The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

CHAP. XI.] . DIRECTIONS. 457
the eastern part of False Durian, observing that South Passage island kept
open of False Durian rooky islet, clears the dangers southward of False
Durian.
When standing towards Richardson shoal, keep Rocky islet to the westward
of S. by W. until the peak of False Durian bears West.
Having cleared the Brothers by either of the channels, the Passage
islands will be seen to the north-westward on the east side of the channel,
and should be steered for, passing between them and Princes island to the
westward. In mid-channel the depths will be generally from 17 to 26
fathoms. On approaching Passage islands. Red island about 6 miles north-
ward of North Passage islands, will be discerned ; and may be known by
two islets north-eastward of it, named the Twins.
There is a channel between the Passage islands and Little Durian, but
it is not frequented, as it is not so convenient as that to the westward ;
but in case of necessity a vessel may pass between any of these islands,
giving them a berth of half a mile, as ofE their points there is gfenerally
rocky and foul ground.
There is also a narrow passage, with 13 to 15 fathoms water, on either
side of Bed island, but they are not recommended.
The Channel Westward of Middleburgh Shoal is pre-
ferable, being about 2\ miles wide with mostly regular soundings from 16
and 17 fathoms close to the shoal, decreasing gradually towards the Sabong
shore over a bottom of soft mud, suitable for anchorage. When clear of
North Passage island, haul to the westward for the Sabong shore, then
steer about N.N.W. along it, in 7 fathoms, which wUl lead in the fair
track between the shore . bank and Middleburgh shoal. When Red
island bears East, edge out a little, bringing Deep Water point about
S. J E. or S. J E., and deepen to 10 or 12 fathoms ; continuing to keep in
these depths, steer to the northward, taking care from abreast of Pulo
Pandan to bring Little Carimon peaks westward of N.W., to give a good
berth to the bank of sand and mnd, which projects 3 miles from the shore
of Great Carimon island. Little Carimon may be rounded at any con-
venient distance, if bound through Malacca strait.
In working, keep the Passage islands, open of each other, and do not
deepen towards Middleburgh shoal to above 8^ fathoms, as the depth is
9 fathoms very near its western edge ; but the Sabong shore may be
approached to 5, or 4^ fathoms, in a small vessel.
The Channel Eastward of Middleburgh Shoal, between
it and the reef lying W. by S. from Red island, is 2 miles wide. False
Durian peak in line with the east side of North Passage island is a good
mark, and leads in mid-channel in 16 to 19 fathoms, mud.