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Cape Fear River Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cape Fear River Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse

A 31m steel skeletal tower is located at the western entrance to the Cape Fear River estuary. The triangular tower is set on a large square platform, which is supported by a steel post. The post and platform are painted yellow. The light emits a white flash every 4 seconds. Its focal height is 31m, offering a 15.5 nautical mile geographic range. The site is accessible to the public, but the tower is not open for entry.

Why it matters: This rear range light offers precise alignment for vessels entering the Cape Fear River, helping them avoid shallow areas.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
31m
Geographic Range
15.5NM

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
North Carolina
Sea Region
Located just off the beach on the west side of the entrance to the Cape Fear River estuary, adjacent to the North Carolina Baptist Assembly's Fort Caswell Retreat and Conference Center.
Latitude
33.8928°
Longitude
-78.0350°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Southport(1.9 km)
Admiralty No.
J2472.91
USCG No.
2-30312
ARLHS No.
USA-558

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
31m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Tower Color
yellow
Material
steel

Structure: A 31m triangular skeletal tower mounted on a large square platform supported by a robust steel post. The post and platform are painted yellow.

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cape Fear River Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse at night?+
Cape Fear River Entrance Range Rear 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 Cape Fear River Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape Fear River Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Southport at 2 NM to the NE. Other ports served include SOUTHPORT (2.2 NM NNE), Sunny Point (8 NM NNE), BLUE WATER POINT (9 NM W), HUGHES (16.9 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape Fear River Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cape Fear River Entrance Range Rear 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 Cape Fear River Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse?+
Cape Fear River Entrance Range Rear 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 Cape Fear River Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape Fear River Entrance Range Rear 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.