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El Viudo Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 5s🇨🇴COOperational

Location & Light Range

About El Viudo Lighthouse

This cylindrical concrete tower stands 20 meters tall and was first lit in 2018. It features black and red horizontal bands and is mounted on a square concrete base. The lighthouse replaced a 12-meter structure built at an earlier date. Its light emits a white flash every 5 seconds, visible for 13.2 nautical miles. The site is accessible by boat, though the tower itself is closed to the public.

Why it matters: The lighthouse marks the El Viudo shoals, located about 4 km north of the harbor entrance to Tumaco, Colombia, specifically on the west side of the entrance.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
20m
Geographic Range
13.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2018

Significant events: New 20m tower built in 2018, replacing a 12m tower

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
20m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with black and red horizontal bands and mounted on a square concrete base
Material
concrete

Structure: round barbell-shaped metal tower painted with black and red horizontal bands and mounted on a square concrete base

Location

Country
🇨🇴Colombia
Sea Region
Marks shoals on the west side of the entrance to Tumaco, specifically the shoal named El Viudo ('The Widower'), located approximately 4 km north of the harbor entrance.
Latitude
1.8522°
Longitude
-78.7159°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Tumaco(4.1 km)
Admiralty No.
G3124.5
NGA No.
0224
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify El Viudo Lighthouse at night?+
El Viudo displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 5s — 2 white flashes every 5 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 El Viudo Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
El Viudo Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is Tumaco at 3.6 NM to the SW. Other ports served include San Lorenzo (36.8 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is El Viudo Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, El Viudo 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 El Viudo Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near El Viudo 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.