>> Click to enlarge << The Relief Lightship LV 76 as it once appeared.

One of the three oldest surviving American lightships has been found thanks to the investigative efforts of Rick Bennett of the Lightship Sailors Association.

>> Click to enlarge << The Relief Lightship LV76 as it appears today.

The LV 76,built in 1904 by the United States Lighthouse Service, the vessel, which was decommissioned in 1960, has been located in British Columbia.

>> Click to enlarge << The Relief Lightship LV76 as it appears today.

Now know as the Maudie Morgan it is operating as a fishing vessel in British Columbia, Canada.

After the vessel was decommissioned in 1960 it was sold to be used as a floating museum in Seattle, WA. That plan failed and it was sold and renamed the Claire Anne to become a coastal freighter. Another attempt was made later as a museum and then it seemed to disappear into obscurity, until now.

It is reported that the current owners are thinking about returning its appearance to again make it look like a lightship.