Someone posted this well-known photo on FB, obviously to make a point (a good point, too), but I have always wondered two things:
1. How did they build the lighthouse to begin with?
2. Did the keeper get swept away as the enormous wave washed around?
Update: Thanks to Gerard Vanderleun for the history here (via email):
The lighthouse became well known in 1989, through a series of photographs taken by Jean Guichard during a storm and while the lighthouse keepers were stranded. The lighthouse keepers had been waiting for a rescue helicopter; upon hearing the sound of Guichard's own helicopter, one of them came out to investigate. As the enormous wave broke over the lighthouse, he was able to hastily retreat back inside (source).
He also provided the link to the YouTube video:
And Reader Hal. D, emails, "I found this link which briefly talks about both the lighthouse and the famous photograph. http://celticcountries.com/magazine/culture/la-jument-brittany-most-famous-lighthouse/. No actual construction details though."
Thanks, Hal!
And this video's description says the lighthouse took 14 years to build and was automated in 1990.
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