Ever wonder about a ship that guided countless vessels and witnessed history unfold? That is the story of the Lightvessel No. XVII Gedser Rev. This decommissioned lightship now serves as a museum, but its past is rich with maritime significance.
The Gedser Rev got its start in 1895. It was constructed at N.F. Hansen’s shipyard in Odense. Initially, the ship was stationed at Lappegrund. This was in the shallow waters near the entrance to the Øresund. Its original power came from two steam engines. These were later replaced in 1918 with a 16-hp kerosene engine.
In 1921, the Gedser Rev received a new engine. It was a three-cylinder Voelund engine boasting 135-hp. Following this upgrade, the ship was moved to Gedser Rev. This is south of Falster, marking Denmark’s southernmost point.
During World War II, in 1940, German forces seized the Gedser Rev. They moved it to Kalundborg. However, it returned to its post in 1945 after the war. The ship faced numerous collisions during its service. One incident in 1954 resulted in it sinking rapidly. Tragically, one seaman lost his life. The rest of the crew were rescued.
The Gedser Rev played an important role in Cold War history. After the Berlin Wall was built in 1961, many East Germans tried to escape to Denmark by sea. Gedser Rev became a beacon of hope. At least 50 people were rescued by the lightship. One notable escapee was Manfred Burmeister. He used a petrol-driven submersible scooter in 1969.
In 1972, the Gedser Rev was decommissioned. It was then offered for sale at the lightship warehouse in Holmen. The A. P. Møller Foundation stepped in. They donated funds for the National Museum to acquire it. The foundation also supported its restoration. The restoration took place at Hvide Sande Shipyard. It lasted from January 2001 to November 2003.
For many years, the Gedser Rev was located in the Nyhavn Canal in Copenhagen. In 2018, it was moved to Helsingør harbor. Currently, it is undergoing further restoration at Hvide Sande Shipyard.
The Gedser Rev stands as a testament to Denmark’s maritime history. It reminds us of the countless journeys it guided and the lives it touched. Its story is not just about a ship. It is about resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of those who navigated the seas.