iron storage batteries for night operation. By now safe power supply 1000 watt beacon could be used, which greatly increased the scope of the fire.
Some time later, the lantern house on the balcony was replaced by a new one.
From the service receiving the replacement Alte Weser lighthouse in 1964, an automatically controlled small propane gas fire was installed in the red sand.
Last beacon
The belt light was how the entire light device, made in Berlin.
The main fire, a Fresnel apparatus IV order with Otter aperture was located in 27 feet above mean high water. It was the entrance to the New River Weser and had a white flash. The identifier was: 1.25 seconds flash, 1.25 seconds rest, 1.25 seconds Flash and 4 -second pause. The fire could be seen in various sectors as a white direction light. From N 68 ' W by south to south 46 ' 0 it had a range of ten nautical miles, as well as between N 75 'W and N 82' W and 36 between S ' and S 0 40' 0 between N 82 ' W by South to S 36 '0 it appeared as a white flash fire with uniformly continuous flashes. The duration of the flashes and the blackout was in each case about 1.25 seconds. From N 68 ' W to N 75 ' W and also of S 40 ' 0 to S 46 ' 0 the main fire was also seen as a white flash fire, however. Having two rapidly successive flashes, which a darkening of about four seconds followed The main fire was deleted in 1964.
In addition there existed a by fire in pointing to the north-east bay to 22.9 feet above flood. This beacon, a Fresnel apparatus V. Procedure, was the entrance to the Alte Weser and was as solid white fire of N 25 'W by north to N 41 ' 0 about eight nautical miles visible. The associated fixed sector fires were white with a range of ten nautical miles, red with a range of seven miles and green with a scope of only six miles. The secondary fire have been deleted in November 1986.
In addition, there were two small Fresnel apparatus V. order as leading light in the northwestern and southern bay. The former shone after N 68 ' W by West to S 77' W, the latter to S 28 ' 0 to S 46' 0 Both had a fixed white light and a scope from two to two and a half miles.
History
Initial ideas
By 1875, two wrong lightships in the Outer Weser with the task to mark the fairway and to secure it. In 1878, the Weser riparian Bremen, Oldenburg and Prussia agreed to settle the Seezeichenwesen together. The Prussian Minister of Commerce brought a proposal to summon another fire ship into the outer Weser. Their request was denied because studies showed that the interpretation of a ship is impossible to mussel Roter Sand. Instead made the ton and beacons office in Bremerhaven in the same year a counter-proposal, which provided for the establishment of a fixed tower on the edge of the shoal and was adopted relatively quickly, because the cost of a lighthouse were assessed less than that for a lightship.
On August 23, 1878 was commissioned Baurat Carl Friedrich Hancke, who was then head of the harbor Baudirektion to create a design for the proposed tower. The plan submitted by Hanckes provided for a building whose base should rest on a caisson. Nearly two years later, on 15 September 1880, ended the national tender for the construction of the lighthouse and two companies submitted their proposals. Bavier, Kunz & White from Bremen demanded 445,000 gold marks, while the range of Harkort from Duisburg amounted to almost 480,000 gold marks. Because of the lower costs, the decision was made on 2 October in favor of Bremer.
Creation of structure
In the winter months 1880/1881 of the caisson was built in Emperor port in Bremerhaven. The delivery took place in good weather conditions on 22 May 1881, when two steam tugs began to draw the structure to the site. There, however, they arrived only on 26 May, as the caisson had torn in between and ran aground on a sandbar. It has a drag in the early hours of the next day it first. On the red sand of the caisson should be lowered to about 22 feet below low water, are washed into the sea floor and filled with concrete. To this end, put one inside the container under pressure, so that it acted briefly as a diving chamber. They had hardly begun work when the caisson ran into difficulties when lowering. The work was stopped until the annual Pentecost towers erected the box again. This delay was not able to fill the box before the onset of heavy autumn storms with sufficient concrete. On October 13, 1881 caisson was destroyed in a severe storm surge and sank. This completes the first creation attempt had failed.
