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First, asking questions is not gender specific to knowledge or boating skills. Navigation light switches on boats generally have 3 positions: OFF-Function A-Function A and B. The A function position would be a mooring light. It would light the boat when anchored and be above the boat (your plug in light). The second (A and B) position would be navigation lights (B, red and green) coming on with the original A light coming on. You use that position when under power. When anchored you should not have your red and green navigation lights on because it tells other boaters the wrong message. Having the light switch act differently in different positions is correct. The switch that made noise may have turned on a bilge pump for emptying water.

You should probably really scour and study the boat when on dry land and locate wiring, fuses, functions, etc.. to relieve the stress of of an issue while in the water. Flip all the switches, open the hatches and the like.

I see you just joined. Welcome.

Garris

ps, I was just thinking about the issue. If the stern light comes on in one position (always working in that switch position) but does not come on when the navigation lights come on. My immediate guess is an issue with the switch. There are usually only three connection terminals on the switch. Battery, terminal A, terminal B (both A and B). There may be an odd chance that another wire for the stern light was attached to the B (both A and B) terminal on the switch that got loose but, very clumsy wiring for something that could be self contained.