Lighthouse Lange Jaap is safely approachable. This is apparent after an inspection of two drones by research bureaus TNO and SEC. The municipality of Den Helder may now be able to lift the restraining order that has been in effect for months around the tower.
The images taken by the drones show that the lighthouse can be approached safely, unless the wind blows harder than force 9.
If the restraining order expires, the Helderse icon can be entered for further research, such as determining the physical condition of the floors. This must be investigated floor by floor, Rijkswaterstaat writes in a press release.
This should ultimately lead to a complete picture of the state of the lighthouse so that Rijkswaterstaat can look at the options for maintaining and repairing the lighthouse.
Check out how the drone inspection of the lighthouse went in the video below
The Lange Jaap, the official Kijkduin lighthouse, in Huisduinen was opened in 1878 and built entirely of cast iron. At over 63 meters it is the highest still burning lighthouse in the Netherlands and the highest closed cast iron lighthouse in the world.
Risk of collapse
For years there were concerns about the condition of the lighthouse, but in September owner Rijkswaterstaat announced that it was more than worrying. It would be in very bad shape and the risk of collapsing was high.
The area was immediately cordoned off. An investigation was then launched. It turned out that only demolition or partial rebuilding of the lighthouse was left to the options. The minister will make a decision this month about the necessary actions in the short and long term.