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Fort Hammenhiel (?) Lighthouse

Fl Red 5s🇱🇰LKOperational

Location & Light Range

About Fort Hammenhiel (?) Lighthouse

This white cylindrical masonry tower stands 30 meters tall, with its light positioned 11 meters above sea level. It emits a single red flash every 5 seconds, visible for a geographic range of 10.7 nautical miles. The lighthouse is located on a small island at the entrance to Jaffna Lagoon, approximately 10.4 kilometers from the nearest port of Jaffna. While the site is open to the public, the tower itself cannot be entered.

Why it matters: The lighthouse warns vessels of shallow waters at the entrance to Jaffna Lagoon, a significant waterway for both fishing and commercial traffic.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl R 5s
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
10.7NM

Location

Country
🇱🇰LK
Latitude
9.7117°
Longitude
79.8478°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Jaffna(10.4 km)
Admiralty No.
F0875
NGA No.
27208
ARLHS No.
SLI-013

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
30m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white

Structure: round masonry tower, painted white

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 Fort Hammenhiel (?) Lighthouse at night?+
Fort Hammenhiel (?) displays the characteristic Fl Red 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Fort Hammenhiel (?) Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Fort Hammenhiel (?) Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Jaffna at 10.9 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Kankesanturai (12.8 NM ENE), Mannar (37.5 NM SSW), Talaimannar (37.5 NM SSW), Rameshwaram (40.7 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Fort Hammenhiel (?) Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Fort Hammenhiel (?) 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 Fort Hammenhiel (?) Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Fort Hammenhiel (?) 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.