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Piedra Diamante Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 6s🇦🇷AROperational

Location & Light Range

About Piedra Diamante Lighthouse

The Piedra Diamante lighthouse is a 18-meter cylindrical concrete tower painted yellow, located on the Barra de San Pedro shoal in the Río de la Plata. This navigational aid emits a white light with one flash every 6 seconds, visible for 12.7 nautical miles. Situated about 8 kilometers north-northwest of Isla de Farallón, Uruguay, the lighthouse stands in shared waters under a 1973 treaty. Argentina maintains the light, as the adjacent shipping channel leads to Argentine ports on the Río Uruguay and Río Paraná. Uruguay holds economic rights to the seabed beneath the shoal.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is significant for vessels navigating the Río de la Plata's shipping channels, particularly those heading to Argentine ports. Its maintenance reflects a 1973 treaty governing shared maritime responsibilities between Argentina and Uruguay.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl W 6s
Focal Height
18m
Light Range
11NM (20.4 km)
Geographic Range
12.7NM

Construction & History

Significant events: 1973 Treaty of the Río de la Plata

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
yellow
Material
concrete

Structure: round tapered concrete tower with lantern, painted yellow

Location

Country
🇦🇷Uruguay
Sea Region
Located on the Barra de San Pedro, a shoal in the Río de la Plata about 8 km north northwest of Isla de Farallón, Uruguay. This light is close to the coast of Uruguay but maintained by Argentina, standing in shared waters under the 1973 Treaty of the Río de la Plata, where both countries share jurisdiction. Argentina maintains navigational aids in this area because the shipping channel leads to Argentine ports on the Río Uruguay and Río Paraná. Uruguay owns the economic rights to the seabed under the lighthouse, and future sedimentation could make the shoal Uruguayan territory.
Latitude
-34.4244°
Longitude
-57.9606°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Colonia(6.3 km)
Admiralty No.
G0789
NGA No.
19284
Wikidata
Q59281495 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Piedra Diamante Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 18 meters and a nominal range of 11 nautical miles (approximately 20.4 km), Piedra Diamante is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Piedra Diamante Lighthouse at night?+
Piedra Diamante displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 6s — 2 white flashes every 6 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 Piedra Diamante Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Piedra Diamante Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Colonia at 6.3 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include PUNTA PEREIRA (13.1 NM NNW), Dock Sur (22.9 NM SW), Buenos Aires (23.1 NM WSW), Juan L. Lacaze (25.4 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Piedra Diamante Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Piedra Diamante 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 Piedra Diamante Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Piedra Diamante 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.