Didamar Lighthouse (Little Quoin)

The need for a light in the area was decided back in 1909 but it was not until 1914 that the structure came into use. My information states it was built by the British so the whole lighthouse may have been sourced from the Black Country around Smethwick where the optic was manufactured and shipped over in kit form.

The site is very strategic and guides ships through the Strait of Homuz, the entrance to the Persian Gulf. It is said that 25% of the worlds oil passes within sight of this lighthouse.

The 2nd order optic was supplied by Chance Brothers of Smethwick near Birmingham and was initially lit by kerosene. The clockwork mechanism driving the lantern rotation required rewinding every six hours by a team of seven lighthouse keepers who lived on the small island.

Responsibility for operation of the light was transferred from the Indian Marine Service to the Persian Gulf Lighting Service in 1951 which was later renamed the Middle East Navigation Aids Service.

The light was fully refurbished and upgraded to a modern rotating beacon in 2006. Now powered by solar it is monitored remotely by the Arabian Maritime and Navigation Aids Service.