Faro de Caja de Muertos

cults3d

This historic light-station sits atop Caja de Muertos Island, smack in its center. A fixed white beacon shines bright, alternating with a brief flash of white every three minutes - it's a third-order light that stands 297 feet above the high water mark, visible for an impressive 18 miles from all directions. The tower itself rises from a one-story dwelling, its flat roof a dull gray with crisp white trimmings. At 41 feet tall, this sturdy structure is a beacon of safety along the southern coast of Puerto Rico. Constructed by the Spanish between 1882 and 1885 at a cost of 39,412 pesos, it has served as a guiding light for seafarers navigating these waters ever since. Recent repairs have seen the lamp and clockwork of the lens restored to their former glory, while new cement has been applied to both the exterior and interior walls, sealing out the elements. A fresh coat of paint and a sparkling new cistern cover complete the restoration. This remarkable lighthouse is unlike any other in Puerto Rico - its unique "T"-shaped design sets it apart from its peers. The main entrance lies at the center of the vertical portion of this cross-shaped building, which stretches east-west, leading to a small corridor where visitors can access the base of the tower. Opposite the tower stands an oil room, while to one's right as they enter is an engineer's office and to their left a supply room. The keeper's apartments occupy both the top and bottom sections of this "T" shape, each boasting two bedrooms, a living area, kitchen/dining space, and bathroom - the perfect accommodations for those tasked with maintaining this vital beacon. One fateful day in August 1915, Assistant Keeper Jose Medrano sprang into action as the Galveston Hurricane bore down on Puerto Rico, hastily transporting their launch to Ponce Harbor just nine miles away to ensure its safety. Just three years later, a devastating earthquake struck the northwest coast of the island, and Keeper Bermudez observed a most unusual phenomenon - the sea retreated roughly an hour after the quake hit, only to return with a vengeance, flooding about 15 meters above the normal shoreline at Coffin Island.