During the 18th century, with an increase in the number of shipwrecks in the Bombay harbour region, a need for a lighthouse was met by modifying an onshore watch tower, built by the Portuguese, into the first lighthouse by British port authorities. This was known as the Colaba Point Lighthouse.
The Prong's Lighthouse was built later, in 1875, by Thomas Ormiston at the cost of Rs.
620,255. The lighthouse had a cannon during the British rule, to secure
the bay. Once the Prong's Lighthouse was completed and commissioned, the older
Colaba Point Lighthouse was rendered obsolete and it was demolished and no
trace of it remains today
Then, 1875
The Prong's Lighthouse is one of the few offshore
lighthouses in the world that are still staffed. It is maintained by the Directorate General of
Lighthouses and Lightships, that comes under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
The lighthouse has
restricted access as it is in a military area. It is accessible during low tide
by foot and during high tide by boat, with special permission from the Indian Navy and
the Mumbai Port Trust.
International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend (ILLW) and National Lighthouse Day
(USA – August 7) And The World
.In the United States, National Lighthouse Day is celebrated on August 7 to mark the anniversary of the Lighthouse Act of 1789, signed by President George Washington.
Celebrated by: Maritime heritage organizations, lighthouse societies, coast guards, and communities worldwide.
International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend (ILLW) began in 1998, initiated by amateur radio enthusiasts in Scotland and Australia to promote lighthouse preservation.
The weekend includes public access to lighthouses, radio broadcasts, and educational programs\
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