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

Jazīrat Shākir Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 20s🇪🇬EGOperational

Location & Light Range

About Jazīrat Shākir Lighthouse

Also known as: Jazīrat Shākir (Ra's Shukheir, Shadwan Island)

A stone tower with a lantern and gallery, the Jazīrat Shākir lighthouse stands 20 meters tall on a rocky island. This island is the largest in a group located in the center of the Gubal Straits, marking the entrance to the Gulf of Suez from the Red Sea. Constructed and first lit in 1889, the lighthouse emits a white flash every 20 seconds. It was damaged by an Israeli counterattack in 1970 and subsequently repaired in 1987. The focal height of its light reaches 37 meters, providing a geographic range of 16.6 nautical miles.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is essential for safe passage through the Gubal Straits, a critical maritime gateway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Suez. Its damage during the War of Attrition highlights its strategic significance in a geopolitically sensitive area.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl W 20s
Focal Height
37m
Light Range
22NM (40.7 km)
Geographic Range
16.6NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1889

Significant events: damaged by Israeli counterattack (1970), repaired (1987)

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Hurghada(17.1 km)
Admiralty No.
D7296.7
NGA No.
30408
ARLHS No.
EGY-018
Wikidata
Q115161285 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
20m
Tower Shape
round
Tower Color
today
Material
stone

Structure: stone tower with lantern and gallery

Location

Country
🇪🇬Egypt
Region
Red Sea
Sea Region
Rocky island, the largest of a group of islands in the center of the Gubal Straits, the entrance to the Gulf of Suez from the Red Sea. Located at the southeastern tip of the island.
Latitude
27.4518°
Longitude
34.0375°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Jazīrat Shākir 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 far offshore can Jazīrat Shākir Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 37 meters and a nominal range of 22 nautical miles (approximately 40.7 km), Jazīrat Shākir is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Jazīrat Shākir Lighthouse at night?+
Jazīrat Shākir displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 20s — 2 white flashes every 20 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 Jazīrat Shākir Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Jazīrat Shākir Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Hurghada at 17.1 NM to the SW. Other ports served include El-Guna (El Gouna) (20.2 NM WSW), Sharm ash Shaykh (28.1 NM NNE), ZEIT BAY (32.7 NM NW), Zeit Bay (33.3 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Jazīrat Shākir Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Jazīrat Shākir 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 Jazīrat Shākir Lighthouse?+
Jazīrat Shākir 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 Jazīrat Shākir Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Jazīrat Shākir 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.