Cape Recife Lighthouse

The Cape Recife Lighthouse is situated on the southeastern tip of Africa, 15 kilometres south of the South African seaport city Port Elizabeth. The lighthouse is located within the Cape Recife Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality.

History

The historic lighthouse was built in 1849 and has been an important aid to navigation for mariners ever since its construction. The name "Cape Recife" refers to the numerous reefs on which many ships have stranded over the years.

Architecture

The Cape Recife Lighthouse is a tower structure made of stone and mortar, with a distinctive design that reflects its maritime heritage. The lighthouse stands at a height of 79 metres above sea level, with a focal height of 28 metres. It features two rotating lights: one white light with a range of 28 kilometres and another red light with a range of 15 kilometres.

Light Characteristics

The Cape Recife Lighthouse is equipped with two rotating lights that serve as aids to navigation for mariners. The main light, a white light with a period of 29 seconds, has a range of 28 kilometres and is visible from a distance of 162 degrees. The secondary light, a red light with a period of 117 seconds, has a range of 15 kilometres and is visible from a distance of 190 degrees.

Current Status

The Cape Recife Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its installation. The lighthouse is no longer used as a manned station, but it continues to serve as an important reference point for mariners navigating the treacherous waters off the southeastern coast of Africa.

Heritage Status

The Cape Recife Nature Reserve, which includes the lighthouse, was proclaimed in 1973 and has since been recognized as a site of national importance. The reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many species found nowhere else on Earth.

Notable Historical Events

While there are no specific events listed for this location, it's worth noting that the lighthouse played an important role in maritime history, serving as a vital aid to navigation for mariners navigating the treacherous waters off the southeastern coast of Africa.

Location and Accessibility

• The Cape Recife Lighthouse is situated on the southeastern tip of Africa, 15 kilometres south of the South African seaport city Port Elizabeth. The lighthouse is located within the Cape Recife Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality.

History

• The historic lighthouse was built in 1849 and has been an important aid to navigation for mariners ever since its construction. The name "Cape Recife" refers to the numerous reefs on which many ships have stranded over the years.

Architecture

• The Cape Recife Lighthouse is a tower structure made of stone and mortar, with a distinctive design that reflects its maritime heritage. The lighthouse stands at a height of 79 metres above sea level, with a focal height of 28 metres. It features two rotating lights: one white light with a range of 28 kilometres and another red light with a range of 15 kilometres.

Light Characteristics

• The Cape Recife Lighthouse is equipped with two rotating lights that serve as aids to navigation for mariners. The main light, a white light with a period of 29 seconds, has a range of 28 kilometres and is visible from a distance of 162 degrees. The secondary light, a red light with a period of 117 seconds, has a range of 15 kilometres and is visible from a distance of 190 degrees.

Current Status

• The Cape Recife Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its installation. The lighthouse is no longer used as a manned station, but it continues to serve as an important reference point for mariners navigating the treacherous waters off the southeastern coast of Africa.

Heritage Status

• The Cape Recife Nature Reserve, which includes the lighthouse, was proclaimed in 1973 and has since been recognized as a site of national importance. The reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many species found nowhere else on Earth.