The construction company Bavier, Kunz & White met this setback so hard that she had a few weeks later file for bankruptcy. Then put Hanckes on March 7, 1882 a motion to make a second attempt establishment. This time Harkort was awarded the contract at a price of approximately 853,000 gold marks, which meant nearly doubling the previous cost estimate and about 15-20 million euros in current prices (2010) corresponds. The contract was awarded on 31 August 1882. Fact that actually a second attempt should be started, it was decided on 21 September. Over the winter 1882/1883 was in the Bremerhaven Caisson Kaiserhafen a new, more stable than the previous one built. He had a side height of 18.5 meters, was completed in the spring of 1883 and was dragged out on May 26. Approx. 1100 meters north of the old building site he was lowered two days later successful. After that, the side walls were raised and the caisson filled concrete crafted with 316 cubic meters. This time he survived the autumn storms that only caused some minor damage, good. On May 22, 1884, the foundation of the lighthouse was completed.
On June 10th of the same year began with the construction and in July with the work on the tower shaft, so that one had the tower until early November, pulled up to the third floor. The lowest level was clad with masonry and provided with a fireproof blanket. At this time, on November 3, twelve workers were billeted in the tower to finish the interior, while the supply ships into ports. From early December to April 1885 could not be done on the tower due to adverse weather conditions.
In the summer of 1885, on August 10, the living room, the bay window and the lantern were completed, was then begun with the installation of lighting.
On October 23, the final building inspection was carried out by Baurat Hanckes. Eight days later, on November 1, 1885, has been ignited the fire at 00:00 clock. A mere seven years after the first plans of the lighthouse was completed Roter Sand. He was the first offshore structure in the world and is regarded as a structural and technological breakthrough that time.
Operating 1885-1964
Almost for 35 years did the lighthouse without problems its service. However, in the 1920s, he lost by a shift of the sandbanks and the resulting change in the fairway somewhat, but remained on the outer Jade and the Weser estuary continues to be very important.
Beginning of 1933 has been increased by the tower to ensure greater stability of the riprap. In the 1940s, there were some minor building repairs. Thus, for example, a new lamp house and the lanterns in the bay windows, pointing to the north-west and south, removed. 1953 found massive rusted through the steel skin of the low-water area in analyzes. Then, until 1955, all steel components, masonry, concrete and riprap were investigated. We came across serious damage to the foundation, which needed to be remedied only by extensive and costly construction. Otherwise, the stability of the tower could not be guaranteed.
Upon completion of the renovations in 1958 and 1959 have been analyzed over the years, whether the tower for receiving a radar decks out of the question. He should therefore form part of a long chain of radar. However, it turned out that the steel jacket had holes. In addition, salt water was found in the concrete. Thus, the tower was - because of insufficient stability - suitable for a radar installation, especially since it offered too little space for the required operating rooms of modern Seezeichentechnik. For this reason, the Red sand of the replacement building was about three kilometers north of Alte Weser built in 1961. This took on 1 September 1964 its operation, whereby the lighthouse Roter Sand was almost superfluous. On the same day his last crew was taken off. The lighthouse Roter Sand was used now only as a day view and sign the night with a small propane fire as return fire to the lighthouse High way and two cross- brand fires near the Alte Weser.
Transitional phase 1964-1987
By 1974 the tower through the water and Schifffahrtsamt Bremerhaven was funded. In 1975, the old fog bell and the movement of the tower were dismantled and transported as exhibits to the German Maritime Museum in Bremerhaven. In the following years, there was disagreement about what should happen to the tower. Some advocated a complete demolition, setting up another one on land. In the population, however, protest against these plans suggested. Then decided all factions of the Bremen City Parliament on 16 November 1978, the preservation of the lighthouse that is considered one year later by the state historic preservation as " cultural-historical monument of considerable importance ." On September 22, 1982, the magistrate Bremerhaven founded a fund to save and preserve the lighthouse and a few weeks later, the Lower Saxony State Office for Heritage Red Sand under monument protection.
