NOVA: Operation Lighthouse Rescue
On the picturesque bluffs at the very tip of the island of Martha's Vineyard, disaster looms. The historic Gay Head Lighthouse is soon to become the next victim of the persistent erosion of the island's cliffs. Built in 1856, the structure weighs more than 400 tons and soars 175 feet above the sea. But over the years, storms and the raging ocean have eroded the headland away. With fierce storms and hurricanes only intensifying as the global climate warms, this historic landmark is precipitously close to toppling into the ocean.
Now, an epic rescue is underway as a team of engineers attempts to move the iconic red brick structure 134 feet inland to safety. As they race to save this national treasure, discover the geology they encounter, the archaeology they discover, and technology they employ in this lighthouse rescue.
Producer: Joby Lubman, Chris Schmidt
Executive Producer: Carlo Massarella, Paula S. Apsell
Production Company: Windfall Films
Production Year: 2016
Copyright Year: 2016
Director: Joby Lubman
Discs: 1
Subtitles: Y
Subtitle Language: English (SDH)
Audio Format: Stereo
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 Widescreen