The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

CHAE.vni.] EAST AND NORTH COASTS OF BILLITON. 375
see page 353. The whole of this coast is fronted with islets and reefs to the
distance of 2^ miles, and it is advisable to give it a berth of 5 miles.*
Batu Malan Saluting is an isolated patch of 2 fathoms, lying
3^ miles off shore, with Siantn point bearing S.E. by E. ^ E. about 4 miles.
A similar reef lies W. ^ S. about 4 miles from Malan Saluting, and about
midvvay between it and Alwina shoal.
Sijuk, the chief town of the district of the same name, is situated at the
month of a river about 4 miles westward of Siantu point, and midway
between it and Pingi point and hill to the westward.
ISLANDS AND DANGERS ON WEST SIDE OF MAIN
STRAIT, AND IN THE FAIRWAYS.
A description of that portion of the dangers southward of Billiton,
which lie contiguous to Gaspar strait, is given at page 348. The following
islands and dangers lie nearer Carimata strait, and are important to vessels
approaching it from the southward.
KEBATU, or Shoe Island, situated about 31 miles S. by E.
from Kalumpang, the south point of Billiton island, is 600 yards long
by 300 broad, conical in shape, thickly wooded, and 34-4 feet high.
The island is steep-to, with a fringing reef extending from a half to one
cable. This island, situated on the western side of the south entrance to
Carimata strait, and being visible in clear weather from a distance of
23 miles, forms an excellent object to make for when entering the strait
from the south-westward.
"White island, 57 feet high, wedge shaped and of a white colour,
having a few stunted trees on the top, lies one mile south-west from
Kebatu island. A shoal with 6 feet water, and 8 fathoms close to, lies 2
cables north-east from White island, with 10 iathoms between it and the
island.
Zephyr rock, nearly dry at low water, and on which the sea
generally breaks, is steep-to, and lies 6 cables N.N.W. from White island.
Earang Kawat, or Grace Reefs, on which the sea breaks
heavily in moderate weather,- consist of two coral patches, the centres of
which lie N.N.E. | E. distant 4 and 6 miles respectively from Kebatu
island.
These reefs are each about 3 cables in extent, with from 12 to 16
fathoms at less than a cable distant all round. The northern reef dries 4
feet, and the southern is awash at low water.
* The British ship Empress of China was reported to have struck on a reef in lat.
2° 24' S., long. 107° 49' E. or about 7 miles north of Siantu point. Shipping Gazette,
.5th July 1877.