The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

406 OUTBH ROUTE.—BANKA STRAIT TO SIN&APOilE. [chap. ix.
Ehio strait ; it may, however, occasionally be useful to vessels working to or
from Singapore by the Outer route.
FREDERICK REEF is the outermost of the reefs lying off the
south-east coast of Pulo Bentan. It is nearly 3 cables in diameter with
two heads near the centre awash at low water. The depths around are
from 20 to 22 fathoms, except at the north-east side, where irregular
soundings from 10 to 13 fathoms extend half a mile off. From the centre
of the reef, Pulo Euig or Ragged island bears N.W. ^ N. 23^ miles, and
Pulo Korean W. by N. f IST., 24 miles.
In light winds the reef may be distinguished by the discolouration of the
water ; in fresh breezes it is difficult to distinguish breakers from the
swell, except when the tide is setting against the wind with a comparatively
smooth sea. Off Bentan island at the change of the monsoon in April,
the flood tide runs for 18 hours, and tlie ebb 6 hours. In June the tides
are reversed, consequently a tide against the wind will only take place a
few hours each day.
From the close examination made by Mr. Stanton in H.M.S. Saracen,
he was led to believe that the other reefs which were said to exist near'
Frederick reef, are identical with it, and that there are no other
dangers in its vicinity.
Clearing marks.—As this dangerous reef lies in the direct track of
vessels, the utmost care is necessary to avoid it. A vessel will keep east-
ward of it by not going into less than 25 fathoms, and to the westward by
keeping Gin peak (a conspicuous hill, 337 feet high), Kwas hill (857 feet
high on Bentan;, and Pulo Borean well in sight, until the latter bears
W. by N. which leads well northward of the reef. The high peak of Linga
island S.S.W. | W., or Pulo Ruig bearing N.W. by N., will also lead
' westward of it.
Sand bank.—At about 1 1 miles N.W. by W. ^ W. of Frederick reel',
is the termination of a narrow sand bank with depths of 7 to 10 fathoms,
and steep to on its eastern side. From this extreme, the bank trends in a
south-west and west direction for about 30 miles, where it joins the 13-
fathoms bank fronting PoUux rock, and Missana island, entrance to Eodong
strait. In the If .E. monsoon much rain and thick weather are experienced,
and soundings on this bank afford a good guide to clear these reefs, and
will save anchoring in deep water.
EAST COAST of PULO BENTAN.—Numerous islands and
dangers lie off the southern part of the east coast of Bentan, among which
uo vessel should venture. Ves.sels making passages between Banka and
Singapore straits should pass outside or to the eastward of the whole of
these islands and dangers, and it is therefore onljr necessary here to notice