Robben Island
Robben Island has a focal height of 47 metres, a tower height of 18 metres and a range of 12 nautical miles. It was built in 1865.
- Focal height
- 47 metres
- Tower height
- 18 metres
- Range
- 12 nautical miles
- Built
- 1865
- Coordinates
- -33.8145, 18.37479
The Robben Island Lighthouse is located on Robben Island in Table Bay near Cape Town, South Africa. It was completed in January 1865 and stands on the highest part of the island, Mintoheuwel. Before the construction of the lighthouse, fires were made on the hill to warn sailors of the island's location.
The lighthouse itself is 18 meters high and was electrified in 1938. It is unique in that it is the only lighthouse in South Africa that flashes and does not rotate. The light can be seen 25 kilometers away, serving as an important aid to navigation for sailors. The history of navigation aids on the island dates back to the use of wooden scaffolding with burning spike rings, which was later replaced by wood fires, coal, and wax candles.
The Robben Island Lighthouse has a rich history, with the first real lighthouse in South Africa being put into operation at Green Point in Table Bay in 1824. The Robben Island Lighthouse is still standing today, and its unique flashing mechanism makes it a notable landmark in the region. With its important role in maritime history and its distinctive design, the Robben Island Lighthouse is a significant part of South Africa's cultural heritage.
Light and tower
The light has a focal height of 47 metres. The light has a range of 12 nautical miles.
Videos
Details
- Range Nm
- 12
- Year Built
- 1865-01-01
- Description
- The first navigation light (Dutch: "vuyrbaecken") south of the equator was also the first attempt at a lighthouse in South Africa. It was really just a wooden scaffolding on which burning spike rings were placed at night. Because pitch rings were uneconomical, they switched to wood fires and later coal. In the 18th century wax candles were used.
- Location Text
- Robben Island, WC
- Focal Height M
- 47
- Tower Height M
- 18