$1,000 reward offered: Coast Guard investigates theft of critical navigational light at Wisconsin Point

Great Lakes District Public Affairs

216-9902-6020/D9PublicAffairs@uscg.mil

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) is offering a $1,000 reward
for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible
for the recent break-in and theft of the Superior Entry South Breakwater Light.

The theft is believed to have occurred on or about May 13, 2026, at the privately owned Superior
Entry Lighthouse located on Wisconsin Point, WI. Unknown suspects forced entry into the
structure, severed the power supply, and stole the U.S. Coast Guard-owned navigational beacon
housed inside.

Maritime aids to navigation function exactly like traffic lights and street signs on our roadways.
The Superior Entry South Breakwater Light is a critical piece of safety infrastructure that guides
vessels safely into and out of the harbor, especially during the night and in poor weather
conditions.

This is not a simple property crime; it is a reckless act that immediately jeopardizes public safety.
The removal of this navigational beacon creates a severe hazard that could lead to catastrophic
vessel collisions or groundings. Such accidents pose a direct, life-threatening danger to
commercial mariners and local recreational boaters. Furthermore, a major vessel incident in this
area carries the risk of devastating environmental damage from fuel spills and threatens to
disrupt the vital, daily movement of critical maritime commerce through the Great Lakes.

Stealing or tampering with a federal aid to navigation is a federal felony. CGIS is aggressively
pursuing all leads to recover the stolen equipment and hold the responsible parties accountable.

CGIS is asking the local and maritime communities for their assistance. A $1,000 reward is being
offered for information that leads to an arrest in this case.

If you observed any suspicious persons, vehicles, or vessels near the Superior Entry Lighthouse
or Wisconsin Point on or about May 13, 2026, please contact investigators immediately.

To submit a tip:

Submit a tip online via the CGIS Tips portal: https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=878

Tips may remain anonymous.

-USCG-