3-017-302 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Alguada Reef Lighthouse, Cape Negrais, on the coast of Pegu, 1865. Engraving from a photograph by Lieutenant J. M. M'Neile, R.E. 'The building of the lighthouse...near the Bassein entrance of the great Irrawaddy River is one of the most important works ever projected for the benefit that navigation in the Indian seas and the Chinese Archipelago which is now becoming so lucrative a branch of our commerce. The execution...is doubly remarkable, as having been performed by coolie labour, and having been wholly designed and superintended by an officer of the Royal Engineers - Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Fraser...the lighthouse...stands...on a spot most dangerous and difficult of access, the rise and fall of the tide being about 9 ft. The Alguada Reef is two miles in length...Except in the very calmest weather, the sea is always breaking over these rocks, and it is certain destruction for a vessel to be cast upon them. Being situated right in the track of vessels proceeding from Calcutta to the chief ports of British Burmah, Rangoon and Moulmein, as well as those passing on some occasions to or from China by the Strait of Singapore, the establishment of a warning beacon at this dreaded locality had long been most earnestly desired'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.