Dear Editor:

Cuckolds modern-day lighthouse keepers, Dan and Barb Aube, performed their first “search and rescue” on Tuesday night, Aug. 12. We scheduled private transport to take Andersen Windows photography crew off the Cuckolds Island after their 7-hour photo/video shoot.

As an important sidebar and back-story, Andersen Windows donated their highest quality Eagle Brand "Harbor Master" windows to the Cuckolds — a significant corporate donation to our rescue and restoration. As you can imagine, Andersen Windows wants to feature our lighthouse with their windows in corporate advertising, so their potential customers will understand the protective strength and durability of their windows under the harshest possible conditions.

This 9 p.m. pick-up was after dark, and in fog so thick, the vessel captain could not see the running lights on his own launch. Thus, he also could not find the lighthouse or safely navigate the entrance to Newagen Harbor. Keepers and Captains Dan and Barb activated the Cuckolds fog horn, hopped into their sturdy US Navy motor whaleboat, transported the Andersen Windows crew safely to shore, and then went out in the dark and foggy night with giant searchlights to locate the missing transport vessel. All turned out OK.

As they say, if it were easy, it wouldn’t be an adventure! Kudos and congratulations to our Cuckolds keepers for their selfless service to mariners in distress, for their exceptional nautical skills, and instant responsiveness at a time of need.

Janet Reingold

On behalf of the Cuckolds Council

Southport