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Mers el-Kebir Lighthouse

🇩🇿DZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Mers el-Kebir Lighthouse

An octagonal tower, 23 meters in height, was built in 1868 on a sharp promontory north of Mers-el-Kébir. This structure rose from an accompanying keeper's house and stood at the eastern end of a historic fortress. It guarded the western entrance to the Bay of Oran. The lighthouse was destroyed during World War II. Following the conflict, it was not replaced.

Why it matters: The lighthouse's strategic position at the western entrance to the Bay of Oran underscored its role in navigation and regional defense.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
23m
Tower Shape
octagonal

Structure: octagonal tower rising from a keeper's house

Location

Country
🇩🇿Algeria
Sea Region
Located on a sharp promontory north of Mers-el-Kebir, at the western entrance to the Bay of Oran, at the eastern end of a historic fortress.
Latitude
35.7390°
Longitude
-0.7018°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Construction & History

Year Built
1868

Significant events: Destroyed during World War II, not replaced after the war

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Oran(3.9 km)
ARLHS No.
ALG-025
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which ports and harbors does Mers el-Kebir Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Mers el-Kebir Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Oran at 2.1 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Oran Dry Port (4.7 NM SE), Bethioua (21.5 NM E), Arzew (22 NM ENE), Mostaganem (39.3 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Mers el-Kebir Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Mers el-Kebir 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 Mers el-Kebir Lighthouse?+
Mers el-Kebir 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 Mers el-Kebir Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Mers el-Kebir 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.