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South Bass Island Lighthouse

Fl Red 6s🇺🇸Put-in-Bay Township, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About South Bass Island Lighthouse

This steel skeletal tower stands 21 meters tall on South Bass Island, Ohio, with a focal height of 22.5 meters. First lit in 1897, the current structure replaced an earlier tower. It emits a single red flash every six seconds, visible for 13.7 nautical miles. The tower features a gallery, and the station also includes a NOAA C-MAN weather station. Public access to the tower and grounds is restricted, with the U.S. Coast Guard owning the property and the Franz Theodore Stone Laboratory managing it.

Why it matters: The light aids navigation around South Bass Island, a key recreational and commercial area on Lake Erie. Its weather station also contributes to maritime safety by providing real-time meteorological data.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl R 6s
Focal Height
22.5m
Geographic Range
13.7NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1897

Significant events: Replacement of original tower

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Lakeside marblehead(7.2 km)
USCG No.
7-5530

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
21m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Material
steel

Structure: A 21m square steel skeletal tower with a gallery.

Location

City
Put-in-Bay Township
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Ohio
Sea Region
South Bass Island, Ohio
Latitude
41.6293°
Longitude
-82.8406°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify South Bass Island Lighthouse at night?+
South Bass Island displays the characteristic Fl Red 6s. 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 South Bass Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
South Bass Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is LAKESIDE MARBLEHEAD at 7.1 NM to the SE. Other ports served include PORT CLINTON (8.3 NM SW), Sandusky, Erie (11.6 NM SSE), Huron (19.1 NM SE), Huron (19.2 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is South Bass Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, South Bass Island 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 South Bass Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near South Bass Island 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.