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Gelbsand Unterfeuer Lighthouse

Oc White 4s🇩🇪DEOperational

Location & Light Range

About Gelbsand Unterfeuer Lighthouse

This cylindrical tower, standing 28 meters tall, was first lit in 2010. It features a black finish with a single white horizontal band. The light, positioned 25 meters above sea level, emits an occulting white flash every 4 seconds, visible for over 14 nautical miles. Prefabricated at a shipyard in Cuxhaven, the tower was then installed at sea. It is located approximately 8 kilometers northeast of Neuwerk.

Why it matters: The Gelbsand Unterfeuer guides vessels departing the Elbe River, a significant shipping artery, and its modern construction represents an advancement in offshore navigational aid design.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White 4s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Oc W 4s
Focal Height
25m
Geographic Range
14.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2010

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
28m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
black with one white horizontal band

Structure: round cylindrical tower with gallery, painted black with one white horizontal band

Location

Country
🇩🇪Germany
Region
Lower Saxony
Sea Region
guides vessels departing the Elbe, located about 8 km northeast of Neuwerk
Latitude
53.9720°
Longitude
8.6244°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Cuxhaven(6.7 km)
Admiralty No.
B1348.49
NGA No.
10439
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Gelbsand Unterfeuer Lighthouse at night?+
Gelbsand Unterfeuer displays the characteristic Oc White 4s. 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 Gelbsand Unterfeuer Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Gelbsand Unterfeuer Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Cuxhaven at 7.1 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include FRIEDRICHSKOOG (9.3 NM ENE), Altenbruch Reede (9.6 NM SSE), Büsum (12.1 NM NE), Meldorf (13.7 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Gelbsand Unterfeuer Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Gelbsand Unterfeuer 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 Gelbsand Unterfeuer Lighthouse?+
Gelbsand Unterfeuer Lighthouse is located within the English Channel / North Sea corridor — one of the world's busiest maritime corridors connecting the Atlantic to Northern European ports. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Gelbsand Unterfeuer Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Gelbsand Unterfeuer 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.