Hải Đăng Đá Tây

The Hải Đăng Đá Tây (West Reef Lighthouse) is a notable maritime aid located on the West Reef of the Trường Sa Islands, off the coast of Khánh Hòa Province, Vietnam.

History

• Construction of the lighthouse began in 2009 and was completed in 2011. The structure serves as an important navigational aid for ships traversing the waters around the Trường Sa Islands.
• The construction of the lighthouse marked an important milestone in Vietnam's efforts to enhance its maritime infrastructure and promote safe navigation in the region.

Architecture

The Hải Đăng Đá Tây is a 20.1-meter-tall (66 ft) tower with a grey masonry construction, designed to withstand harsh marine environments. The lighthouse features a distinctive shape and is equipped with a rotating light source that emits a white beam with a range of 15 nautical miles.

Light Characteristics

• Pattern: Fl (flash)
• Range: 15 nautical miles
• Colour: White
• Height: 22 meters (72 ft) above sea level, 20.1 meters (66 ft) above the ground

Current Status

The Hải Đăng Đá Tây is currently an active navigational aid, operated by the Vietnamese authorities to ensure safe navigation in the region.

Location and Accessibility

The lighthouse is situated on the West Reef of the Trường Sa Islands, approximately 200 km (124 mi) off the coast of Khánh Hòa Province. Access to the location is restricted due to its remote nature and the surrounding territorial waters.

Heritage Status

While not officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hải Đăng Đá Tây holds cultural significance for Vietnam's maritime history and national identity.

Notable Historical Events

The construction of the lighthouse marked an important milestone in Vietnam's efforts to enhance its maritime infrastructure and promote safe navigation in the region.