The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

456 VARBLLA AND DURIAN STRAITS. [chap, xiv
careful not to stand nearer to Basso island or Dato point than,2 miles, and
also avoid being tempted to stretch into Amphitrite bay, as the banks are
steep-to, and caimot be approached by the lead. At 6 or 7 miles north-
ward of Dato point the depths decrease more regularly towards the bank„
which may from thence be approached by the lead into 8 or 7 fathoms
towards the low Mangrove islands. In standing to the eastward, do not
deepen above 18 or 19 fathoms, particularly as the distance from the
Alang Tiga islands is increased, for the ground on that side is foul, and
unsuitable for anchorage.
Marks for keeping clear of Irene rocks and other dangers on the eastern
side of the channel have been given in page 443, and the navigator is.
referred to them if he should stand so far over to the eastward, which is,
however, out of the fair track.
Passage to Singapore by Abang and Dumpo Straits.
—It should be mentioned here that, in order to avoid the difficulty and
delay sometimes experienced in getting from the northern part of Durian
strait to Singapore road, many sailing vessels have preferred to pass from
the Inner route by Abang strait or Dumpo strait into Rhio strait. It
seems probable that the best passages might be made in this way, for the
great depth of water in the western part of Singapore strait is often,
embarassing in light winds. H.M.S. Saracen made a good passage by
the Abang strait route, first experiencing all the advantages of the smooth
water and less unfavourable tides of the passage inside Linga by Varella
strait, and then passing without the least difficulty through Abang strait
into Ehio strait. See page 446, and Chapter X.
To enter Durian Strait by the Eastern Channel, a berth
of one or 2 miles may be given to the South and Middle Brothers, by passing
them in from 10 to 1 5 fathoms, and on nearing the North Brother, give a
prudent berth to the reef that projects to the south-eastward. In standing
towards Eastern bank, avoid bringing Great Durian peak westward of
N.W. by W. ; or if the vessel gets on the edge of the overfalls in making
the eastern board, tack immediately, and stand towards the Brothers to
10 or 1 1 fathoms. When the southern point of Great Durian is approached,
the Tombs will be discerned; and Sabong hill bearing about W.N.W.,
making like two islands, which may be mistaken for the Carimons.
Having passed the North Brother, at I^ or 2 miles distance, steer to the
westward, giving a berth of about 2 miles to the southern part of Durian,
by keeping North Passage island open of Little Durian, to avoid the
sunken rocks south-westward of the Tombs.
To enter Durian Strait by the Western Channel, pass
li miles westward of the South Brother, and proceed to tlie northward in
8 to 12 or 14 fathoms, about mid-channel between the other Brothers and