Cape Columbine Lighthouse, Western Cape

Cape Columbine Lighthouse, light on.

Latitude: 32° 49’ 39” S Longitude: 17 ° 51’ 23” E

Date commissioned:  1 October 1936

Architect/builder:  HC Cooper

Primary structure material of construction:  Square masonry tower painted with red lantern house.

Height of tower:  15 metres

Character of light:  One flash every 15 seconds

Heritage status:  Being older than 60 years, the lighthouse is protected under the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999.

Inhabited/manned:  Yes

Open to public:  Yes

Present Keeper: Japie Greeff

Cape Columbine Lighthouse is situated on a prominent headland about 5km from the picturesque fishing village of Paternoster (Our Father), deriving its name from the heartfelt prayers of shipwrecked Portuguese sailors. The lighthouse, which is built on rising ground at Castle Rock and is usually the first lighthouse sighted by shipping coming from South America and Europe, is about 30 km from Vredenburg on the West Coast.

The lighthouse was named after the barque Columbine which was wrecked there on 31 March 1829.  Several ships were wrecked in the area, which is known for its multitude of submerged rocks and reefs.