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Banco Salmedina Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇨🇴COOperational

Location & Light Range

About Banco Salmedina Lighthouse

Banco Salmedina, established in 1937, is situated on a concrete platform supported by piles, approximately 8 kilometers offshore and 16 kilometers west of Cartagena. The structure now consists of a light on a short stand. Initially, a 22-meter tower was installed in 1978, but this was later removed. The light emits a single white flash every 10 seconds, with a focal height of 22 meters and a geographic range of 13.6 nautical miles. The station has been inactive since 2018. Its location marks the beginning of the approach to Cartagena.

Why it matters: This light served to guide vessels approaching Cartagena and warned of the low bank and reef system it marked.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
22m
Geographic Range
13.6NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1937

Significant events: Station established 1937, a 22 m tower installed 1978, tall tower removed and replaced by a short stand, inactive since 2018

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Mamonal(1.6 km)
ARLHS No.
COL-012

Tower & Structure

Structure: A light on a short stand, mounted on a concrete platform supported by piles.

Location

Country
🇨🇴Colombia
Sea Region
Located on a low bank about 8 km (5 mi) off the coast and 16 km (10 mi) west of Cartagena, marking the beginning of the approach to Cartagena.
Latitude
10.3210°
Longitude
-75.5094°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Banco Salmedina Lighthouse at night?+
Banco Salmedina displays the characteristic Fl White 10s. 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 Banco Salmedina Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Banco Salmedina Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Mamonal at 0.6 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Contecar (3.8 NM N), Cartagena (4.9 NM NNW), El Bosque (5 NM NNW), Sociedad Portuaria Regional Cartagena (5 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Banco Salmedina Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Banco Salmedina 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.
How can I track vessels near Banco Salmedina Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Banco Salmedina 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.