Burglars have broken into the floating museum the Lightship Texel. Presumably during the night from Sunday to Monday, the intruders managed to bypass two closed gates and force a padlock to gain entry. Volunteers, who, among other things, give tours of the antique ship, encounter a gang the next morning. The tip jar appears to be the only loot from the burglary for the time being.
Tip jar targeted by burglars of lightship Texel – NH News
Herman Steigstra, who was a crew member of the lightship in the past, is one of the volunteers. He is very disappointed about the burglary. “We are a small organization that does not have much to manage,” says Herman. “Every dime has been taken.”
The tip jar probably contained about seventy euros. Money that is ultimately intended for the maintenance of the ship. “We use it to purchase paint, for example. It all goes into the ship.”
Maintenance-sensitive ship
The ship, which was delivered in 1952, also requires a fair amount of maintenance. The striking red vessel that is now anchored in the center of Den Helder now serves as a maritime museum, but used to have several other functions.
“It was a floating lighthouse at sea for shipping,” Herman explains. “It was also a weather station for the KNMI, a storm warning post and it was a radio beacon to sound out other ships.”
“Of course we miss the money, we can use every euro”
The museum has reported the theft. “It’s a shame,” says Herman. “We do miss the money, of course. We can use every euro.”
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