The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

CHAP. IV.] SEBESI CHANNEU.-^ZUT'PHEN ISIANDS. 265
Close to the east side of Sebtikois Shelter or iBasehurter islet, which
is high on the east side, has a reef on its south side, and forms with SeMko
a small bay, with 15 to 19 fathoms water, affording good anohorage for
coasters. A coral rook, lying mid-channel between the east point of Sebiiko
and north point of Shelter islet, renders it dangerous to enter this little bay
from the northward with westerly gales ; but there is a good road for large
vessels in 11 and 13 fathoms, one or 1^ miles from Sebiiko, near the east
side of Shelter islet.
Tbe Clianiiel between Seb^ko and Sebesi islands is not quite one
mile wide, with soundings, formerly of from 18 to 20 fathoms, hard sandy
bottom. It has been reported dangerous since the earthquake, and until
further examination is made had better be 'avoided. The passage north-
ward of Sebuko, between it and Tiga islets, is 1|- or 2' miles wide, and has
from 20 to 33 fathoms.
HOG POINT, or Tanjong Toka, bearing S.E. by'E. 71 miles
from Cocoa-nut point (page 250), is the south-eastern extreme of Sumatra,
and between it and Fourth point on the Java coast, which bears S.E. l3
miles, is' the narrowest part of Sunda strait. The point has a round hilly
appearance, and is easily distinguished when approaching it from the east-
ward ; the hills at 2 miles north-eastward of the point attain the height
of 836 feet.
Tanjong Bawang, at one mile eastward of Hog point is precipitous, and
the hiUs behind are about 400 feet high. The coast from thence to Steile
point is fringed by reef to the distance of half a cable.
A reef, having a rock above water near its western extremity, extends
about a third of a mUe westward of Hog point.*
ZUTPHEN ISLANDS are situated within 2^ miles of the
Sumatra coast, north-eastward of Hog point. Four of them are large, and
the remainder small, extending JST.E. and S.W. about 4 miles, the whole
being covered with trees and fringed with reef to the distance of
about half a cable. There are several shoals in the passage between
them and the coast, amongst which there is said to be anchorage. This
passage is generally used by coasting craft, and might be taken by vessels
with a commanding breeze, there being sufScient depth of water, but it
is not recommended. The islands are steep-to on their south side, having
from 40 to 50 fathoms water near them.f
Eandaug, the south-westernmost of Zutphen islands, is about one mile
long, half a mile broad, 410 feet in height, and covered with large trees.
* A. rock with less than 6 feet, formerly charted about one mile due south of Hog
point, was unsuccpBsfully searched/or by H.N.M. surveying vessel Slammeiidali 18S5-Si
Depths of $7 to 62 fathoms were found on and around the position, and in con^e,quenpe
the shcal has been removed from the charts.
f See plan of Zutphen islands, m=0'7 of an inch, on Admiralty chart of Sunda straitj