Cape Columbine is well known for its lighthouse, the last manned lighthouse built on the South African coast. The Cape Columbine Lighthouse was commissioned on October 1, 1936. Both the headland and lighthouse derive their name from the Columbine, a barque wrecked 1.5 km North of the lighthouse on March 31, 1829.
Cape Columbine Lighthouse is situated on a prominent headland ±5 km from the picturesque fishing village of Paternoster (meaning Our Father) deriving its name from the heartfelt prayers of shipwrecked Portuguese sailors. The lighthouse, built on rising ground at Castle Rock, and usually the first lighthouse sighted by shipping coming from South America and Europe, is about 30 km from Vredenburg on the West Coast.
- First South African Lighthouse to receive three navigational aids: light, a fog signal and a radio beacon.
- First lens system designed for use with a 4 kW incandescent electric lamp.
Several ships were wrecked in the area, which is known for its multitude of submerged rocks and reefs.
- Columbine 1829
- Ismore 1899
- SS Saint Lawrence 1876
- SS Lisboa 1910
- SS Haddon Hall 1913
- SS Malmesbury 1930
- Haleric 1932
- Da Gama 1979
- SS Columbine 1944 (Torpedoed)
The Columbine Nature Reserve surrounds Cape Columbine Lighthouse. On the southern side of the lighthouse is Tieties Bay. 5 km away is the fishing village of Paternoster. The coastline is well known for its sea life, especially for crayfish and abalone. Langebaan Lagoon, the West Coast National Park and a Fossil Park.
As the sun sets on the days of manned Lighthouses, Japie Greeff, as Senior Lighthouse Keeper at the Cape Columbine Light, will be one of the last men to follow the rigid routines demanded of them every day, to ensure that the Light is turned on at twilight.
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Japie Greef at Cape Columbine Lighthouse |
Acknowledgement: Suzanne Jo-Leff Patterson
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