The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

410 OUTER ROUTE. BANKA STRAIT TO SINGAPORE, [chap. ix.
Singapore to Banka strait. In the month of September the Saracen had
the south-east monsoon strong, with much rain ; about the equinox there
were several heavy squalls. This monsoon is generally supposed to shift
about the beginning of October, but during the whole of this month the
wind was only 4 hours from the northward, there being a succession of
calms, light southerly airs, a close muggy atmosphere surcharged with
electricity, and frequent heavy Sumatra squalls or south-westers. On the
9th of November the monsoon shifted with furious gusts.
These squalls at this season generally take place at night, accompanied
with heavy rain, thunder, and lightning, and are of short duration.
DIRECTIONS by the Outer Route from Banka Strait
to Singapore.—The ordinary route for sailing vessels bound northward
from Banka strait is between the Tuj u islands and Pulo Taya ; they may,
however, pass on either side of Pulo Taya, which, being high and bold,
is very convenient to make in thick weather or at night.
At night, or in thick weather, the lead will be very useful in detecting
the drift caused by cross currents between the Tuju islands and Sumatra,
for the depth decreases generally towards Sumatra, and increases towards
those islands; but care should be taken in approaching them, as the
remarkable irregularities of the currents have brought many vessels into
the danger of being entangled among them. Near Sumatra a mud bottom
mixed with sand prevails, and near the islands mud only.
The Castor bank, lying north-eastward of Pulo Taya, has not less than
o fathoms water, but a vessel will pass eastward of it by keeping Pulo
Taya westward of S.W. \ W., and will pass westward, between it and
Ilchester bank, by keeping Pulo Taya between the bearings of S.S.W. ^ W.
and S. by W., until Pulo Meralie bears westward of North. By keeping
the east point of Linga (which, with a point to the westward of it,
appears at a distance like two islands) bearing N.N.W. will lead from
3 to 4 miles north-eastward of Castor bank and Ilchester shoal.
Having passed eastward of Pulo Taya, a course may be steered to cross
the equator in 20 or 21 fathoms, or in about long. 105° 30' E. From the
equator steer about North until past the Frederick and Geldria shoals,
observing in the night not to come under 23 or 24 fathoms between
lat. 0° 30' and 0° 50' N. to avoid those dangers ; if it be day when Pulo
Ruig or Eagged island is seen, keep it westward of N.W., and it will lead
eastward of these shoals. When abreast of Pulo Panjang, and in soundings
of 24 or 25 fathom.s water, a N.W. or N.W. by W. course, according to
tide, will lead to the entrance of Singapore strait. (See Chapter II.)