The U.S. Coast Guard is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever stole a navigational beacon from the Superior Entry Lighthouse at Superior, Wisconsin. On May 13, an unknown suspect broke into the lighthouse on Wisconsin Point, cut the power cable, and removed the flashing green beacon — a federal felony, since the light is Coast Guard property even though the structure itself is privately owned.

The channel guards the harbor entrance at Superior Bay, serving laker traffic to and from the large grain and iron-ore bulk terminals at Superior and Duluth, Minnesota. The Coast Guard warned that the “reckless” removal created a severe hazard that could lead to vessel collisions or groundings, with the potential for loss of life, fuel-spill environmental damage, and disruption to daily maritime commerce.

Mariners and local residents are asked to report any useful information, including suspicious activity or vehicles seen near Wisconsin Point on or around May 13. The distinctive barrel-shaped beacon would be readily identifiable if the thief attempts to resell it.

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