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Matagorda Ship Channel Entrance Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Matagorda Ship Channel Entrance Lighthouse

This steel skeletal tower, standing 19.5 meters tall, marks the entrance to the Matagorda Ship Channel. It features a red and white vertical stripe daymark on its square cylindrical structure. First lit in 2022, it replaced an earlier pyramidal tower. The light emits a single white flash every 10 seconds. Its focal height is also 19.5 meters, providing a geographic range of 13 nautical miles. The tower is situated on the north jetty at the channel's entrance, approximately 5 km east of Port O'Connor.

Why it matters: This light is essential for guiding vessels through the Matagorda Ship Channel, a critical man-made cut that supports commercial and recreational traffic. Its specific warning flashes help prevent groundings on surrounding shoals and the barrier island.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
19.5m
Geographic Range
13NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2022

Significant events: replaced an earlier pyramidal tower

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
19.5m
Tower Shape
square cylindrical skeletal
Tower Color
red with a white vertical stripe daymark
Material
steel

Structure: A 19.5m square cylindrical skeletal tower with a gallery, carrying a rectangular daymark colored red with a white vertical stripe.

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Texas
Sea Region
north jetty at the entrance to the Matagorda Ship Channel, a cut made through the barrier about 3 miles (5 km) east of Port O'Connor and a similar distance northeast of the natural Matagorda Inlet
Latitude
28.4218°
Longitude
-96.3183°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Port o'connor(6.5 km)
Admiralty No.
J4193.1
USCG No.
4-1385
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Matagorda Ship Channel Entrance Lighthouse at night?+
Matagorda Ship Channel Entrance displays the characteristic Fl White 10s. 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 Matagorda Ship Channel Entrance Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Matagorda Ship Channel Entrance Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is PALACIOS at 17.3 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include POINT COMFORT (18.8 NM NW), Port Lavaca (19.8 NM NW), Lolita (27.2 NM NNW), VICTORIA (36.9 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Matagorda Ship Channel Entrance Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Matagorda Ship Channel Entrance 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 Matagorda Ship Channel Entrance Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Matagorda Ship Channel Entrance 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.