The Sankaty Lighthouse on Nantucket Island must be moved because it is in danger of collapsing into a mine shaft. Two teams are building moving machines to save such an important building, which has served as a guiding light for many ships over the centuries.

Can you work out what are the risks of moving such a structure compared to simple houses?

Huge Moves - from Season 3 Episode 1 "Risky Rescues": Two teams of building movers attempt two remarkable rescue missions – hauling a lofty lighthouse off a crumbling cliff and moving a town falling into a mineshaft.

Sankaty lighthouse on Nantucket Island off the coast of Massachusetts, is perched perilously close to the eroding cliff edge. “We are one storm away from being in trouble” insists local resident Bob Felch as the cliff face is eroding at an alarming rate of 3 ft per year.

A guiding beacon for centuries, it must be moved further inland or risk collapsing into the ocean. The residents are devastated – giving it regular “lighthouse hugs”, it is regarded as an icon for the whole island.

This film follows America’s leading structural mover - Jerry Matyiko – as he attempts to lift the 400-ton stone lighthouse up off its foundations and move it 400metres inland to safety. It is an immense challenge. The lighthouse is over 90ft tall and is top heavy. The structure is too fragile to cut, or move on wheels. We follow Jerry’s team attempt to move it on a unique bed of rail tracks. But with a luxury golf course and sand dunes obstructing the route this move is far from easy.

The rescue mission becomes even more treacherous as the arctic winter arrives. Snowdrifts and thick ice create lethal but visually stunning conditions – as the houses are forced to move through a winter wonderland…

Be inspired and take an exciting leap into the world of science and engineering!

We've got wacky experiments, magnificent creations and special moments that will change people's lives forever. Feeling curious? Good, we've got just the channel you're looking for.

Subscribe to the OFFICIAL Curious? Science and Engineering channel here: https://bit.ly/2Ygq8yx

#CuriousScienceandEngineering #ScienceandEngineering #24HourBabyHospital #BigAustralia #BiggerBetterFasterStronger #ExperiMental #HowBritainBridgesTheWorld #TheUltimates #HugeMoves #BattleFactory