The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

CHAP. III.] SIBBRUT STRAIT—MENTAWIE ISLANDS. 213
one mile south-east of it, and anchoring with the islet bearing N.N.E.,
distanj; about one mile, in 6 fathoms o£ water.
Macassar reef, of sand and coral,, with a least depth of about
2 fathoms is 2 miles in extent, and lies in the centre of the western entrance
to Siberut strait, and on the north-west edge of the bank extending from
SiberSt island. This reejE breaks occasionally with the swell, and in strong
winds the breakers will be visible from about 4 miles distant.
from the reef, Ujong Siopah bears S. by E. A E., distant 11 miles;
northward and westward of the reef there is no bottom at 60 fathoms.
A chain of coral shoals on which the least water found was 3| fathoms,
extends in a general N.W. ^ N. direction, 14 miles from Sigeb point, the
north-east extreme of Siberiit ; between these shoals, which may sometimes
be seen by the discolouration of the water, are clear passages 2 to 4 miles
wide. The southern shoal on which there is a depth of 4| fathoms lies
with Sigeb point bearing S.E. ^ E., distant 2^ miles. The next shoal in
the chain has 3J fathoms water, and lies with Sigeb point, bearing
S.E. ^ S. distant 6 miles; a patch of 5 fathoms lies 2 miles N.N.W. of it.
The northern shoal, of 6 fathoms, lies with Sigeb point bearing about
S.E. 1 S. distant 13^ miles. A patch of 5^ fathoms lies 2 miles S.E.
from it.
Directions.—Vessels approaching Siberiit strait from the westward
will sight Pulo Bojo, nearly 400 feet high, with a lighthouse, the light from
which is visible about 27 miles. The best channel is that between Pulo^-
Bojo and Macassar reef, which is clear of all danger. Macassar reef is •
nearly always to be seen by the breakers. The island should be passed at
the distance of 2 or 3 miles, steering East until Ujong Sigeb bears S.S.E.,
when course may be shaped for the desired port. Or, passing southward of
Macassar reef, the only dangers are those on the eastern part of the bank,
the least depth on which is 3;^ fathoms at 6 miles off shore. The best
course is along the north coast of Siberiit island distant from 2 to 3
miles, passing Ujong Sigeb the east point at about one mile, by this means
the patches are avoided.
In this track, anchorage may be taken anywhere in moderate depths,
over sand, whilst northward of Macassar reef there is no anchorage, so-
that for sailing vessels possibly meeting with light winds and an adverse
tide, the southern track through the strait is to be recommended.
MENTAWI ISLANDS, — Siberut Island (Great Fortune
Island of the Dutch) is 56 mUes in length and from 15 to 24 miles in
breadth. It is inhabited by a race of Malays named Mentawi.
'Siberiit island is high and wooded, with many sandy beaches along the
coast, and on which there is usually a heavy surf breaking.