Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Gordon Reef Lighthouse

Oc Red 7s🇪🇬EGOperational

Location & Light Range

About Gordon Reef Lighthouse

This cylindrical lighthouse, constructed from concrete and fiberglass, stands 10 meters tall and emits a red light with a flash characteristic of one red flash every 7 seconds. Its upper half is painted red and the lower half white, and it is mounted on a square concrete base. The structure has an hourglass shape. Gordon Reef lighthouse is located on the southwestern end of Gordon Reef, marking the Enterprise Passage within the Strait of Tīrān. The geographic range of its light is 11 nautical miles. Visitors can access the site, but the tower itself remains closed to the public.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is essential for guiding southbound vessels through the Enterprise Passage, a critical waterway. It warns mariners of the submerged Gordon Reef, a hazard responsible for incidents like the 1981 wreck of the MV Loullia.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc Red 7s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
Red
Interval
7s
Raw Code
Oc R 7s
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM

Construction & History

Significant events: MV Loullia wrecked on Gordon Reef in September 1981

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
Upper half red, lower half white
Material
concrete, fiberglass

Structure: round hourglass-shaped fiberglass tower mounted on a square concrete base

Location

Country
🇪🇬Egypt
Region
South Sinai
Sea Region
Strait of Tīrān, marking the southwestern end of Gordon Reef and the Enterprise Passage
Latitude
27.9861°
Longitude
34.4503°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Sharm ash Shaykh(11.9 km)
Admiralty No.
D7297.7
NGA No.
30424
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Gordon Reef Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Egypt, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Gordon Reef Lighthouse at night?+
Gordon Reef displays the characteristic Oc Red 7s. 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 Gordon Reef Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Gordon Reef Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sharm ash Shaykh at 11.4 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Al Khuraibah (38.2 NM E), Zeit Bay (45.8 NM W), EL TOR (46.5 NM WNW), El Tor (46.6 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Gordon Reef Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Gordon Reef 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 Gordon Reef Lighthouse?+
Gordon Reef Lighthouse is located within the Suez Canal approach — the critical route linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Gordon Reef Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Gordon Reef 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.