Name and Location

The Mayak Opornyy, also known as the Front Beacon, is a minor lighthouse located in Severo-Kurilsk, Sakhalin Oblast, Russia.

Construction and History

The exact construction year of the Mayak Opornyy is unknown, but it is believed to have been built during the Soviet era. The lighthouse stands at an impressive 43 meters (141 feet) in height, with a focal height of 26 meters (85 feet) above sea level.

Architecture and Materials

The architecture and materials used in the construction of the Mayak Opornyy are not specified in available data sources.

Light and Navigation

The light emitted by the Mayak Opornyy has a range of 10 nautical miles, featuring a distinctive F (fixed) red light characteristic. This beacon helps guide ships through the treacherous waters of the Kuril Islands, where strong currents and unpredictable weather patterns pose significant risks.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is not open to the general public for visits. However, it remains an important part of Russia's maritime infrastructure, providing vital navigation assistance to vessels transiting the area.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged coastline, rocky outcroppings, and dense forests. The view from the top of the lighthouse would likely offer breathtaking vistas of the Sea of Okhotsk, with its diverse marine life and changing weather patterns.

Anecdotes and Folklore

There are no recorded local folklore or unique anecdotes associated with this lighthouse.

Technical and Operational Details

The Mayak Opornyy is automated, eliminating the need for manual operation. The lighthouse is managed by the Russian Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport (Rosmorrechflot).

Further Information

• * US NGA Pub. 112, 2009-11-12.
• * GeoJSON dataset: https://geojson.org/