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Ilha de Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 12s🇵🇹PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ilha de Lighthouse

The Ilha de lighthouse, built in 1948, stands on the Ilhéus Formigas, a group of small, rocky islets located about 45 kilometers northeast of Ilha de Santa Maria in the Azores. This cylindrical stone tower, standing 19 meters tall, is painted white and topped with a lantern and gallery. Its focal plane is 22 meters above sea level, and it emits a white flash every 12 seconds. The lighthouse was constructed in a rapid 36-day project, overcoming the significant challenges of building on these remote and exposed rocks. Access to the site is restricted, preserving the natural character of the islets.

Why it matters: This lighthouse warns vessels of the Ilhéus Formigas, a hazardous cluster of submerged rocks situated northeast of Santa Maria. Its rapid construction in 1948 was a notable engineering achievement, overcoming the extreme difficulties of building on such isolated terrain.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 12s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Fl W 12s
Focal Height
22m
Geographic Range
13.6NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1948

Significant events: Proposed in 1883, built in a 36-day project in 1948

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Vila do Porto(26.4 km)
Admiralty No.
D2638
NGA No.
23704
ARLHS No.
AZO-001

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
19m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
stone

Structure: round masonry tower with lantern and gallery, painted white

Location

Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Sea Region
Located on the Ilhéus Formigas, small rocky islets about 45 km northeast of Ilha de Santa Maria in the Azores, marking dangerous rocks at sea.
Latitude
37.2710°
Longitude
-24.7803°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ilha de Lighthouse at night?+
Ilha de displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 12s — 2 white flashes every 12 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Ilha de Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ilha de Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sérifos at 15.2 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Vila do Porto (26.4 NM SW), Povoação (36.4 NM NW), Nordeste (38.4 NM NNW), Vila Franca do Campo (40.8 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ilha de Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ilha de 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 Ilha de Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ilha de 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.