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Punta Mackinlay Lighthouse

Fl Red 2s🇦🇷AROperational

Location & Light Range

About Punta Mackinlay Lighthouse

This fiberglass tower stands 7 meters tall on the southern tip of Isla Gable, an island that significantly constricts the Beagle Channel. Its focal height reaches 9.5 meters, emitting a red light with a characteristic of one flash every 2 seconds. The structure itself is distinctively shaped like a barbell and is painted in a red and white checkerboard pattern. Reaching this remote location requires passage by boat, with Puerto Williams being the nearest port, 7.1 kilometers away. The lighthouse provides visibility for a geographic range of 10.2 nautical miles.

Why it matters: The lighthouse warns vessels of Isla Gable's southern end, which forms a critical narrowing in the Beagle Channel, making it a unique landmark in this remote waterway.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 2s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
2s
Raw Code
Fl R 2s
Focal Height
9.5m
Light Range
6NM (11.1 km)
Geographic Range
10.2NM

Location

Country
🇦🇷Argentina
Sea Region
southern tip of Isla Gable, a large island that nearly blocks the Beagle Channel
Latitude
-54.9117°
Longitude
-67.4143°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7m
Tower Color
red and white checkerboard pattern
Material
fiberglass

Structure: barbell-shaped fiberglass tower, colored in a red and white checkerboard pattern

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Puerto Williams(7.1 km)
Admiralty No.
G1310
NGA No.
111-2696
ARLHS No.
ARG-116
Wikidata
Q115219707 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Punta Mackinlay Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 9.5 meters and a nominal range of 6 nautical miles (approximately 11.1 km), Punta Mackinlay is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. As a shorter-range light, it primarily serves nearshore and coastal traffic.
How do mariners identify Punta Mackinlay Lighthouse at night?+
Punta Mackinlay displays the characteristic Fl Red 2s. 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Punta Mackinlay Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Punta Mackinlay Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is Puerto Williams at 6.7 NM to the W. Other ports served include Ushuaia (30.7 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Punta Mackinlay Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Punta Mackinlay 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 Punta Mackinlay Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Punta Mackinlay 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.