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Elizabeth Islands Lighthouses Lighthouse

Fl White 2.5s🇺🇸Gosnold, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Elizabeth Islands Lighthouses Lighthouse

This red, platform-style lighthouse stands on three legs and a central column at the mouth of Buzzards Bay. It was built in 1997, replacing a Texas tower lighthouse. The station itself was established in 1961, but the current structure took over the duties of the Vineyard lightship. The light emits a single white flash every 2.5 seconds. Its focal height is 20 meters, with a geographic range of 13.2 nautical miles. The lighthouse also hosts a NOAA C-MAN automatic weather station.

Why it matters: This light is essential for safe passage into Buzzards Bay, a busy maritime route. Its establishment addressed the need for a reliable aid after the Vineyard lightship was lost in a hurricane.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 2.5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
2.5s
Raw Code
Fl W 2.5s
Focal Height
20m
Geographic Range
13.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1997

Significant events: Vineyard lightship sank in a hurricane in September 1944, Replaced Texas tower lighthouse

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Woods Hole(5.0 km)
ARLHS No.
USA-100

Tower & Structure

Tower Color
red

Structure: A platform supported by three legs and a larger central column, all painted red, topped with a beacon.

Location

City
Gosnold
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Massachusetts
Sea Region
mouth of Buzzards Bay, about 5 mi (8 km) west southwest of Cuttyhunk, separating Vineyard Sound on the southeast from Buzzards Bay on the northwest
Latitude
41.4687°
Longitude
-70.7575°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Elizabeth Islands Lighthouses Lighthouse at night?+
Elizabeth Islands Lighthouses displays the characteristic Fl White 2.5s. 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 Elizabeth Islands Lighthouses Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Elizabeth Islands Lighthouses Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is WOODS HOLE at 5.1 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Menemsha (7.1 NM S), VINEYARD HAVEN (7.2 NM E), FALMOUTH (8.4 NM NE), Oak Bluffs (9 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Elizabeth Islands Lighthouses Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Elizabeth Islands Lighthouses 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 Elizabeth Islands Lighthouses Lighthouse?+
Elizabeth Islands Lighthouses 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 Elizabeth Islands Lighthouses Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Elizabeth Islands Lighthouses 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.