The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

CHAP. IV.] JAVA HEAD.—SUNDA STRAIT. 229
Between Trowers island and Sangian Sira there is no shelter from S.W.
and S.E. gales ; also rocks in some places lie
J and 2 miles off shore
1
eastwai-d of Sodon point, a patch of 2^ fathoms lies 1^ miles off shore.
SUNDA STRAIT.
Variation 2° 0' E. in 1886.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.—Sunda strait, through which
passes a large portion of the trade of China, as also most of the trade of
Batavia, Singapore, and other ports in the Java and China seas, separates
the large islands of Java and Sumatra. Between cape Sangian Sira the
most southern part of the western extreme of Java, and Flat cape the
southern extremity of Sumatra, which forms the western limit of the strait,
the distance is 68 miles, in a N.W. ^ N., and S.E. ^ S. direction ; and
from the western, to the eastern limit of the strait, which lies between
St. Nicholas point the northern extreme of Java, and the opposite coast of
Sumatra, the distance is 74 miles ; the general direction of the track for
^hipping being about N.E. and S.W. The narrowest part of the strait is
at its north-east end, where the distance between Fourth point in Java,
and Hog point in Sumatra, is but 13 miles. This part of the strait is
divided into two channels, each about 4 miles wide, by Thwart-way island,
which, no doubt, received its name from the circumstance of its lying right
in the middle or fairway of the narrowest part of the strait.
In the strait are several islands forming different channels, by which it
may be entered from the westward ; but Princes channel and Great
channel, both on the south side, are those most commonly used.
The Great channel is limited on the north side by the conspicuous
Krakatoa island, between which and the coast of Sumatra are three
channels, formed by Sebesi (Bezee,) and Sebiiko islands, all now very
dangerous and should be avoided.*
VOLCANIC ERUPTION.—The volcano of Krakatoa island
was in eruption in the year 1680, and although included within the cate-
goiy of active volcanoes it remained in a state of comparative inactivity for
upwards of 200 years.
In the year 1883, on May 20Lh, the volcano burst into eruption, accom
panied by earthquakes, which were severely felt at Batavia, and at the
some time vast showers of pumice and ashes were projected to a great
distance. This eruption was observed from the Imperial German ship
Elizabeth, and on the following day, when 100 miles from Krakatoa, a
* See Admiralty charts :—Sunda strait, No. 2,056 ; scale, m = 0'3 of an inch; and
Sumatra Island, sheet II., No. 2,761 ; scale, m = 0- 1 of an inch.