Cape Recife
)
|
)
|
)
|
)
|
)
|
)
|
)
|
LIGHTHOUSE DETAILS
| Name | Cape Recife |
| Structure | 24 metres octagonal masonry tower, painted with black and white bands |
| Other Features | |
| Date Installed | 1 April 1851 |
| Description | Cape Recife is situated at the southern entrance to Algoa Bay and warns mariners about the dangers which abound in the dark waters. A large spine of rocks known as the Thunderbolt Reef has put paid to numerous ships over the last hundred years. Situated in a nature reserve about 7 miles from Port Elizabeth, Cape Recife witnessed the great gale of 1902, when a hurricane force south easter wrecked countless ships and boats moored in Algoa Bay. This hurricane killed more than 60 people, including six rescuers. The "HMNS Zeepard", which was carrying the explorer, Theunissen was wrecked. As a result of this incident Theunissen made his historical well documented overland trip to Cape Town. Ironically the lighthouse was commissioned on April Fools day in 1851. The initial range of the light was 12 miles, however with the development of technology it is now 29 sea miles. The building is a 24 metre octagonal masonry tower which is built on a rock foundation known as D urban. It is painted with black and white bands equipped with a radio beacon, fog signal, a fixed red light along with a flashing white light every 30 seconds. The establishment of this light came just in time as it saved many lives. The cost of this light in its day was £17 537.10.2 Sterling. |
LIGHT DETAILS
| Light Type | Revolving Electric |
| Light Character | Fixed Red(28°), fixed white 332° white every 30 seconds |
| Light Range | 29 sea miles |
| Light Power | 4 000 000 CD |
| Height of focal Plane | 28 metres above high water |
POSITION
| Position | 34 01 43.97 South, 25 42 03.90 East |