The competent Federal Ministry of Transport as the owner of the tower called for this to entirely demolish, as he was now of no importance. On January 13, 1983, founded the association " Save the Lighthouse Roter Sand eV " with the aim to preserve the tower in place. This association, which was financed by donations and organized several public discussions on this topic, posted in November of the founding year a great success, as the Federal Minister of Transport, Building and Urban Development, Werner Dollinger, gave his now occupied position, the upper part of the lighthouse to put a link in a new leading lights to Nordenham, and instead it decided not to change the location of the building.
The problem, however, was that a general restoration of the damaged tower foundation needed by the lighthouse, it should remain at its location, approximately 8 million German marks ( approximately EUR 4 million ) would have cost. Such a sum could and no one wanted to spend, so a cheaper alternative had to be found. The engineer Rolf Seedorf from the Waterways and Shipping Office Bremerhaven brought an idea to put on a steel shell as a sleeve over the tower, which should surround the nearly destroyed caisson to a depth of 10 meters. Then the space between the casing and caisson should be filled with concrete. It was possible to agree on this solution, and it was estimated the expected costs to 1,120,000 German marks. At the turn of 1986/1987, the Budget Committee of the Bundestag approved by the Bund to be paid well 700,000 D-Mark. The state of Lower Saxony responsible for the preservation of monuments of the Red Sand participated with about 300,000 D- Mark in the restoration and development association with nearly 120,000 D-Mark. In addition, the federal government agreed to provide an additional 500,000 D- Mark for the entertainment of the tower after the work is available.
In the spring of 1987, large-scale studies to determine the stability began.
Before starting this renovation the last fire was already deleted on 12 November 1986. The lighthouse Roter Sand was a total of 101 years and 11 days in-use.
Restoration 1987-1990
On April 24, 1987, the initial tests, such as were Completed Probebaggerungen and early June 18 steel panels were placed Emperor port in Bremerhaven, in the already created the two caissons, joined together to form a cuff. This work was completed on July 28th and the 110 -ton, 15 x 11 x 10 meters measured cuff was tentatively lifted by floating crane ENAK.
Meanwhile, was only 14 days previously, a self-propelled pontoon Company Ludwig Voss from Cuxhaven expired on July 14, to begin on the same day preparatory work at the lighthouse. Here, a 1.5 meter wide and two meters deep ditch was dug around the foundation and cleaned in the wake of the tower base by divers using high pressure equipment of algae, rust and shells. After completion of the work after six days of pontoon returned.
The weather interrupted the works for nearly two months. On September 23, 1987 ENAK left Bremerhaven and should one day later put the cuff on the tower, but this was prevented by strong wind. A second trial was scheduled for September 30. The crane left the port at 8 clock and reached three hours later the lighthouse. Around 13:30 clock was started at low tide so to pull the steel casing slowly. Here, the crane moving on schedule to the tower. Then, it started to shut readmitted to the cuff above the tower, where the helmsman of ENAK stood on top of the tower and issued commands via radio. The slipping over worked without problems and without a single touch, although partially were only 50 centimeters clearance between the jacket and tower. Just 50 minutes after the beginning of the action of the jacket had the caisson completely enclosed.
Subsequently, the 30 -cm-wide gap with steel slag and 40 cubic meters of concrete was filled. The concrete layer had concluded a height of 60 centimeters.
The restoration was officially completed on November 8, 1987, the Water and Shipping Authority Bremerhaven handed the Roter Sand lighthouse one day later at the German Foundation for Monument Protection. In fact, however, only the first renovation phase was completed. It was followed by another exterior painting and then the company Ludwig Voss from Cuxhaven began on 13 June 1989, was to remove rust all steel parts and prime the coat twice and three times the rivet. This work could be completed within five days.
As a final act of restoration until 22 June 1990, three top coats were applied.
