The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

298 BANKA STRAIT. [chap. ri.
instant. The safest plan is not to pass Fourth point within 3 miles, and
to preserve that distance from the edge of the bank.
Depths of 10 to 12 fathoms -will be obtained close to this steep bank,
outside of which there are 8 and 9 fathoms ; increasing again to 10 and
13 fathoms, so that it is not possible to discover a vessel's position by the
lead only. The depths, however, become more regular off the mouths of
the Palembang rivers, and towards and abreast Batakarang point, and if
the lead in those localities be properly attended to, a vessel can proceed
with ease and safety, as the soundings decrease regularly towards the
shore.
Great care, however, is requisite in navigating this part of the strait
during the rainy season, for large drifts are then brought down these
rivers by the freshes, which set strong over to the west end of Banka
and as the flood runs strong into them on the springs, a vessel may be
driven too near either shore, both sides of which are fronted by dangers.
{See page 294.)
SUNGI SUNGSANG or Palembang River.—At about
18 miles westward of Fourth point is the main entrance of Palembang
river, navigable for vessels of light draught as far as Palembang. The
two eastern mouths, named Saleh and Upan, are not navigable. Since
the survey of the north-west part of Banka strait in 1860, a deeper and
more direct entrance to the main channel of this river has been formed,
having 9 feet at low, and 21 feet at higk-water springs.
Buoys. — ^Two Herbert buoys have been laid outside the bar of the
Sungsang to mark the entrance. The white buoy lies in 18 feet,,
distant 5^ miles N. by E. ^ E. from Alangan point j and the black buoy
lies in 16 feet E.S.E. distant 6^ cables from it.
The channel into the river is marked with beacon poles, but on account
of the many floating trees and strong freshes they must not be depended on,
but it is said a vessel of moderate draught may safely enter at high water
by bringing the trees, forming the west point of the river entrance to bear
S. by W. I W., and steering for them on that bearing until Pulo Payung
(Umbrella island) bears South ; then steer for the island, but take care in
approaching it to keep close to the eastern bank of the river, to avoid the
spit extending off its north end. If a pilot be required one may be obtained
at Kampong Sungsang, the small village on the left bank, but there is no
channel available for vessels on the west side of Payung.
This branch of Sungi Sungsang at its entrance is upwards of a mile
wide, but within the navigable channel is contracted in some places to the
width of a cable by the different islands and banks, until close to the
town of Palembang, when the river widens to three-quarters of a mile
with 5 and 6 fathoms close to the shore.
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