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Buck Island Lighthouse

Fl W 4s🇻🇮US Virgin Islands, VIInactive

Location & Light Range

About Buck Island Lighthouse

The Buck Island Lighthouse is a conical masonry structure built in 1913. Standing 25 meters tall, the tower is painted white and red. Its focal plane reaches 8 meters above sea level. The light emits a single white flash every 4 seconds and has a geographic range of 8 nautical miles. This framework tower has been operational since 1913.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl.W. period 4s
Focal Height
8m
Geographic Range
8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1913

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
J5628
NGA No.
14632
Wikidata
Q98120714 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
25m
Tower Shape
conical
Tower Color
white and red
Material
masonry

Structure: Framework tower

Location

City
US Virgin Islands
Country
🇻🇮VI
Latitude
18.2782°
Longitude
-64.8926°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Buck Island Lighthouse at night?+
Buck Island displays the characteristic Fl W 4s — 1 white flash every 4 seconds. 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.
Which ports and harbors does Buck Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Buck Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Saint Thomas at 4.2 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas (4.9 NM NNW), Cruz Bay, Saint John (6.4 NM ENE), Jost Van Dyke (12.7 NM NE), Sopers Hole (12.7 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Buck Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Buck Island Lighthouse is currently listed as inactive. It may have been decommissioned, replaced by a different navigation aid, or temporarily taken out of service. Mariners should check the latest Notices to Mariners for current status.
How can I track vessels near Buck Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Buck Island 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.