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Channel Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇺🇸Point Comfort, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Channel Lighthouse

This skeletal steel tower stands 18 meters tall, with its light positioned 20 meters above the water. Mounted on a pile-supported platform, it features a square base and a gallery. The light emits a white flash every 4 seconds, guiding vessels into Point Comfort. The structure is located near the waterfront within an industrial zone on the north shore of Matagorda Bay. While the site is accessible to the public, the tower itself is closed off.

Why it matters: This range light is indispensable for the safe passage of commercial vessels entering Point Comfort, a critical industrial port on Matagorda Bay, by providing the precise alignment necessary to navigate the inbound channel.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
20m
Geographic Range
13.2NM

Location

City
Point Comfort
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Texas
Sea Region
Matagorda Bay, marking the inbound range for ships arriving at Point Comfort, situated near the waterfront in an industrial area.
Latitude
28.6616°
Longitude
-96.5657°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Point Comfort(1.3 km)
Admiralty No.
J4195.59
USCG No.
4-27495

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Material
steel

Structure: An 18m square skeletal tower with a gallery, mounted on a square platform supported by piles.

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 Channel Lighthouse at night?+
Channel 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 Channel Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Channel Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is POINT COMFORT at 0.6 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Port Lavaca (3.9 NM SW), Lolita (10.5 NM N), PALACIOS (18 NM E), VICTORIA (20.9 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Channel Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Channel 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 Channel Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Channel 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.