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Pungudutivu Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇱🇰LKOperational

Location & Light Range

About Pungudutivu Lighthouse

Also known as: Pungudutivu (Punkudutivu)

Pungudutivu Lighthouse is a square stone tower standing 7.5 meters high with its light positioned 11 meters above sea level. It emits a white flash every 5 seconds, visible for 10.7 nautical miles. Located near the southeastern tip of Pungudutivu island in Palk Bay, it is approximately 11.3 kilometers from the nearest port of Jaffna. The lighthouse was deactivated for a period, with reports indicating it was non-operational by September 2016. However, it has since been reactivated, confirmed by recent observations showing a lens and solar panel. Visitors can access the grounds, but the tower itself remains closed to the public.

Why it matters: This lighthouse helps guide vessels navigating Palk Bay, a critical waterway for regional shipping. Its light warns mariners of the island's southeastern point, a potential hazard in these waters. The recent reactivation of Pungudutivu Lighthouse ensures continued navigational safety for ships traversing this specific route.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
10.7NM

Location

Country
🇱🇰LK
Latitude
9.5677°
Longitude
79.8541°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Jaffna(11.3 km)
Admiralty No.
F0877
NGA No.
27216

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7.5m
Tower Shape
square
Material
stone

Structure: square stone tower

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Pungudutivu Lighthouse at night?+
Pungudutivu displays the characteristic Fl White 5s. 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 Pungudutivu Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Pungudutivu Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Jaffna at 11.3 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Kankesanturai (18.5 NM NE), Mannar (29.2 NM SSW), Talaimannar (29.2 NM SSW), Rameshwaram (36.2 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Pungudutivu Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Pungudutivu 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 Pungudutivu Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Pungudutivu 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.