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Tangier Sound Lighthouse

Fl White 6s🇺🇸Alexandria, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tangier Sound Lighthouse

A 13.5-meter square skeletal tower, painted white, stands on a square platform in Tangier Sound, Virginia. This navigational aid emits a single white flash every six seconds. Its focal height matches the tower's height, providing a geographic range of 11.5 nautical miles. The light is located adjacent to a historic lighthouse platform. It is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard and is accessible only by boat.

Why it matters: The Tangier Sound light warns mariners of a dangerous shoal in the area, and its position adjacent to an older lighthouse platform highlights a long history of maritime safety efforts.

Background
The Tangier Sound Light was a lighthouse located south of Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl W 6s
Focal Height
13.5m
Geographic Range
11.5NM

Location

City
Alexandria
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Virginia
Sea Region
Tangier Sound, marking a dangerous shoal, located adjacent to a historic lighthouse platform.
Latitude
38.7904°
Longitude
-77.0406°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13.5m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Tower Color
white

Structure: A 13.5m square skeletal tower mounted on a square platform.

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Alexandria(0.7 km)
Admiralty No.
J1726
USCG No.
2-7435
ARLHS No.
USA-409
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7682973 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tangier Sound Lighthouse at night?+
Tangier Sound displays the characteristic Fl White 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Tangier Sound Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tangier Sound Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Alexandria at 0.7 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Alexandria (1.2 NM NNE), Washington (5 NM NNE), District Heights (8.2 NM ENE), Chevy Chase (10.8 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tangier Sound Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tangier Sound 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 Tangier Sound Lighthouse?+
Tangier Sound Lighthouse is located within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Tangier Sound Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tangier Sound 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.