The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

CHAP.iv.j PRINCES ISLAND AND CHANNELS. 233
gale, by carrying a heavy press of sail, and tacking between the squalls,
when it was impossible for any vessel in Great channel to beat against the
current and heavy sea.
Proceeding through Princes channel in this monsoon, keep near Princes
island and Carpenter rocks, especially when working out against westerly
winds, for a current will then sometimes be found setting to the
westward. It is, moreover, very important to keep close to Carpenter
rocks when working out, to avoid being set upon the rocks near Java head
and Palembang point by the heavy swell, for being once outside anchoring
ground, and in a calm, a vessel would have much trouble to clear the coast
X)f Java. The south-east coast of Princes island must not, however, be
approached within one mile.
GREAT CHANNEL lies between the north point of Princes
island and the south point of Krakatoa island, which are 23 miles apart
and although too deep for anchorage, it is much frequented, being the
widest passage into the strait, and is considered to be clear of danger. As
far as at present ascertained, the eruption of Krakatoa has not affected the
navigation of this channel. If the strait be entered by this channel, keep
Princes island aboard, and when farther in the strait keep on the Java shore.
JAVA COAST. — First point. — The coast between Java
head and First point forms a bight, and is fronted by high rocks
stretching out a considerable distance in some places. First point, or
Tanjong Along-ajang, the south point of entrance into Princes channel, has
a conspicuous rock lying abreast of it, which rises abruptly out of the sea,
and is steep-to. Close to the northward of First point there is another
rock above water, which together with the former are named Friar rocks.
LIGHT.—From a white stone lighthouse, 131 feet high, erected
on First point, is exhibited at an elevation of 260 feet above high water
a flashing white light, every half minute ; each flash being of six seconds
duration, followed by an eclipse oi twenty-four seconds. The light is visible
between the bearings of N. 17° W. through east, to ]!Q'. 84° W., (except
when obscured by Princes island), and should be visible in clear weather
from a distance of 23 miles. Position, lat. 6° 441' g.^ ioiig_ iOo° 11^' E,
Mew island, or Pulo Kanti, lying about 2 miles eastward from
First point, is nearly 2 miles in extent north and south, and one mile
east and west. The island is hilly, and abounds with wood. Between
it and First point, and close in -shore, is the Mew stone, a small rock above
water. The shore is rocky on the outside of Mew island, but safe to
approach ; the soundings decrease gradually to 8 or 9 fathoms.
Between Mew island and the main there is a narrow but safe channel,
with depths from 10 to 5 fathoms, sandy bottom. When taking this
passage, keep close over towards Mew island, to avoid Watson bank,