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Ponta Catoeiro Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇧🇷Nova Viçosa, BROperational

Location & Light Range

About Ponta Catoeiro Lighthouse

Located on the beach approximately 1 kilometer southwest of the cape's point, east of Nova Viçosa, Brazil, this lighthouse once aided navigation in the Bahia region. The structure was a 16-meter tall, square skeletal tower painted white, with its light positioned 20 meters above sea level. It emitted a white flash every 10 seconds, offering a geographic range of 13.2 nautical miles. The lighthouse succumbed to coastal erosion, either being claimed by the encroaching sea or removed to prevent its collapse. Its site is now confirmed empty by modern imagery.

Why it matters: The loss of Ponta Catoeiro highlights the significant challenges coastal erosion presents to maritime infrastructure, serving as an example of natural forces impacting aids to navigation.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
20m
Geographic Range
13.2NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Removed or lost, succumbed to beach erosion or removed to escape it

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Caravelas(7.4 km)
ARLHS No.
BRA-173

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
16m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white

Structure: square skeletal tower, painted white

Location

City
Nova Viçosa
Country
🇧🇷Brazil
Region
Bahia
Sea Region
Located on the beach about 1 km southwest of the point of the cape, east of Nova Viçosa.
Latitude
-17.8642°
Longitude
-39.2714°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ponta Catoeiro Lighthouse at night?+
Ponta Catoeiro 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 Ponta Catoeiro Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ponta Catoeiro Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is CARAVELAS at 7.4 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Caravelas (8 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ponta Catoeiro Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ponta Catoeiro 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 Ponta Catoeiro Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ponta Catoeiro 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.