The West Coast of South Africa, particularly the Paternoster region, is often plagued by fog, rough seas, and heavy gales. In the era leading up to the start of the 20th century, it had become the graveyard of many a fine ship, and a government commission assembled in 1906 recognized the need for a lighthouse. But other locations were deemed to be more urgent, and it was only in 1935 that final approval for the build was granted. The chosen site was a granite outcrop named Castle Rock, situated on a prominent headland called Cape Columbine which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean about 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of Paternoster. The headland was named after a British ship, the “Columbine”, which was on a voyage from London to Australia when she ran aground just north of this location on the 31st of March 1829.
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There is some debate as to how Paternoster got its name, but the most plausible theory is that it was derived from the prayers of shipwrecked Catholic sailors; translated from Latin, “Paternoster” means “Our Father”. It is one of the oldest fishing villages on the West Coast, and is characterized by azure blue waters, cream-colored boulders, white-washed cottages, traditional fisherman’s architecture, and pristine sandy beaches. The town has become a very popular holiday destination, and is without doubt one of the most picturesque places in South Africa.
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LSA Number |
07 |
Name |
Cape Columbine |
Province |
Western Cape |
Location |
Near Paternoster |
GPS Coordinates |
S32.827786 E17.855520 32°49'40.0"S 17°51'19.9"E |
ARLHS Number |
SAF-034 |
Admiralty Number |
D5810 |
NGA Number |
25892 |
Active |
Yes |
First Established |
1936 |
Commission Date |
1 October 1936 |
Decommission Date |
Not applicable |
Construction Type |
Square masonry tower |
Daymark |
Tower painted white; lantern painted red. |
Tower Height |
15 meters (49 feet) |
Focal Plane |
80 meters (262 feet) |
Luminous Intensity |
5,040,000 candelas |
Nominal Range |
30 nautical miles |
Characteristic |
Fl.W. |
Period |
15 seconds |
Pattern |
Fl. 0.2s, ec. 14.8s |
Pattern Description |
1 white flash every 15 seconds. |
Manned |
Yes |
Site Open |
Yes |
Fenced |
Yes |
Tower Open |
Yes |
Accommodation |
Yes |
Access Method |
Car / 4x4 |
Access Notes |
There is a graveled road of 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) from the outskirts of Paternoster to the lighthouse complex. It is recommended that a vehicle with high clearance be used. In wet weather, a 4x4 might be required. |