Ilha do Fogo Lighthouse

Excerpt:
This spectacular skeletal lighthouse was built in 1926 on the Ilha do Fogo, an island off Ponta Matirre northeast of Macuse on the central coast of Mozambique. At 37 meters (131 ft), it was one of the tallest African lighthouses of this type. Most likely it was prefabricated in Europe for assembly on site, but we know nothing of these details. Sadly, it probably does not survive. The modern light on the island is 34 meters tall (111 ft) and is described as a "quadrangular skeleton tower." Other lighthouses of similar description in Mozambique are constructed of prefabricated reinforced concrete beams.

Located on an island off the coast southwest of Moma; the island is now the site of an adventure resort. Accessible only by boat.

Description:

Geographic location

In the eastern part of the island (where Malibono was located) (Latitude 17- 13.58ʹS; Longitude 38-52.48ʹE) and from 1954:
Latitude 17-13.55ʹS;
Longitude 38 -52.56ʹE

building description

Built on May 21, 1926. The octagonal iron tower, painted dark red, 37 meters high, was assembled in 48 days, between April 7 and March 24.

In 1954, the original tower was demolished and, about 31 meters from it, a new tower, 34 meters high, made of reinforced concrete, open in square section, consisting of 4 columns and compartments for the storage of acetylene accumulators and other materials, was built. having been lit on 15 October of that year.

In 1967 the tower underwent careful repair, having been rehabilitated again in 1996.

technical characteristics

It was equipped with a cylindrical flashlight AGA FLACA 24/13.5 n 110, catadioptric lower. It then became automatic and unattended functionality.

It initially had a flash of light every 10 seconds, with two red sectors (from 20 o , over Silva Island and 13 o . Over Camarira and Epidendron Islands) and a green one (from 222.5 o to 229.5 the –restinga of the Macalange point). The luminous range of white, red, and green light was 25.22 and 21 miles, respectively.

It now has a sector lightning light for a period of 12 seconds (red sectors: 230 o : 250 o. -54.5 o ;-67.5 o ; white sectors: -250 o ; 42.5 o ; - 49.5 o ; 54.5 o ; -67.5 o -230 o 42.5 o -490.5 o ).

It is in operation, equipped with an Ml 300 flashlight, with a luminous range of 16 miles.

The light is white, with lightning in 10 seconds.