As we stand on the Kowloon Public Pier, gazing out toward the western entrance of Victoria Harbour, our eyes are drawn to the distant beacons that have guided mariners through the treacherous Sulphur Channel for centuries. The Green Island lighthouse, a stalwart sentinel of the sea, has watched over the harbour since 1875, its light a comforting presence for ships navigating the narrow strait.

But the Green Island lighthouse was not alone in its duty. A series of lesser-known kerosene beacons, flickering like fireflies across the water, played a crucial role in guiding steamships through the harbour's treacherous narrows. These humble beacons, often overlooked by historians, were the unsung heroes of Victoria Harbour's maritime history.

The story of these beacons begins in the late 19th century, when the harbour was a bustling hub of maritime activity. As trade and commerce expanded, the need for reliable navigation aids became increasingly pressing. In response, the colonial authorities established a network of beacons and lighthouses to guide ships through the harbour's complex waterways.

The kerosene beacons, with their soft, golden glow, were an integral part of this network. Positioned at strategic points along the harbour, they provided a visual guide for mariners, helping them to avoid the rocky outcrops and hidden shoals that lurked beneath the surface.

One of the most notable of these beacons was the Kowloon Beacon, situated on the shore near the present-day Kowloon Public Pier. This beacon, with its distinctive red and white stripes, was a familiar landmark for mariners, and its light was an essential aid to navigation.

As the years passed, the kerosene beacons continued to play a vital role in the harbour's maritime ecosystem. They were a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the harbour's administrators, who worked tirelessly to ensure the safe passage of ships through the treacherous waters.

Today, as we look out across the harbour, we can still see the remnants of this network of beacons. The Green Island lighthouse remains a proud sentinel, its light a beacon of hope and guidance for mariners. And though the kerosene beacons may be gone, their legacy lives on, a reminder of the importance of navigation and safety in the busy waters of Victoria Harbour.