Next Volunteer Trip In...
We depend on the support of volunteers who are willing to provide their time and talent for our restoration projects on and off shore. If you are interested in becoming a tower volunteer, there are a few things you need to know first.
-
00 Days
-
00 Hours
-
00 Minutes
-
00 Seconds
FRYING PAN TOWER
Frying Pan Tower was erected in 1964 to help ships avoid running aground the shallow waters known as the Frying Pan Shoals. The Coast Guard staffed the light station until 1979, when the beacon was automated. After 28 years of operation, the US Coast Guard Light Station went dark and slowly fell into disrepair due to the advent of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and radar. It was officially retired in 1992, rendered obsolete and for all purposes abandoned.
Responsible for saving countless lives at sea, today the tower offers safety for mariners in the Atlantic Ocean, serves as a natural ecosystem for marine wildlife, and provides a location for numerous research and educational institutions to conduct environmental and oceanic studies.
The restoration of Frying Pan Tower is managed by FPTower Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring, protecting and preserving the former United States Coastguard (USCG) Light Station off the coast of North Carolina for future generations.
PROJECTS WE ARE WORKING ON
Replace and Install New Watertight Portals
Each side of the tower, North, East, South and West have a watertight lever-lock portal doors designed to keep
RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PARTNERS
The world’s leading philanthropic live nature cam network and documentary film channel. Join us for a virtual adventure with streaming live cams on Frying Pan Tower and in the ocean depths below brought to you by Exlore.org.
A community of conservationists and recreational anglers working to promote sound management of public trust in marine and estuarine resources.
Pioneers in Weather Monitoring and Marine & Outdoor equipment. Davis Instruments’ products are engineered to withstand the harshest conditions — scorching heat, icy rain, 200 mph winds — day after day, year after year.