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Nacala Approach Lighthouse

Fl (3) White/Red/Green 9s🇲🇿MZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Nacala Approach Lighthouse

This square pyramidal skeletal tower, standing 6 meters tall on a square base, is painted white with a black top. Its focal plane is 11 meters above the water. The lighthouse emits three white flashes every 9 seconds, with a geographic range of 10.7 nautical miles. It is located northwest of the entrance to Nacala Bay, behind a beach, guiding vessels into the Bay of Fernão Veloso. The nearest port is Nacala, 3.3 kilometers away.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is indispensable for safely navigating vessels into the Bay of Fernão Veloso, which provides access to Nacala Bay, a major deep-water harbor on the East African coast.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White/Red/Green 9s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
9s
Raw Code
Fl(3) 9s
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
10.7NM

Location

Country
🇲🇿Mozambique
Region
Nampula Province
Sea Region
Guides vessels into the Bay of Fernão Veloso, located behind the beach northwest of the entrance to the Bay of Nacala, one of the best harbors on the East African coast.
Latitude
-14.4493°
Longitude
40.6467°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white with a black top

Structure: square pyramidal skeletal tower mounted on a square base

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Nacala(3.3 km)
Admiralty No.
D6611.3
NGA No.
31616
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Nacala Approach Lighthouse at night?+
Nacala Approach displays the characteristic Fl (3) White/Red/Green 9s — 3 white/red/green flashes every 9 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/red/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Nacala Approach Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Nacala Approach Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is Nacala at 5.7 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Mocambique (35.5 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Nacala Approach Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Nacala Approach 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 Nacala Approach Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Nacala Approach 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.