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Point Au Fer Reef Lighthouse

Fl W 5s🇺🇸Louisiana, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Point Au Fer Reef Lighthouse

Constructed in 1916, this lighthouse stood on Eugene Island within Atchafalaya Bay, Louisiana. Its purpose was to delineate a newly created channel across the Point Au Feu Reef. The structure served as the primary entrance light for the Atchafalaya River, taking over this role from the Southwest Reef Light. The light was extinguished in 1975 and subsequently replaced by a skeleton tower. Following its deactivation, the lighthouse was unfortunately destroyed by the Coast Guard after an offer to a historical society was declined.

Why it matters: This lighthouse served as the entrance light for the Atchafalaya River.

Background
The Point Au Fer Reef Light was a lighthouse built in 1916 on Eugene Island in Atchafalaya Bay, Louisiana to mark a new channel across Point Au Feu Reef. It replaced Southwest Reef Light as the entrance light for the Atchafalaya River. The light was deactivated and replaced by a skeleton tower in 1975. The Coast Guard then offered it to the South Lafourche Cultural and Historical Society, which declined, so the Coast Guard burned it down.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
5s
Focal Height
44m

Location

City
Louisiana
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
29.3721°
Longitude
-91.3845°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Construction & History

Year Built
1916

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7207943 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Point Au Fer Reef Lighthouse at night?+
Point Au Fer Reef displays the characteristic Fl W 5s — 1 white flash every 5 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.
Which ports and harbors does Point Au Fer Reef Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Point Au Fer Reef Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is PATTERSON at 19.7 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Patterson (19.7 NM NNE), Berwick (21.2 NM NNE), MORGAN CITY (21.4 NM NNE), AMELIA (22.6 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Point Au Fer Reef Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Point Au Fer Reef 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 Point Au Fer Reef Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Point Au Fer Reef 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.