The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

Great Durian peak westward of N.W. by W., or tack when approaching
the overfalls near the bank. The depths in this channel will be from 10
or 12 fathoms near the Brothers, to 16 or 18 fathoms near the overfalls on
the edge of the Eastern bank.
Being abreast of South Brother, and at 2 miles distant, steer about
South until it bears N.N.W. ; and whether the vessel has passed eastward
or westward of the Brothers, after having brought the South Brother to
bear N.N.W., steer about S. by E. towards the Alang Tiga islands, and
endeavour to keep in from 14 to 16 fathoms. With a working wind,
the best track is to stand to the eastward until in 17 fathoms, about mid-
cbannel, and into 12 fathoms towai-ds the Sumatra shore, but not under
this depth in passing Dato and Basso points, ps the shoal fronting the latter
is steep-to, with 8 to 14 fathoms near its edge; after passing Basso
point, the coast may be approached occasionally to 6 or 7'fathoms.
The best" track with a fair wind is about mid-channel between Basso
and the Alang Tiga island, or pass about 2 or 2^ miles westward of these
islands at discretion.
Having passed the Alang Tiga islands, keep Mudiu the southernmost,
to the northward of N.W. by N. until Seera islaind bears East, to avoid
Speke rock ; the proper track from the Alang Tiga islands to Vai-ella is to
keep along, the Sumatra coast in 9 to 12jFathoms, borrowing to 6 or 7
fathoms towards the coast, with a working wind.
Caution is however necessary if navigating here in thick weather or at
night, on account of strong tides setting into or out of the moiiths of the
rivers, or to the banks extending 6 or 7 miles off the coast westward of
Tanjong Bon.
Varella island may be passed at. about 2 miles distance in 10 or 12
fathoms ; but the spit surrounding Tanjong Bon is st'feep-to, and should
not be approached under a depth of 10 fathoms.
From a position about 10 miles eastward of Tanjong Bon to abreast Bata-
karang point, at the entrance of Banka strait, the course is about S.S.E.,
and the distance 66 miles, and the whole of the bank fronting the coast is
in this space flat, with regular soundings, except the spit with 4 to 5
fathoms, extending from 10 to 12 miles south-eastward of Tanjong Bon.
The best gaide, therefore, after leaving Varella, is to keep along the coast
in from 5 J to 7 fathoms, until Batakarang point' is approached; and 6i
or 7 fathoms are the proper depths to preserve, when passing this point
and entering Banka strait, westward of Frederick Henry rocks; when
working, Batakarang point may be approached to 6^ or 5 fathoms.