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Haile Sand Fort Lighthouse

Fl Red 5s🇬🇧GBOperational

Haile Sand Fort, an octagonal structure built of fiberglass, was first lit in 1919. A mast atop the fort carries the light, which emits a single red flash every 5 seconds. The fort is situated on the south side of the Humber estuary, approximately 1.5 km east of Humberston, marking the entrance to the waterway. Its tower, painted in white and red sections, stands 21 meters above sea level and has a geographic range of 13.4 nautical miles. The fort itself was placed on sale and sold in 2018. The site is open to visitors, though the tower remains closed.

Why it matters: This fort guides vessels through the entrance of the Humber estuary, a key shipping lane. Its unique design as a World War I defensive fort distinguishes it as a navigational aid.

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl R 5s
Focal Height
21m
Geographic Range
13.4NM
Year Built
1919

Significant events: Fort placed on sale and sold in 2018

Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white and red
Material
fiberglass

Structure: A mast is mounted atop the fort, serving as the light structure.

Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
England
Sea Region
Located on the south side of the Humber estuary, about 1.5 km east of Humberston, protecting the entrance to the Humber.
Latitude
53.5347°
Longitude
0.0341°
Nearest Port
Tetney(2.8 km)
Admiralty No.
A2431
NGA No.
1808
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How do mariners identify Haile Sand Fort Lighthouse at night?+
Haile Sand Fort 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 Haile Sand Fort Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Haile Sand Fort Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Tetney Terminal at 2.8 NM to the E. Other ports served include Grimsby (4.7 NM NW), Barnoldby le Beck (6.3 NM WSW), Immingham (9.9 NM NW), Killingholme (12.5 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Haile Sand Fort Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Haile Sand Fort 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 Haile Sand Fort Lighthouse?+
Haile Sand Fort 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 Haile Sand Fort Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Haile Sand Fort 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.