in 1960 the interior of the light was destroyed by a fire that started from an electrical short in the equipment room and spread throughout the light. the two coastguardsmen stationed at the light were unsuccessful in fighting the fire and eventually had to abandon their post, narrowly escaping when their dinghy was caught at the end of its lines on the davits. a large wave lifted them free in time to avoid being caught in the explosion of the light's fuel tanks. the interior of the light, including the lens, was a total loss, and it was completely gutted and automated with a new acrylic lens the following year.