The Lighthouse in Minicoy Island was established in the year 1885 by the British Government for safe sea faring of Mariners. The arrival of Portuguese in the Indian sea in 15th century added to the importance of the islands. In the 18th century there were four ship wrecks on the coral reefs of Minicoy Island.
Although India attained her Independence on 15th August 1947 the British Government did not transfer the administration of Light house till April 1956. The De-jure transfer of Administration to the Government of India has to wait further till 19th September 1963. And the Indian national flag was hoisted on the Light house on 2nd April 1956. Now it is under the Ministry of Shipping, Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships, Regional Office. Another Lighthouse at the North end of Minicoy Island was commissioned on 19th November 2008.
LIGHT HOUSE
1.
Location
Lat 8 º 16 N Long 73 º 01 E
2.
Manufacturer
BBT Paris
3.
Energy source
Main - Local mains Standby - DG Set
4.
Speed of Revolution
4/3 RPM
5.
Character
FL (15) White (0.66 + 14.34)
6.
Focal distance
460 mm
7.
Size of Optic
920 mm
8.
No. of Panels
3 Nos
9.
Illuminant
Main - 150 W(Lamp 4Nos), 230 V Metal Halide lamp
10.
Effective Beam intensity
3,32,15,773 Candellas
11.
Divergence
5 º 18 Horizontal , 4º 58 Vertical
12.
Range of visibility
40 N Miles
13.
Height of the Tower
49.5 M
14.
Elevation M. S. L
47 M
15.
Date of Commissioning
First Order Opti, Light house in 02nd Feb. 1885
DIFFERENTIAL GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (DGPS)
1.
Transmitter make
NAUTEL USA
2.
Equipment
SLF 30091
3.
DGPS Equipment
Elcome Integrity Pvt Ltd Cochin
4.
Output Frequency
306 Khz
5.
Power output
500 W
6.
Range
500 Km
7.
Date of Installation
March 23 rd 2018
Navigational Aids:
Main Lighthouse (South) established in 1885.
North End Lighthouse commissioned in 2008.
RACON (Radar transponder) installed in 1985.
DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System) installed in 23rd march2018.
