The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

411
CHAPTER X.
EHIO STRAIT.
Variation 2° 30' East in 1886.
GENERAL DESCmPTION—The route from Baiika strait
to Singapore, eastward of Liuga and through Khio strait, is the one now
commonly adopted by vessels proceeding either way between Sunda strait
and Singapore, for the reasons stated at page 221, that Ehio strait is safe,
sheltered, and easily navigable, the Dutch Government having plaoed
beacons on many of the dangers ; whereas the route eastward of Bentan is
exposed in both monsoons, and the fairway is encumbered with many
rocks and shoals, which render it necessary for vessels to keep at a long
distance from the land.*
This route is particularly convenient for sailing vessels leaving Sincapore
for Europe in the north-east monsoon, and but few now adopt any other.
By proceeding through Rhio strait they avoid the delay and inconvenience
so frequently experienced during that season in getting to sea by the main
channel of Singapore strait, eastward of Horsburgh lighthouse. In the
south-west monsoon also, vessels .ire fi'equently able to proceed to the
southward much quicker by this route than by the outer one.
Khio strait, the southern limit of which is between Missana and Talaug
islands, is bounded on the east by Bentan island, and on the west by the
chain of islands of which Battam, Rempang, and Galang are the chief •
numerous smaller islands and shoals front the main shores on each side of
the strait, and very much contract the width of its main navigable
channel. The strait is about 50 miles in length, in a north-west and
south-east direction, having depths ranging from 6 to 30 fathoms in the
fairway.
The southern entrance of the strait is about 15 miles wide, for a distance
of 11 or 12 miles; it then contracts to about 9 miles between Pulo Siolon
and Great Garras island. About the middle of the strait, and 3 miles
* See Admiralty Charts: — Banka strait to Singapore, No. 2,757, scale m = O-IS of
an incli; Singapore strait. No. 2,403, scale m = 0-66 of an inch; and Ehio strait
No. 2,413, scale m = 0-6S of an inch.