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Dassen Island Lighthouse

Fl (2) W 30s🇿🇦Western South Africa, ZAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Dassen Island Lighthouse

Constructed in 1893, the Dassen Island Lighthouse stands on an island west of Yzerfontein. This white, circular tower is made of cast iron and has been operational since its first lighting in the same year it was built. The lighthouse measures 28 meters in height, with its light reaching a focal height of 47 meters above sea level. It emits two white flashes every 30 seconds. Its light is visible for a geographic range of 26 nautical miles.

Background
Dassen Island Lighthouse is a lighthouse situated on Dassen Island, west of Yzerfontein. It is a white circular cast-iron tower that has been in use since 1893.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) W 30s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
30s
Raw Code
Fl.(2)W. period 30s
Focal Height
47m
Geographic Range
26NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1893

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
D5860
NGA No.
25956
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q13034546 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
28m

Location

City
Western South Africa
Country
🇿🇦ZA
Latitude
-33.4321°
Longitude
18.0887°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Dassen Island Lighthouse at night?+
Dassen Island displays the characteristic Fl (2) W 30s — 2 white flashes every 30 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 Dassen Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Dassen Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Bottelary at 17.9 NM to the N. Other ports served include LANGEBAAN (19.9 NM N), Saldanha Bay (25.3 NM NNW), De Waterkant (32.5 NM SSE), Waterfront (33.4 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Dassen Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Dassen Island 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 Dassen Island Lighthouse?+
Dassen Island Lighthouse is located within the Cape of Good Hope route — the historic shipping route around the southern tip of Africa. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Dassen Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Dassen 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.