LV18 Lightvessel was built and launched in 1958 by Philip & Son Ltd, Dartmouth. She was first stationed at Saint Gowan, off the coast of Cornwall. In the 1960s, she served at various stations with a crew of nine people.
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During the 1970s, LV18 underwent a major refit. This upgrade included removing the mizzen mast and adding a helideck to facilitate helicopter transfers, a key development for easier crew changes. After its refit, the vessel was deployed to its final station at Dowsing, off the coast of East Anglia.
After decades of service, Trinity House retired LV18 Lightvessel in 1994. However, the vessel found a new lease of life as an Offshore Support Vessel and storage facility for light vessel parts and was moored on the River Stour at Harwich, marking a new chapter in its life.
In 1997, LV18 was sold to Sea Containers Ltd, the operators of the Parkeston Quay ferry terminal. Two years later, it was chartered by Tony O’Neil for restoration. This marked the beginning of the LV18’s involvement in offshore radio broadcasting. She was first used as a mother ship for revival broadcasts of Radio North Sea International, stationed off Clacton in 1999. Over the next few years, LV18 became a key part of the offshore radio scene, hosting stations such as Radio Caroline and Radio Mi Amigo.
In 2002, the Pharos Trust was established as a charity to own, preserve, and exhibit LV18.
LV18’s fame continued to grow when it became the focal point for BBC Radio Pirate Radio Essex broadcasts in 2004 and 2007, recreating the spirit of pirate radio. In 2008, the vessel even featured in the film The Boat That Rocked. After another BBC Pirate Radio Essex broadcast in 2009, LV18 was opened as a permanent visitor attraction at Harwich Quay in 2011, following a grant from Tendring District Council.
Between 2012 and 2017, LV18 continued to play a part in offshore radio, hosting Radio Mi Amigo and more Pirate Radio Essex broadcasts, including a special event in 2017 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Marine Offences Act, which had originally curtailed pirate radio in the UK.
2018 marked the 60th anniversary of LV18’s launch. This milestone year also saw the vessel’s first visit to Ipswich, expanding its outreach and sharing its unique history with a new audience.
On 2nd February 2024, LV18 was set alight in a suspected arson attack. However, volunteers rallied round, and by May had her ready to welcome the public once more.
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