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Mahdia Lighthouse

Fl Red 5s🇹🇳TNOperational

Location & Light Range

About Mahdia Lighthouse

Also known as: Mahdia (Cap Afrique)

Constructed in 1890, the Mahdia lighthouse is a 15-meter high hexagonal cylindrical tower made of cast iron. The main body of the structure is white, topped by a red lantern room and gallery. This tourelle sits on top of the keeper's dwelling, with a focal plane 26 meters above sea level. Located on Cap Afrique, a sharp point near Mahdia, Tunisia, the light shows a red flash each five seconds. Its visibility extends 14.5 nautical miles, and it stands 6.8 kilometers from the Mahdia port.

Why it matters: This light marks the Cap Afrique point, serving as a navigation reference for craft along the Tunisian coast. Its red flashing signal alerts ships to the dangers of this headland.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl R 5s
Focal Height
26m
Geographic Range
14.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1890

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Mahdia(6.8 km)
Admiralty No.
E6370
NGA No.
21904
ARLHS No.
TUN-013
Wikidata
Q39736969 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
hexagonal cylindrical
Tower Color
white with red lantern and top
Material
cast iron

Structure: A 15m hexagonal cylindrical cast iron tourelle with lantern and gallery, mounted atop the keeper's house. The lantern and top of the tower are painted red, with the rest of the tower white.

Location

Country
🇹🇳Tunisia
Region
Mahdia
Sea Region
Located on the point of Cap Afrique, a very sharp promontory in Mahdia.
Latitude
35.3901°
Longitude
11.0468°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Mahdia Lighthouse at night?+
Mahdia 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 Mahdia Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Mahdia Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Mahdia at 6.6 NM to the N. Other ports served include Chebba (11.1 NM SSE), TEBOULBA (16.8 NM NNW), Ksibet el Médiouni (20.6 NM NNW), MONASTIR (25.6 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Mahdia Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Mahdia 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 Mahdia Lighthouse?+
Mahdia Lighthouse is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Mahdia Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Mahdia 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.