The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

188 WEST COAST OF SUMATRA. [chap. iii.
The channel between Pulo Kasi and the reefs is clear, with depths of 15
io 17 fathoms, and the island should be passed at the distance of about half
a mile. On the east side of Pulo Kasi there is also a safe channel, with
6 fathoms near the island, decreasing regularly to 3 and 2 fathoms about
one mile from the main.
PRIAMAN ISLANDS, three in number, lie in a N.N.W, and
S.S. direction abreast of the settlement of the same name on the main, about
1^ miles distant, and afford shelter from N.W. or westerly winds ; Pulo
Anso, the northernmost, has a well of fresh water, from which vessels are
supplied. A reef projects about 2 cables from the south-west part of
Pulo Anso, having 7 fathoms close to; and a patch of 4| fathoms lies half
a mile W.N.W. of the islet. Pulo Tengah, the middle island is distant
nearly one mile from Pulo Anso, with 3J to 6 fathoms water in the
channel between. The channel eastward of the island has about 3 fathoms
near the island, decreasing gradually towards the shoals off Priaman.*
Pulo Ujong, the southern islet, is distant three-quarters of a mile
from Pulo Tengah, and each of them is about one cable in diameter.
Gusoiig Sibarot is a breaking reef situated half a mile south-west of the
south islet.
Priaman.—The town or village of Priaman, in lat. about 0° 38' S.,
is situated on the south point of a small river, the entrance to which is so
shallow that a boat cannot enter until near high water. At about half a
mile off the mouth of the river, within the 3 fathom line, are several rocky
patches with a depth of 2 fathoms, sand, between them and the shore.
Directions.—Approaching from the northward, having passed within
a short distance either side of Pulo Kasi, a vessel should enter Priaman
road by the channel between Pulo Anso and Tengah ; anchoring in from
3 to 5 fathoms inside under shelter of either of them.
COAST.—Directions.—Vessels not entering Priaman road, bound
to Padang or south-eastward, from abreast Pulo Tengah must steer to avoid
the breaking reef, half a mile west of the south islet, thence steering along
the coast at a moderate distance until Pulo Sauh is approached, there
being no known danger in this part. There is a channel on either side
of that islet, but that to the westward is the best and most direct, care
being taken to avoid the shoal lying three-quarters of a mile W.S.W. of
it. When southward of Pulo Sauh, a direct course may be steered for
Padang flagstaff, or for the anchorage under Pulo Pisang Besar should
unfavourable weather be apprehended, where vessels are sheltered from
N.W. and westerly. winds.
* See Admiralty chart, Priaman to Ujong Indrapnra, No. 709 ; also plan of Priaman
road on Admiralty chart, No. 2,760 ;
scale m = 0'7 inch.