If you were reading my last post, you'll know that the first lighthouse on Cape Point was built at the wrong elevation! Ships were still being wrecked on their passage around the Cape and something had to be done.
Construction on a new lighthouse began in 1913 and took 6 years to complete at a time when most resources and manpower were committed to the First World War. The difficulty of the site, precariously close to the wild surf, meant that building material had to be transported in carts on specially constructed rails. The light was initially powered by paraffin supplied from tanks further up the peak, and then electrified in 1936.
The new lighthouse sits a mere 87m above sea level on the very tip of the Cape Point promontory. It's possible to hike almost all the way down to it, as you can see from the photo. Its revolving light emits 3 flashes every 30 seconds, at a strength of 19 million candlepower. It can be seen up to 60 km away and is the most powerful lighthouse in Africa. Crucially - and to the relief, no doubt, of the authorities - the beam is visible when the fog comes down! Given the new location, it also means that ships sailing around the Cape have to go further south in order to see its light and, by doing so, they sail clear of the rocks and have a safe passage.
But is this the end of the story?
Not quite! There's a further twist in this foggy tale.
More next time...
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