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Atlantic Coast Lighthouse Lighthouse

Oc White 13s🇺🇸Ocean City, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Atlantic Coast Lighthouse Lighthouse

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse, constructed of brick, stands 25.5 meters tall with a cylindrical shape and a black lantern atop a white tower. Its operational history includes a period of inactivity between 1978 and 1982 when the Coast Guard deactivated it. Public support led to the State of Delaware taking ownership in 1981, enabling restoration and relighting in 1982. Further renovations were completed in 1997-98, with exterior repairs and repainting occurring in 2006. In 2017, the adjoining keeper's house was purchased by the state with plans for restoration. The lighthouse emits an occulting white light with a period of 13 seconds.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is significant for marking the boundary between Delaware and Maryland and for retaining its original 3rd order Fresnel lens still in use.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White 13s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White
Interval
13s
Raw Code
Oc W 13s
Focal Height
25m
Geographic Range
14.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1859

Significant events: inactive 1978-1982, deactivated and abandoned by Coast Guard in 1978, public protests led State of Delaware to take ownership in 1981, restoration in 1981-82 saved and relit the lighthouse, significant renovation in 1997-98, exterior repaired and painted in 2006, state purchased adjoining keeper's house in 2017 and announced plans to restore the house and paint the lighthouse

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ocean City(7.8 km)

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
25.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with black lantern
Material
brick

Structure: A 25.5m cylindrical brick tower with lantern and gallery, painted white with a black lantern.

Location

City
Ocean City
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Maryland
Sea Region
Located on 146th Street at Lighthouse Avenue in Fenwick Island, a few feet from the Delaware-Maryland state line.
Latitude
38.4512°
Longitude
-75.0552°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Atlantic Coast Lighthouse Lighthouse at night?+
Atlantic Coast Lighthouse displays the characteristic Oc White 13s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Atlantic Coast Lighthouse Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Atlantic Coast Lighthouse Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Rogers Haven at 7.2 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include WHITE MARLIN (7.4 NM SSW), OCEAN CITY (7.8 NM SSW), Ocean City (7.8 NM SSW), Bethany Beach (9.3 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Atlantic Coast Lighthouse Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Atlantic Coast Lighthouse Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Atlantic Coast Lighthouse Lighthouse?+
Atlantic Coast Lighthouse Lighthouse is located within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Atlantic Coast Lighthouse Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Atlantic Coast Lighthouse Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.