Restoration continues on Swansea's Helwick light ship
The vessel was towed from its berth in the marina to Swansea Dry Dock where it will have restoration work done to preserve it
Swansea's much-loved Helwick lightship has been moved from Swansea Marina to dry dock as part of a programme to safeguard the vessel's future.
The vessel was towed from its berth in the marina to Swansea Dry Dock where it will have restoration work done to preserve it.
The moves marks part of the effort to manage maritime heritage assets 'responsibly'- according to the council.
The approach was approved by Swansea Council's Cabinet last year when it agreed to spend around £450,000 to restore the red and white vessel moored in the marina.
Other vessels have also seen changes in recent months:
The historic vessel Olga has been transferred to a specialist boatyard in Gloucester, where its future is being considered with the benefit of appropriate marine expertise, including preparation for sale so it can continue under new ownership.
Meanwhile, the steam tug Canning is being progressed towards a new long-term home with a specialist maritime organisation.
The Seamark was removed from the marina last month and was taken to Swansea Dry Dock for responsible dismantling, following concerns about its condition and the risks it posed.
Elliott King, Cabinet Member for Culture, human rights and equalities, said: "This is an important step in safeguarding the Helwick and ensuring it can continue to be enjoyed as part of Swansea's maritime heritage and the marina.
"The work taking place in dry dock will protect the vessel for the future so it can return to the marina in a far better condition.
"At the same time, we took a practical and responsible approach to the Seamark, which was not part of the council's heritage collection but had been posing environmental and safety risks to the area.
"Our priority is to strike the right balance between preserving heritage and ensuring the marina remains safe, sustainable and well managed."
He added: "The Helwick is an important part of Swansea's story at sea. It has strong historical and cultural value for the city, and this work ensures it can continue to be part of our maritime heritage for many years to come.
"We recognize these vessels mean a great deal to many people. That's why each one has been considered individually, taking account of ownership, condition, heritage value, environmental risk and the availability of specialist expertise.
The Seamark vessel, which was not owned by the council, had been abandoned in the marina and was removed after efforts to identify its owners were unsuccessful. Its condition had deteriorated to the point where it posed an environmental risk.
What is the history of the Helwick?
Acquired by Swansea City Council in 1977, the Helwick is the most iconic of the historic vessels at the marina.
Lightships are known by their number, rather than name. The lightship was built as number 91 for the Corporation of Trinity House and built by Phillips and Son Ltd. of Dartmouth in 1937. Anchored in positions where it would almost be impossible to build static lighthouses, these vessels generally warned shipping away from shifting shoals and sandbanks. Helwick has never been capable of moving itself as lightships were shifted around to where they were needed by tug.
When restored it will go on public view. It will not be accessible for the public to board and it will not be a sea-going vessel.