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Cap de Fer Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 15s🇩🇿El Marsa, DZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cap de Fer Lighthouse

Also known as: Cap de Fer (Ra's el Hadid)

Completed in 1859, the Cap de Fer lighthouse is a 17-meter cylindrical tower situated on a cape at the northern entrance to the Golfe de Stora. It rises from a one-story keeper's house and is topped with a lantern and gallery. The lighthouse emits a white flash every 15 seconds from a focal height of 65 meters, offering a geographic range of 20.8 nautical miles. The site is open to visitors, though access to the tower itself is restricted. The lighthouse is located near El Marsa, within the Skikda region of Algeria.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels entering and exiting the Golfe de Stora, a significant regional waterway along the northern Algerian coast.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Focal Height
65m
Geographic Range
20.8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1859

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
17m
Tower Shape
cylindrical

Structure: round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery, rising from 1-story keeper's house

Location

City
El Marsa
Country
🇩🇿Algeria
Region
Skikda
Sea Region
spectacular cape at the northern entrance to the Golfe de Stora
Latitude
37.0799°
Longitude
7.1714°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Skikda(16.8 km)
Admiralty No.
E6516
NGA No.
113-22228
ARLHS No.
ALG-011
Wikidata
Q23013084 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cap de Fer Lighthouse at night?+
Cap de Fer displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 15s — 3 white flashes every 15 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. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Cap de Fer Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cap de Fer Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Skikda (ex Philippeville) at 16.6 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Collo (29.1 NM W), Annaba (ex Bone) (30.7 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cap de Fer Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cap de Fer 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 Cap de Fer Lighthouse?+
Cap de Fer Lighthouse is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Cap de Fer Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cap de Fer 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.