Cape San Pío Lighthouse: Guarding the Beagle Channel
Located at the southernmost tip of mainland Argentina, Cape San Pío (Spanish: Cabo San Pío) serves as a critical maritime landmark. Situated on the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, this cape marks the eastern entrance to the Beagle Channel, a strategic waterway known for its challenging conditions and stunning geography.
The area is defined by its extreme southern coordinates (55°3′S 66°31′W). While the cape is the southernmost point of the mainland, the nearby Islote Blanco—a small islet located approximately 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) to the southwest—extends slightly further south.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Faro Cabo San Pío
To ensure the safety of vessels entering the Beagle Channel, the Faro Cabo San Pío was established. Constructed on March 10, 1919, this lighthouse has provided essential guidance to mariners for over a century. It is currently operated by the Argentine Naval Hydrographic Service.
Architectural Design
The lighthouse is characterized by its unique "bowling pin" conical shape. The tower is built from brick and stands at a height of 8 metres (26 ft). For visibility during the day, the tower is painted with distinctive stripes, described as either orange and red or red and white. An exterior ladder provides access to the upper sections of the structure.
Technical Specifications and Light Characteristics
Despite the modest height of the tower itself, the focal height—the height of the light source above sea level—is 180 feet (55 m). The light operates with a specific characteristic known as Gp Fl.(2) W 16s, meaning it emits two white flashes every 16 seconds. This signal can be seen from a range of 9.2 miles (14.8 km).
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Location: Southernmost tip of mainland Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.
- Established: March 10, 1919.
- Structure: 8-metre conical brick tower shaped like a bowling pin.
- Visuals: Orange and red (or red and white) stripes.
- Light Range: 9.2 miles (14.8 km).
- Operator: Argentine Naval Hydrographic Service.
Summary of Technical Data
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Construction Date | March 10, 1919 |
| Tower Height | 8 metres (26 ft) |
| Focal Height | 180 feet (55 m) |
| Light Characteristic | Gp Fl.(2) W 16s (Two white flashes every 16s) |
| Luminous Range | 9.2 miles (14.8 km) |
| Tower Material | Brick |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Cape San Pío located?
Cape San Pío is located at the southernmost tip of the mainland of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego in Argentina, marking the eastern entrance to the Beagle Channel.
What does the lighthouse look like?
The lighthouse is a conical brick tower, often described as being shaped like a bowling pin, featuring orange and red (or red and white) stripes and an exterior ladder.
What is the light signal of Faro Cabo San Pío?
The lighthouse produces a characteristic signal of two white flashes every 16 seconds, visible up to 9.2 miles (14.8 km) away.
Is Cape San Pío the absolute southernmost point of Argentina?
It is the southernmost tip of the mainland; however, the small islet of Islote Blanco, located about 1.5 kilometres to the southwest, is slightly further south.
Who manages the lighthouse?
The lighthouse is operated and maintained by the Argentine Naval Hydrographic Service.