Crew
From 1 November 1885 to September 1, 1964, were consistently each a lighthouse keeper and an assistant on the tower. They were given every eight weeks by boat delivery with food, mail and newspapers, but were also able to make contact with the mainland also by telegraph. The crew had two cisterns in the foundation of the lighthouse and a freshwater Kondensierapparat available. For emergencies, hung a lifeboat on a boom on the balcony. In fog, it was the duty of the two men to ring at intervals of 40 seconds, the fog bell three times.
On January 9, 1964, the crew of the Red Sand was awarded the gold medal for meritorious lighthouse keeper.
Current situation
In 1995, the lighthouse received two berthing for ships. Until the year 1999 was an attempt to reconstruct the interiors for old photos original as possible. In 2001, the interior and exterior painting was renewed.
In the summer of 2011, with the help of the floating crane LVP 1 from Voss repairs damage on the outside and the facade provided twice with exterior paints in white, red and black.
Protection and care
Today, the painting of the tower every five years needs to be completely redone, including the outer skin is removed in advance with fresh water from salt crystals. Accompanying a rust preventive paint is still applied. The work cost around 65,000 euros. Of course smaller bodies must be touched up from time to time between the main coats.
The maintenance of the tower is now jointly funded by the German Foundation for Monument Protection and the management of their trust foundation " Stiftung Lighthouse Roter Sand". The " Foundation Lighthouse Roter Sand" was set up in 1987 in order " to keep the monument repaired, to maintain, to protect them from danger and if necessary repaired to put " the lighthouse. The income from the endowment provide a solid base for securing the tower, but, on their own not to get this unique marine structure over time. Only with the help of many enthusiastic friends, the future of the lighthouse also be saved for future generations. Donations to the Foundation are used to fund ongoing repairs and endowments in the Fortune Stock ensure that the annual income of the Foundation for the Preservation of the lighthouse to grow long term. In Bremerhaven supports the association " Save the Lighthouse Roter Sand eV " voluntary, the work of the Lighthouse Foundation Roter Sand.
Tourism
From 1990 until the spring of 2011 had the opportunity to visit the lighthouse. The crossing was made by the Seebäderkaje in Bremerhaven "eV nautical Compagnie Bremerhaven " with the museum ship repurposed Salvage Tug of Goliath, which could accommodate up to 42 passengers in six -man crew. During the crossing, the guests were open to all vessel. At the tower they came over a ridge interpretable and a ladder. The stay lasted about an hour.
It was also of 2 July 1999 on possible during the summer months to stay one night in the lighthouse. For the six berths the former occupation were available. Had the tower for a night again a new "occupation", the German flag was hoisted on the flagpole. As an application of the tower at more than wind force 4 is impossible, there was a Notproviantvorrat the event available to guests staying longer than planned on the tower had.
In a shipyard stay of the tractor "Goliath" was noted that the ride safety is no longer guaranteed. For this reason the ship was taken out of service in April 2011 and canceled the trips to the lighthouse Roter Sand for the year 2011.
After re- restoration of 2011/2012 the boat trips to the lighthouse was searched for a suitable feeder ship to recovery.
The search for a replacement vessel 2012 was still crowned with success. Therefore offers the Bremerhaven Tourist Board in collaboration with the German Foundation for Monument Protection from May 2013 Day trips with a lighthouse exploration and overnight trips to the lighthouse " Roter Sand " on. As a transport ship then comes the " LEV Typhoon" for the course.
The lighthouse in the film
In Freymuth Schultz's film " Storm Surge II" of 2008, the two main characters spend after their marriage, the wedding night at the lighthouse.
Uses
The lighthouse Roter Sand served with his red - white flag as a model for the coloring later lighthouses. He is very popular and is considered by a majority of the population than the classic lighthouse par excellence. Because of his fame, he was accepted "beacons " of Deutsche Post in the stamp series. It is decorated with a 55 - cent stamp, which was issued in 2004.
Immediately after the completion of the lighthouse authored by Gerhard Thienst following poem about the building: