The text of the announcement reads as follows: “Due to technical problems, the Kalkgrund beacon (Beacon No. 4001, Serial No. 200300) has been extinguished until further notice. Vessels are hereby advised to navigate this area with particular caution.”
Officially cancelled entirely
Back in May last year, we reported on YACHT online that the lighthouse had broken down. Until further notice, three cardinal buoys have been positioned around the tower to warn of the danger zone. Their positions and identifiers are as follows:
- Western cardinal mark at position 54° 49.48' N 009° 53.10' E, designated Fkl (9)
- North cardinal buoy at position 54° 49.59' N 009° 53.29' E, identification code Fkl
- Eastern Cardinal Marker at position 54° 49.48' N 009° 53.48' with the designation Fkl (3)
In April this year, it was announced that the beacon was operating in emergency mode and was therefore unreliable. Well, it’s official now: Kalkgrund isn’t shining at all – not even unreliably anymore...
Warning: Kalkgrund shoal
The Kalkgrund Lighthouse is situated at a position approximately 1.6 nautical miles north-north-west of the Geltinger Birk peninsula and warns of the Kalkgrund shoal, which lies between the lighthouse and the mainland. It forms part of the navigation aids for the Kiel-Flensburg route, which passes the tower to the north.
Germany's first fully automated lighthouse
Kalkgrund became Germany’s first fully automatic lighthouse when it came into operation in 1963. It stands 24.5 metres tall, with a light height of 22.9 metres. It serves as a leading and cross-mark light. The lighting system, which is currently out of service, has a nominal range of 22 nautical miles during normal operation. The light pattern consists of a synchronised light with white, red and green sectors and a period of eight seconds.
Lasse Johannsen
Deputy Editor in Chief YACHT
