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Port-Vendres Range Rear Lighthouse

Q White🇫🇷Port-Vendres, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Port-Vendres Range Rear Lighthouse

First lit in 1858, the Port-Vendres Range Rear light is a 11-meter cylindrical masonry tower integrated with a two-story residence. It is painted white with red squares on the front and a red band at the top. This structure, located inland and 200 meters southwest of the front light, emits a quick white flash. Its focal height reaches 23 meters, providing a geographic range of 13.8 nautical miles. The tower is attached to a dwelling and is situated near the port of Port-Vendres.

Why it matters: This range rear light is indispensable for safe navigation into Port-Vendres, providing a critical alignment for ships approaching the harbor. Its synchronized quick-flashing white light, working in conjunction with the front light, ensures precise course guidance through potentially challenging coastal waters. The distinctive red squares on its white tower also serve as a unique daymark, aiding visual identification for mariners.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q White
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
White
Raw Code
Q W
Focal Height
23m
Geographic Range
13.8NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1858

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Port Vendres(0.5 km)
Admiralty No.
E0497.1
NGA No.
6052
ARLHS No.
FRA-614

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with red squares on the front of the tower and a red band at the top
Material
masonry

Structure: square cylindrical tower, attached to a 2-story residence

Location

City
Port-Vendres
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Occitania
Sea Region
Port-Vendres, located 200 m south southwest of the front light.
Latitude
42.5178°
Longitude
3.1134°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Port-Vendres Range Rear Lighthouse at night?+
Port-Vendres Range Rear displays the characteristic Q White. 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 Port-Vendres Range Rear Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Port-Vendres Range Rear Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Port-Vendres at 0.1 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include COLLIOURE (1.3 NM WNW), BANYULS (2.4 NM SSE), ARGELES (3.1 NM WNW), PORTBOU (6 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Port-Vendres Range Rear Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Port-Vendres Range Rear 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 Port-Vendres Range Rear Lighthouse?+
Port-Vendres Range Rear 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 Port-Vendres Range Rear Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Port-Vendres Range Rear 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.