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Bligh Reef Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Bligh Reef Lighthouse

Bligh Reef Light stands 18 meters tall with its focal plane at the same height. It features a skeletal tower with four pyramidal piles, supporting diamond-shaped daymark panels. The structure is painted in a red and white checkerboard pattern. Its white light flashes once every 4 seconds, visible for 12.7 nautical miles. This aid to navigation is situated in Prince William Sound, marking the eastern side of the entrance to the Valdez Narrows, west of Bligh Island.

Why it matters: This light marks Bligh Reef, a hazard made infamous by the 1989 Exxon Valdez grounding, and guides vessels entering the Valdez Narrows, a key route for oil shipments.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
18m
Geographic Range
12.7NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Exxon Valdez grounding (1989)

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Tower Color
with a red and white checkerboard pattern

Structure: An 18m post supported by four pyramidal piles, featuring diamond-shaped daymark panels with a red and white checkerboard pattern.

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Alaska
Sea Region
Prince William Sound, off the west side of Bligh Island, marking the east side of the entrance to the Valdez Narrows.
Latitude
60.8388°
Longitude
-146.8860°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Valdez(21.5 km)
Admiralty No.
G6652.5
USCG No.
6-25662
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Bligh Reef Lighthouse at night?+
Bligh Reef displays the characteristic Fl White 4s. 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 Bligh Reef Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Bligh Reef Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Valdez at 22.2 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Cordova (37.4 NM ESE), Orca (38.5 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Bligh Reef Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Bligh Reef 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 Bligh Reef Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Bligh Reef 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.