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Etel Lighthouse Lighthouse

Oc (2) White/Red/Green 6s🇫🇷Plouhinec, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Etel Lighthouse Lighthouse

The Etel Lighthouse, first lit in 1859, is a red, triangular skeletal mast located on the west side of the Etel estuary entrance. The current structure dates from 1951, replacing a temporary wooden tower erected in 1947 after the original lighthouse was destroyed during World War II. The first beacon was replaced in 1872. Its focal height is 13 meters, and it emits a directional light showing two white, red, or green flashes every 6 seconds. The station's site is open to the public, though the tower is closed.

Why it matters: The lighthouse's directional light is essential for guiding vessels safely into the Etel estuary, a local port and fishing area. Its rebuilding after wartime destruction highlights its strategic value to the region.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc (2) White/Red/Green 6s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Oc(2) WRG 6s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1859

Significant events: station established 1859, first beacon replaced 1872, destroyed WWII, temporary wood tower 1947, fourth tower 1951

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Tower Color
red
Material
steel

Structure: triangular skeletal mast, painted red

Location

City
Plouhinec
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Brittany
Sea Region
on the west side of the entrance to the Etel estuary, about 16 km east of Port-Louis
Latitude
47.6449°
Longitude
-3.2140°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Locmiquelic(7.3 km)
Admiralty No.
D1012
NGA No.
0632
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Etel Lighthouse Lighthouse at night?+
Etel Lighthouse displays the characteristic Oc (2) White/Red/Green 6s — 2 white/red/green flashes every 6 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/red/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Etel Lighthouse Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Etel Lighthouse Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Etel at 0.9 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Carnac (6.5 NM SE), Port-Louis (6.9 NM NW), Locmiquélic (7.3 NM NW), Lamor-Plage (7.6 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Etel Lighthouse Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Etel Lighthouse 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 Etel Lighthouse Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Etel Lighthouse 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.