Robben Island Lighthouse, Maritime navigation lighthouse on Robben Island, South Africa
Robben Island Lighthouse is a cylindrical white structure standing 18 meters tall on Minto Hill, the island's highest point in Table Bay. The tower transmits white light flashes visible for approximately 24 nautical miles, with the beam activating for 5 seconds every 7 seconds to guide passing vessels.
The structure was built in 1864 by Joseph Flack to replace the traditional bonfires that Dutch settlers had maintained since 1656 to warn ships of dangerous rocks. This construction marked a shift from open flames to a more reliable and modern navigation system for the busy shipping lanes nearby.
The lighthouse keeper lived and worked here during Robben Island's time as a prison, maintaining maritime safety while surrounded by the island's penitentiary operations. This connection links the tower to the broader history of the place as a whole.
The lighthouse sits on the island's highest point and remains visible from the visitor center, though clear weather offers the best views. Access to the structure requires joining a guided tour of the island, and weather conditions in this location change frequently.
The structure operates using a flashing light system rather than a rotating beam, a feature that sets it apart from other South African lighthouses. This blinking mechanism proves more effective for ship recognition during poor visibility at sea.
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