The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

CHAi'. m.] SINGKEL.—BA.I10S. 177
nearly 2 miles off it. Eastward of the poiat the bottom becomes soft, when
course should be altered to N.N.E. to pass westward of Pulo Kassi, a low
sandy island, and anchor between it and the western shore. If the vessel
intends remaining a considerable time she should anchor in 6 fathoms, mud,
on the west side of the small island of Se Maura, which is covered' with
trees, where she will be sheltered by the land from westerly winds, and by
the reefs at the entrance of the bay from S.E. winds.
Pulo LSikotta, situated 30 miles south-eastward from Singkel river,
is a small low island, covered with trees. A reef with a depth of 4 fathoms,
lies with the centre of Pulo Lakotta, bearing E.N.E. distant one mile;
also a reef of 4| fathoms lies with the same islet about N.E. distant
6 miles. Pulo Burong or Bird island, a low islet or sandbank, with
36 fathoms water close to, lies 5 miles N. by W. of it. Bird island is
visible about 9 miles, and surrounded by a reef which is three-quarters of a
mile long in an east and west direction.
Shoals. — A shoal with a depth of one fathom lies with Pulo
Lakotta bearing S.S.E. i E., distant 2 miles. A shoal of 11 feet, lies
with Bird island S.W. 4 miles, and Lakotta S.S.W., with from 30 to
25 fathoms around it.
A shoal patch lies nearly midway between Pulo Burong and Singkel
with the former bearing S.E. J E., distant 12 miles. Within a distance of
10 miles eastward of Pulo Lakotta there are numerous outlying shoals, for
which the chart must be the guide.
The best track for vessels is midway between Pulo Lakotta and the
main land, and where soundings of 25 fathoms will be obtained. The
ground to the west and south-west of Pulo Lakotta is comparatively
unknown. The coast between Se Muara Gusong and Baros is fringed by
shoals, which in some parts extend 10 miles off shore.
BAROS, an open port, in lat. 2° 1' N., is a place of some trade. The
principal exports are camphor and benzoin ; fresh water may be procured,
but it is dangerous for a boat to enter the river without a native guide.
Wood and water may also be got at Pulo Lassi, near the west point
of Tapus bay, off which there is anchorage with the island bearing
N.W. by W., distant about one mile.*
A shoal extends about one mile in a S.S.W. direction from the east point
of the river, on which the town of Baros stands.
Directions.—A vessel bound from Singkel to Baros should steer
for Pulo Burong, avoiding the shoal lying midway, and about 2 miles west-
ward of this line ;
the islet may be approached on the north side within one
or 1^ miles. The water deepens near it, but the soundings are not regular
See plan of Baros, on Admiralty chart, No. 2,7 60 j scale, m = •
U 20665.
8 inch.
jVI