Danger Point

The Danger Point Lighthouse is located in Van Dyk's Bay, Western Cape, South Africa. It was built in 1895 and features an octagonal masonry tower with a balcony and lantern. The lighthouse stands at a height of 17 meters and has a focal height of 45 meters, emitting an intensity of 1,700,000 cd and a range of 27 nautical miles. The tower is white with a red lantern and is visible from a distance, serving as a warning to ships of the treacherous reefs and rocks in the area.

The area where the lighthouse stands has a rich and tragic history. Many ships have been wrecked and thousands of lives lost between Danger Point and Cape Infanta, including the troopship HMS Birkenhead, which sank off Danger Point in 1852. The Birkenhead became famous for being the first shipwreck where the "women and children first" protocol was applied, resulting in the survival of all women and children on board but the loss of most of the men. The lighthouse was built in response to the need for a warning system to prevent such tragedies.

Today, the Danger Point Lighthouse remains an important aid to navigation, warning ships of the dangers that lie beneath the water. The lighthouse is also a significant historical landmark, commemorating the many lives lost at sea and serving as a reminder of the importance of maritime safety. The area is also known for its great white shark population, adding to the allure and danger of the region. Despite its somber history, the Danger Point Lighthouse stands as a beacon of hope and safety, guiding ships through the treacherous waters off the coast of South Africa.

Light and tower

It has an octagonal tower with balcony and lantern tower. The tower is built of masonry. Its daymark is white tower, red lantern. The light has a focal height of 45 metres. The light has a range of 27 nautical miles.

Videos

What does it look like inside a lighthouse? (Danger Point) #shorts

Inmotion V14 EUC Ride: Kleinbaai to Danger Point Lighthouse on the Gravel Trail