BTW, the OP is a complete fabrication.
No such thing ever happened. First, the Lincoln is part of the Pacific Fleet. Second, we are a bit more advanced with our navigation suites. We don't navigate by the stars anymore. We would know where land is.
I would give the story more credence if say a European or Canadian warship were involved. You know them guys don't leave shallow water much.
But here is your snopes link for it. It's just some tale probably invented by a Canadian to give their country some relevance.
http://www.snopes.com/military/lighthse.htm