The vessel that has acted as a lighthouse off Arklow is replaced by an automated flashing buoy.
The departure of the lightship 'Shearwater' from the Arklow Bank brought an end to 153 years of service by light vessels providing a warning to shipping.
The LANBY (Large Automatic Navigation Buoy) which replaces the lightship has its own generator and radar beacon.
Members of the Commissioners of Irish Lights and Arklow Harbour Board, as well as local dignitaries were brought out to the lightship on a tender for the event. They watched as a line was placed on the 'Shearwater' for the tow to Dún Laoghaire.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 2 April 1976. The reporter is Dermot Mullane.
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