The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

2o2 STJNDA STRAIT TO BANKA STRAIT. [chap. v.
Clifton shoal of 3 fathoms, lies 9 miles eastward of Tanjong Sekopong,
with the Brothers high trees bearing about S. by E. l E. distant 15 miles.
As the depths decrease gradually towards these banks, vessels may stand
into 7 fathoms, but it is advisable if possible to pass within 3 miles of the^
Brothers when taking the inshore channel.
The COAST.—From Tanjong Sekopong the coast trends northward
to Saputi river, for the distance of 15 miles ; thence about 20 miles to the
entrance of Tulang river.
Saputi river, the mouth of which is in lat. about 4° 40' S., may beapproached
bearing about \V. by N., to about three miles, where the depth
is about 4 fathoms.
Tulang bank fronts the whole of the coast between Saputi
aud Tulang rivers, and is a hard sand-bank. Its northern edge projects
14 miles from the shore nearly due East of Tulang river. According,
to the reports of the natives there is a passage between the bank and the
shore, but probaWy is only suitable for small craft.
TULANG RIVER.—The mouth of this river in about 4° 20' S,
may be closely approached from the north eastward, avoiding the bank of
4^ fathoms or less, lying about 20 miles oiF in that direction. Near its
entrance is a small village ; and about 55 miles up the river is the town
of Mangala, where the Rajah resides. H.M.S. Vesuvius anchored in.
4 fathoms, 8 miles N.E. by N. from its mouth, and despatched some armed'
boats up the river in search of pirates. The boats crossed a bar in the
mouth, having only one fathom depth of water, but inside, and as far up as
14 or 15 miles, they had 3 and 4 fathoms.
The Coast from Tulang river to Tree island about 30 miles north,
curves to the westward 3 or 4 miles, and about the middle of it is the
Masudyi river. From Tree island the coast trends north and north-eastward
about 36 miles to Lueipara point, at the entrance of Banka strait.
Banks.—Between Tulang and Masudyi rivers the shaUow bank front-
ing the shore gradually increases its distance to 12 miles between the latter
and Tree island ; thence it edges away towards the coast in a If. by W.
direction to about 10 miles northward of Tree island, where it apparently
approaches the shore to within 5 miles ; thence to Lueipara point, toi
10 or 12 miles off shore, but little is known of it.
Portions of this bank dry occasionally, one of which is named Tromp
patch. A doubtful bank is charted nearly due South, 19 miles from
Lueipara point. Parmassang peak, open of, or in line with First point,
bearing N, by W. | W., leads clear and eastward of both banks.