American Shoal Lighthouse
Location & Light Range
About American Shoal Lighthouse
The American Shoal (2) Lighthouse, built in 2015, warns vessels of the submerged hazard known as American Shoal off the coast of Florida. This modern navigational aid, with a focal height of 6 meters, emits a white flash every 60 seconds. Its design reflects current engineering practices for marking maritime dangers in areas historically challenging due to reefs. The lighthouse is operational and situated near Key West, with a geographic range of 8.9 nautical miles. Visitors can access the site, providing an opportunity to view a contemporary working lighthouse.
Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for preventing accidents related to the American Shoal hazard, a known impediment to navigation.
Light & Optic
- Flash Type
- Flashing
- Light Color
- White
- Interval
- 60s
- Raw Code
- Fl W 60s
- Focal Height
- 6m
- Geographic Range
- 8.9NM
Construction & History
- Year Built
- 2015
Visiting
- Open to public
- Yes
Nearby Vessels
Tower & Structure
Structure: American Shoal (2) Lighthouse guides mariners navigating the waters around the treacherous American Shoal, a submerged hazard off the coast of the United States. This modern aid to navigation, established in 2015, represents a contemporary approach to maritime safety in an area historically known for its challenging reefs and shoals. While details of its predecessor are not provided, the (2) in its name hints at a continuation of a vital navigational service. With a focal plane of 6 meters, its white flashes pierce the darkness every 60 seconds, offering a clear warning to passing vessels. Unlike many historic lighthouses, this structure is a product of recent engineering, designed to efficiently mark the shoal for today's shipping lanes. It remains an active and essential component of the coastal warning system, ensuring safe passage for countless ships. Visitors can access the site, offering a unique perspective on a working, modern lighthouse.
Location
- City
- Key West
- Country
- 🇺🇸United States
- Region
- Florida
- Sea Region
- American Shoal, United States
- Latitude
- 24.5506°
- Longitude
- -81.8008°
References & Identifiers
- Nearest Port
- Key West(0.6 km)
- Admiralty No.
- J3002
- USCG No.
- 3-1016
- ARLHS No.
- USA-420
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