The Vanishing Lighthouses: What Really Happened at the Flannan Isles

This episode examines the mysterious disappearance of three lighthouse keepers in 1900 on Scotland’s remote Flannan Islands, unpacking contemporary accounts, oceanographic science and later myths. We sift through the evidence to assess whether a rogue wave or other factors could explain their vanishing, while also exploring how the incident spurred reforms in wireless communication for isolated maritime stations. The discussion illustrates the complex interplay between human safety, natural forces, and technological progress in early‑20th‑century Britain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices