LAKSHADWEEP TO MALDIEVES chart 295 General information Description. Both the South Thiladhunmathee atoll (06º38'.00N, 073º00'.00E) and North Thiladhunmathee atoll(06º55'.00N, 073º10'.00E) lie N of a channel that follows approximately the parallel of 6º 29'.00N; the channel forms a natural boundary separating these atolls from Miladhunmadulu atolls to the S. The atolls, oriented NNE/SSW, are 38 miles long and a maximum of 14 miles wide.There are about 40 islands and islets in Thiladhunmathee Atolls, lying mainly on their E sides; the islands and islets are generally larger and lie farther apart, providing good openings into the lagoon, compared with other atolls of the Maldives. Many of the islands are inhabited. On the W side of the atolls, there are numerous reefs including some lagoon reefs, which form the barrier reef; there are openings into the lagoon through this barrier reef which are navigable, it is better to avoid them due to lack of identification marks to locate them. The lagoon is less encumbered with dangers than most other atolls in the Maldives and has generally moderate depths. Directions. In favourable daylight conditions the lagoon can be navigated with ease for there are few dangers, but it is recommended that the vessel should be conned from aloft. The chart is sufficient guide for the routes between the dangers. Eastern side of Thiladhunmathee atolls Description.The string of islands and islets, from Maavaidhoo (06º31'.00N, 073º03'.00E), forming the E side of the atolls, it recedes in a curve and then trends N for a total of 28½ miles NNE to Kelaa, an island marking the NE extremity of the atolls. Principal islands and islets. On this side of the atolls, all of the islands and islets, some of those within the lagoon are inhabited, many are densely populated as shown on the chart. There is a large village on Kulhudhuffushi (06º 37'.5N, 073º 04'.0 E) which is fronted on its W side by a sandy beach and a lagoon enclosed by a coral reef; within the reef is a small harbour. Stakes marks the boat channel leading to the harbour; it has been previously reported to be wider and deeper than those usually found in this area. There is a large domestic airfield on Hanimaadhoo (06º45'.00N, 073º10'.00E) which facilitates flights to and from Male. There are two landing stages on the W side of the island; the N landing can accommodate small craft with a draught of about 2.5 m; the S landing is reported to be fragile. There are several large public buildings on Kelaa (06º57'.50N, 073º12'.80E) which is well populated. At the N end of the W side of the island, there is a landing stage. Stranded wreck (06º52'.49N, 073º13'.86 E) lying on the SE point of Filladhoo was reported to be visible at a distance of about 5 miles. Lagoon entrances. On this side of the atolls there are several safe channels leading into the lagoon, the detail of these openings is shown on the chart. When navigating these channels it is recommended that the vessel should be conned from aloft. Near the N end of this side of the atolls, Maa Kanduolhi (06º5l'.00N, 073º13'.00E) is a wide channel, but it should be noted that several rocky patches encumber its fairway. Western side of Thiladhunmathee atolls Description.The barrier reef extends from the W entrance of the channel(06º30'.00N,072º53'.00E) that forms the boundary with Miladhunmadulu atolls to the S, about 21 miles N to Maaduni Faru, a lagoon reef which forms the NW- corner of the atolls. The barrier reef comprises a large shoal with rocky patches lying close N of the boundary, some large lagoon reefs, and a number of other reefs, on most of which stand small islets. Lagoon entrances.On this side of the atolls there are several channels leading into the lagoon but only Ruffushi Channel (06º48'.00N,072º57'.00 E) should be considered for navigation; this opening is about 3¼ miles wide with a least charted depth of 31 m towards the N part of its fairway. A small islet, Ruffushi, standing on a reef close S of the S entrance point of the opening, aids its identification; however, the point should be given a wide berth. Light, not charted is exhibited from ruffushi (06º45'.55N, 072º56'.25E). North-western side of Thiladhunmathee Atolls Description.The barrier reef bordering the S side of Gallandhoo Channel, from Maaduni Faru (06º50'.00N, 72º57'.00E), recedes in a curve and trends 17 miles ENE to Kelaa. The barrier reef comprises some large lagoon reefs and a number of other reefs on most of which stand islands or islets. Principal islands. Thakandhoo Island lying close SE of Maarandhoo Island (06º51'.23 N, 072º59'.00E) and both are inhabited; Dhidhdhoo, 8 miles ENE of Maarandhoo, is also inhabited and near the midpoint of its W side there is a landing jetty. Dhidhdhoo is the capital and administrative centre for north Thiladhunmathee atoll and Ihavandhippolhu atoll. Lagoon entrances. On this side of the atolls there are several channels leading into the lagoon; those near the WSW end are well defined by islands as shown on the chart. Gaafushi Channel (06º52'.00N, 073º04'.00 E) is the widest entrance with a least charted depth of 38 m in its fairway, but it is marked only by Gaafushi, a small islet, lying near its W entrance point;, about 1¾ miles ENE of Gaafushi, an unmarked reef forms the E entrance point. Small craft may be encountered in the vicinity of Dhonakulhi (06º50'.70N, 073º02'.90 E), where there is a resort; a marina is proposed. Stranded wreck (06º57'.50N, 073º11'.00E). Near the edge of the reef W of Kelaa. Lagoon reef entrances.On NW of Vashafaru Islet (06º54'.00N, 073º09'.50E), there is a small boat passage into the lagoon reef; the passage enters the lagoon about 1 mile N of the island and is marked by stakes. An unmarked passage, enters the SW side of the lagoon which lies SW of Kelaa Island (06º57'.94N, 073º12'.74E). GALLANDHOO CHANNEL General information Gallandhoo Channel (06º54'.00N, 073º00'.00E) lie between North Thiladhunmathee atoll and Ihavandhi-ppolhu atoll; at its narrowest part the channel is about 3 miles wide; is deep and free from charted dangers in the fairway. Entrances on each side of the channel lead into the lagoons where anchorage may be found. Through Gallandhoo Channel tidal streams set ENE when in-going and WSW when out-going.The chart is sufficient guide for passage through this channel. IHAVANDHIPPOLHU ATOLL Description. Ihavandhippolhu atoll, is the N atoll of the Maldive Group and lies on the N side of Gallandhoo Channel. There are about 24 islands or islets on Ihavandhippolhu atoll, mostly small with the largest barely 1½ miles long; the majority of the islands are heavily wooded and lie along the circumference of the barrier reef. About seven of the islands are inhabited. The main occupations of the inhabitants are fishing and coconut cultivation. The atoll is included in the district of North Thiladhunmathee atoll for administrative purposes. Four islands, some shoals and a number of isolated reefs forms the central lagoon, of which, Rasfushifaru Reef (07º 0l'.7 N, 072º 56'.0 E) has two drying rocks; the names and positions of the islands and other dangers are shown on the chart. There are general depths of 35 to 50 m in the E half and from 20 to 35 m in the W half of the lagoon; but in both parts, the latter particularly, there are many unnamed isolated shoal patches and continuous shoaling in the SW, W and NW parts from near its center to the surrounding barrier reef. When the sky is overcast the shoals described above are not so readily identifiable whereas with the sun high these can easily be seen, from the bridge or aloft, showing pale green against the dark deeper water. Communication with the other atolls is by boat, but there is no regular service. Currents and tidal streams At Ihavandhippolhu atoll tidal streams do not appear to follow any regular pattern and currents are only experienced occasionally, probably entirely under the influence of local weather conditions. The following isolated observations have been made previously: Within the lagoon. a W set between Madulu (07º 03'.4N, 072º 57'.1 E) and Uligamu, 2 miles NW; and a NW set between Uligamu and Vagaaru, 5 miles WNW of Madulu, were sometimes experienced in December and January. In the centre of the lagoon, during the same period, there was an occasional NW set.In the vicinity of anchorage the current generally sets N or W but it is irregular during December and January. Offshore. about 50 miles E of the atoll, the current was once observed to set N with a rate of 2 kts in December; but one month later there was almost no current in this position. North-eastern part of Ihavandhippolhu atoll Caution.Some of the areas surrounding this part of the atoll which have not been surveyed therefore mariners are advised to give these areas a wide berth. Description.The barrier reef extends from Dhigufaruhuraa (06º 55'.7N, 072º 58'.1E) a small islet with a sandbank and palm trees, about 5¼ miles NNE to Mulhadhoo then 8½ miles NW to Thuraakunu, the N island of the atoll, from where it curves 1½ miles WSW to Vagaaru Island. The reef comprises of a number of islands and two large lagoon reefs and is broken in several places. Principal islands.There is a village on W side of Mulhadhoo (07º 00’.7 N, 072º 59'.9 E); a boat passage leads through an otherwise almost unbroken reef surrounding the village where there is a good landing. The island of Uligamu (07º 05'.0 N, 072º 55'.7 E) is low, flat and thickly wooded. The inner side of the reef encircling the island is separated from the shore and forms a lagoon; there are two openings in the reef through which fishing boats may enter the atoll lagoon to land on the beach. Near the center of the island there is a village which is surrounded by coconut trees and breadfruit trees. On N side of Thuraakunu (07º 06'.4 N, 072º 54'.0 E) there is a village; landing can be effected through a gap in the encircling reef on the S side of the island. A small island near the N end of the atoll, Vagaaru (07º 05'.7 N, 072º 52'.7 E), is low and well wooded. The island is surrounded by a reef which narrows on its SE side where there is a good landing place; however sometimes landing becomes hazardous due moderate surf. Lagoon entrances. On this part of the atoll there are several channels leading into the lagoon but those in the S part, lying S and N of Gallandhoo (06º 57' N, 072º 59' E) and the channel N of Kurolhi, a shoal 1¼ miles N of Gallandhoo, have not been surveyed and therefore not recommended for use without local knowledge. Between Filaafuni (06º 58'.8 N, 072º 59'.0 E), a shoal, and Mulhadhoo, 1¾miles NNE, Mulhadhoo Channel (06º 59'.5 N, 072º 59'.5 E) enters the lagoon; the opening is about 1½ miles wide with a least charted depth of 31 m in the S part of the fairway. Vessels approaching the atoll from SE or E and using this entrance should bring the NE point of Medhafushi Islet (07º 00'.8 N, 072º 56'.0 E) to bear 287º and keep it so, passing about 7 cables off Mulhadhoo, then when the S end of the latter island bears 070º steer as required to anchorage. There is an alternative entrance, Uligamu Channel (07º 04'.2N, 072º 56'.4E), for vessels approaching the atoll from E or from NE; the opening lies between Madulu and Uligamu; it is about 1¼ miles wide with a least charted depth of 35 m in the middle of the fairway but lesser depths will be found on each side. With a least charted depth of 20.1 m in the middle of its fairway, Vagaaru Channel (07º 06'.4 N, 072º 53'.1E) is the deepest opening, in the N part of the atoll and lies between Thuraakunu and Vagaaru. The entrance is fairly well marked and the edges of the reefs on each side of the passage can be seen from aloft at a good distance. Within the lagoon, shoal depths do not encumber this entrance; however, it is less wide than the openings in the reef on each side of it. Useful marks Light, notcharted is exhibited from dhigufaruhuraa (06º55'.20N, 072º 58'.10E). There is a beacon (07º 05'.2 N, 072º 55'.8 E) on the reef on the E side of Uligamu about 9 cables SE of its N point, the position of this beacon is approximate. Thuraakunu Light (07º 06'.5 N, 072º 53'.5 E) stands near the NW extremity of the reef fringing Thuraakunu (uncharted). South-western part of Ihavandhippolhu atoll Caution. Some of the areas surrounding this part of the atoll which have not been surveyed therefore mariners are advised to give these areas a wide berth. Description. The reef curves from Dhigufaruhuraa (06º 55'.7 N, 072º 58'.1E), WSW and NW for a total of about 4½ miles to Huvahandhoo Channel. Dhigu Faru, a reef surrounded by a very shallow area with numerous coral heads, forms the S point of the atoll. The barrier reef trends 9 miles NW from Huvahandhoo (06º 57'.5 N, 072º 54'.3 E), an island on the NW side of Huvahandhoo Channel, to the W point of the the atoll where it then curves to Vagaaru Island about 5½ miles ENE. The reef lies between the S end of Huvahandhoo Island and Farukolhu Channel (07º 05'.8 N, 072º 51'.5 E), W of Vagaaru Island, and is unbroken with a number of islands and islets lying inside it and all except one lie on its SW side. Principal islands. Ihavandhoo (06º 57'.3 N, 072º 55'.6 E), lies at the inner end of Huvahandhoo Channel and is one of the few populated islands within the lagoon. On the S side of this island there are landing places. Huvarafushi (06º 59'.0 N, 072º 53'.8 E) is the main island of the atoll and has a large village. Formed between the island and the barrier reef there is a natural harbour on its SW side, which provides good anchorage for numerous fishing craft. Hathifushi (07º 0l'.2 N, 072º 49'.8 E) has a harbour for fishing craft, protected by a breakwater, along its N coast. The approach to the harbour is shallow and barely usable at low water. Matheerah (07º 0l'.7 N, 072º 49'.2 E), has a flagstaff and small temple standing on island, and was formerly used as a cemetery. Innafinolhu (07º 04'.5 N, 072º 48'.8 E), lies inside the barrier reef near its NW point. Lagoon entrances.On this part of the atoll there are two channels leading into the lagoon, Huvahandhoo Channel on its SW side and Farukolhu Channel on its NW side, which may be used by small vessels approaching the atoll from these directions. Between Dhigu Faru and Huvahandhoo, Huvahandhoo Channel (06º 56'.5 N, 072º 54'.5 E) enters the lagoon. The opening is about 7 cables wide through which a fairway, 4 cables wide, with charted depths of more than 20 m, which leads towards Ihavandhoo Island and gives access W of this island to the lagoon; there are several shoal and rocky patches on each side of the opening and off the reef encircling Ihavandhoo, but under suitable conditions these are usually easily seen from aloft. Between Vagaaru Island and the E end of the barrier reef, 2 miles W Bihedhdhootila, Farukolhu Channel (07º 05'.8 N, 072º 51'.5 E) enters the lagoon. Several other shoal patches lie in this opening which has a narrow fairway, situated close W of Vagaaru, where vessels may enter the lagoon in a least charted depth of about 20.1 m; however, there are lesser depths close within the lagoon. Useful mark The following uncharted lights are exhibited from: NW extremity of Dhigu Faru (06º55'.20N,072º56'.30E). E side of Nasfaru (06º57'.80N, 072º56'.10E). S extremity of Huvahandhoo (06º57'.50N, 072º54'.30E). NW side of Rasfushifaru (07º01'.70N, 072º56'.00E). W extremity of barrier reef between Matheerah and Innafinolhu. A Radio mast (red and white bands, obstruction light), not charted, stands on Huvarafushi (06º58'.90N, 072º53'.60E). Stranded wreck (07º04'.60N, 072º48'.20E)lies near the outer edge of the barrier reef W of Innafinolhu; the wreck is generally very broken up, but about 1 m of its mast and a few parts of the superstructure are visible at all states of the tide. Anchorages in Ihavandhippolhu atoll Within the atoll the best anchorage can be found W of Uligamu Island (07º05'.00N, 072º 55'.70E) in depths of 27 to 37 m, sand and coral, as shown on the chart. Good anchorage can also be found E of the reef in the SW part of the lagoon between Huvarafushi(06º59'.00N, 072º53'.80E) and Huvahandhoo, 1½ miles SSE, in depths of 31 to 37 m, sand and coral, as shown on the chart. This is probably the best anchorage during the SW monsoon but a heavy swell might reach part of the anchorage through Huvahandhoo Channel. During the NE monsoon, good anchorage may be obtained W of Mulhadhoo (07º00'.70N, 072º59'.90E) and Gaamathikulhudhoo, 2 miles NNW, in depths of 47 to 55 m, sand and coral. Vessel may also anchor S of Vagaaru Island (07º05'.80N, 072º52'.70E) and Thuraakunu Island, 1½miles ENE, as shown on the chart. EIGHT DEGREE CHANNEL Description The Channel between the N end of Ihavandhippolhu atoll (07º00'.00N, 072º55'.00E) and Minicoy Island, 70 miles N is known as Eight Degree Channel (Maa Ma Lee Channel). For ocean-going vessels proceeding in an E/W Channel). For ocean-going vessels proceeding in an E/W direction, it is one of the principal routes through the Maldives; see Ocean Passages for the World for details of such routes. Depths The channel is generally very deep and free from charted dangers. However, an area which lies about 34 miles NNW of Ihavandhippolhu Atoll where two depths ofless than 100 m were reported in 1985 and 1986. Currents The currents in this channel have similar characteristics to those at the N end of the Maldives, however, during the NE monsoon they sometimes set NW and very occasionally they set N with S winds. The current sets S between the ends of September and December. Lights Major light. Minicoy Island light (08º16'.16N, 073º01'.57E) Racon. Minicoy Island light (08º16'.16N, 073º01'.57E) The chart is sufficient guide for navigation in this channel. Passage directions For the vessels using Eight Degree Channel, it would be more prudent to keep nearer to Minicoy than the Maldives thus ensuring sighting the light on Minicoy Island, which is much more powerful than the light on Thuraakunu Island; this route also ensures that vessels avoid being set onto the N endof theMaldive Group. The chart is sufficient guide for navigation in this channel. LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS General description Lakshadweep formerly known as the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Aminidivi Islands, is situated around 120 to 270 Nm off the south western coast of India. The islands are the northernmost of the Lakshadweep-Maldives-Chagos group of islands, which are the tops of a vast undersea mountain range, the Chagos-Laccadive Ridge. The name Lakshadweep comes from "Lakshadweep", which means "Lakhs of islands". Minicoy Island The Minicoy Island is the second largest and the southern-most island of Lakshadweep, situated at a distance of 215 nautical miles south-west of Kochi between 08° 15'.00 and 08° 20'.00 N latitude and 073° 01'.00 and 073° 05'.00 E longitude, having an area of 4.80 sq km. This island lies near the nine degree Channel, which is one of the busiest shipping routes and is about 130 km from the northern-most island of Maldives, Thuraakunu. The closest geographic feature is the Investigator Bank, a submerged shoal located 17 Nm to the northeast Minicoy locally known as ‘Maliku’ was formerly known as mahiladu, mahila (women) + du (island) meaning women's island. The name Maliku is thought to have been derived from the Arab trader's term for the island, Jazirat al-Maliku ('the island of the king'), as it was the ancient capital of Lakshadweep. The inhabitants of the island, probably of Sri Lankan origin, are darker and smaller than those of other atolls of Lakshadweep or the Maldives; Mahl is the main language spoken but many of the people speak Hindi, and Malayalam. Minicoy is densely covered with coconut trees, this crescent shaped island has a large and deep lagoon. There is a small inhabited island south of Minicoy known as Viringli. Storm signals At Minicoy Island Lighthouse (08º 16'.16 N, 073º 0l'.57 E) storm signals are displayed. Principal marks Minicoy Island Light Minicoy North Light House (Rectangular Masonary tower painted in white and blue bands, 22m in height) (08° 17'.75E, 073°03'.94 E). Directions for passing Minicoy Caution. Minicoy Island should be approached from the S, passing about 4 miles S of the light structure. In bad weather, landfall in morning twilight is considered safe. Vessels have been wrecked on Minicoy Island due apparently to shaping a course to pass a few miles N of Minicoy Island Light (in some cases after sighting the light from E), instead of passing S of it where the light is a useful guide. The practice of passing a few miles N of the island, especially at night, is a dangerous one as the unpredictable strong S sets are encountered at times. North-western side of Minicoy Atoll Description. Roebera Point (8º16'.10 N, 73º 01'.10 E), form the SW extremity of Minicoy Island, the barrier reef, from here curves 6 cables NW to Viringili Island (Small Pox Island). From this island the reef, which dries in places, extends about 1¼ miles N and then curves 7 cables NE and dries about 0.6 m. Then from the latter position the reef is formed by a string of below-water rocks, marked by breakers, which trend 4 miles ENE to the NE point of the atoll. The entrance to the navigational channel on the Western side is well marked with buoys and beacons, navigation inside the channel should be undertaken at slow speeds (3-4 kts). The channel is suitable preferably at high tide only, for shallow draught vessels of about 02 m or less, keeping in mind the under keel clearance and presence of numerous submerged rocks present all throughout the channel. Two jetties are namely the Katcheri and the Fisheries jetty lie on the Western lagoon. Lagoon entrances. On this side of the atoll, there are five entrances into the lagoon suitable for shallow draught small craft; beacons mark some of the channels in the form of wooden posts but these should not be relied upon for navigation. Local knowledge is required for all of the channels described below. Bojan Chor Channel (08º 17'.00 N, 073º 00’.60 E), is marked at its seaward end by two beacons that stand on the reef. Neru Magu Channel, 1½ miles NNE of Bojan Chor Channel, has depths of about 0.6 to 0.9 m and is marked by beacons to the centre of the lagoon. Khandema Magu Channel enters the lagoon about 9 cables ENE of NeruMagu Channel; it is sparsely marked. Near the NE end of the atoll, Saleh Magu Channel enters the lagoon N of Kodi Pt. it is the principal opening into the lagoon with depths of about 2 to 4 m. It is narrow and is marked with beacons and buoys at uneven spacing. A total of 09 buoys and 04 beacons have been placed to mark the extent of the channel up to the passenger jetty. The entrance of the channel is marked by the Port and Stbd Lattice beacons as Port Trestle Post (Fl.R.5s) and Stbd Trestle Post (Fl.G.5s). Fahara Magu Channel, which is very narrow and even more tortuous than the previous channels, enters the lagoon from the NE extremity of the atoll and joins Saleh Magu Channel N of Kodi Point. There are two wrecks within the entrance to these channels; lying, 2¾ cables NNW and 3 cables NNE of Kodi Point respectively, and each has a depth of 1.3 m over it. Caution. Breakers exists 3.7 cables NNE of Kodi Pt., from here the breakers curves 1.3 cables N. Isolated Islet. Kodi Pt. has separated from the main island i.e. Minicoy Island due to erosion as a result of action of waves and formed a new Isolated Islet. South-Eastern side of Minicoy Atoll Description. Minicoy Island, with a dense covering of coconut trees about 19 m high, from Roebera Point (08º 16'.10 N, 073º 0l'.l0 E) extends 1¾miles ESE to Teveratio Point, the SE point of Minicoy; then it extends 1¾ miles NE to Mou-Rambu Point, from where a narrow peninsula projects about 2½ miles NNE to Kodi Point (08º 19'.4 N, 073º 04’.7 E), the NE point of the island, which is marked by a beacon. There is a 1 m high rock about 1½ cables NE of the point and the barrier reef extends farther NE about 1 cable. Close SW of Mou-Rambu Point lies KoVari Bay (8º 16'.60 N, 73º03’.70 E). Two beacons, orange with orange triangular top marks, stand onshore at the N part of the bay; the alignment (268º) of these beacons leads from seaward towards the bay passing S of the shoal water off Mou-Rambu Point. Directions for entering the lagoon Approach Minicoy Island from S passing about 4 miles S of Minicoy Island Light; in adverse weather the morning twilight landfall is considered reasonably safe. Approach and Entry. The Saleh Magu Channel can be approached from a point 3.3 C from Kodi Point in Position 08°19'.81N 73°04'.59E, keeping clear of the dangers at the mouth of channel. The channel is marked with buoys and beacons at uneven spacing. The entrance to the channel is marked by two Lattice Beacons on both Port and starboard side leading to the narrow channel. Navigation inside the channel should be undertaken at slow speeds (3-4 Kts). The channel is suitable preferably at high tide only, for shallow draught vessels of about 02 m or less, keeping in mind the under keel clearance and presence of numerous submerged rocks present all throughout the channel. Max depth observed to be about 09m and Min depth was 1.5m. The Channel leads to Passenger/ Kacheri jetty on the western side of the island inside the lagoon. Passenger jetty (also known as Kacheri jetty) has three berths for berthing vessels alongside. Preference for berthing is given to the ships both passengers and cargo vessels owned by L & M Administration to meet day to day requirements of the Island. Berths are generally not allotted if there is likely movement of administration ships. The current in the vicinity of Kodi Point always sets onto Minicoy Island. While navigating in the lagoon, course should be so adjusted to keep about 3 cables off the peninsula shore and in about 6 m of water; in addition to the rock with 0.6 m of water over it, about 6 cables SW of Kodi Point, there are several isolated rocks and shoals also shown on the chart. Local knowledge is considered essential for safe navigation. Anchorage Small vessels may obtain anchorage, within the lagoon, off the town of Minicoy (08º 17'. 40N, 73º 03'.70E), otherwise, island offers no suitable anchorage, as the bottom rises steeply toward the reef. Ships may drift safely under power in fairly calm water close offshore E of the island during the SW monsoon. Nine Degree Channel General information Nine Degree Channel (9°00'.00 N, 73°00'.00E) lies between Minicoy Island to the S and Suheli Par about 113 miles NNW, and Kalpeni Island to the N. It is very deep and free from dangers. Investigator Bank (8°32'.00N, 73°16'.00E), with a depth of 157 m, lies 17 miles NE OF Minicoy Island. Island, has a depth of 217m, with depths over 914m in the vicinity. The chart is sufficient guide for passage through this channel. Suheli Par General information Position. Suheli Par (10º 04'.00N, 72º17'.00E) a group of three Islands (Valiyakara, Cheriyakara and Indira-Shastri Dweep) is located 29 Nm SW of Kavaratti and 114 Nm NNW of Minicoy. Valiyakara. Located at the northern end of the lagoon Hermit crabs are found in abundance in this island. Localites visit this island to collect coconuts. Valiyakara Islet Light (white wooden framework tower, 12 m in height) (10º 08'.21N, 72º 19'.78E), stands on this islet. Cheriyakara. Located on the SE side of the lagoon has a large coconut plantation. Cheriyakara Islet Lighthouse (white metal column, red bands, 37 m in height) (10º 02'.36N, 72º17'.08 E), stands on Cheriyakara Islet. Indira-Shastri Dweep. A long sandbank located between the two islands. Stranded wreck of a fishing vessel (10º 08'.05N, 72º13'.97N). Lagoon entrances. On the NW side of the barrier reef there are two openings, which can be entered by small vessels, not exceeding about 1.8 m draught; but local knowledge is necessary. Anchorage. Anchorage may be found in a depth of 12 m, with the N end of Valiyakara Islet bearing 163º and the S end of Cheriyakara Islet bearing 201º. Kalpeni Island Description. Kalpeni Island (10º 06'.00N, 73º39'.00E) is the SE island of Lakshadweep. The atoll consists of two islands; low and narrow, standing on the E side of a reef enclosing a lagoon. The lagoon extends from the southern end of Kalpeni Island to the northern tip of Cheriyam Island. The entire coast on the east side is skirted with coral. Depths. Particularly around Cheriyam Island, barrier reef is steep-to and the sea breaks heavily on it. A steep-to bank with depths between 10 and 20 m extends about 5 cables S from the S end of Kalpeni Island; a similar bank extends N from the N end of Cheriyam Island. Landmarks Kalpeni Island Lighthouse (white round stone tower, black bands, 41 m in height) (10º05'.00 N, 073º38'.86E), stands on Kalpeni Island about 1½ miles N of its S extremity. Lagoon Depths within the lagoon are generally shallow and much of its S part dries; less water than charted have been reported in 1991. There is a jetty of 24.2 m length with 1.8 m depth alongside, on the W side of Kalpeni Island, about 3½ cables SSW of Kalpeni Light. A light beacon (lattice) (10º07'.62N, 073º38'.31E), standing between two reefs on the NW side of the atoll, marks the entrance to a boat channel marked by light buoys (lateral) leading into the lagoon to the W side of Kalpeni island; local knowledge is required. Anchorage can be obtained off the S side of Kalpeni island, about 3 1/2 cables offshore in depths of about 13 m (43 ft), with nature of bottom being coral, sand and rock, The anchorage is however, not recommended. A shoal bank extending about 1mile N of Cheriyam Island and about 4 to 5 cables wide, with depths of 9 to 11 m (5 to 6fms) provides good anchorage from N during day light hours only. If proceeding form south to this anchorage, vessel should keep well clear of the reef. Entrance Channel. Channel length is 3300m lano and 16m wide with the depth of 1.8 m. diameter of turning circle is 60m. It has one entrance tower and 10 rubber buoys and one port control tower. Kavaratti Island Description. Kavaratti is the headquarters of the Lakshadweep Administration. It is located in position 10°35’.00 N, 072°37’.00 E on a bearing of 280° at a distance of 220 mile from Kochi. The island is about 3 ½ miles in length and about ¼ mile wide at its widest with a land area of 4.22 sq m and a lagoon area is 4.96 sq m. The island, is low lying and densely covered with coconut trees about 27 m high and it occupies the SE side of the atoll, the lagoon on the NW side is enclosed by a barrier reef which lies almost parallel to the island about 6 cables offshore. The office of the Administrator for Lakshadweep is situated on this island. The N part of island is more heavily populated. Depths. The island and barrier reef are steep-to, except at their SSW ends where a bank, about 5 cables wide, with depths of less than 50 m extends 7 cables from shore. Landmarks. Kavaratti Island Lighthouse (white concrete tower, 38 m in height) (10º 33'.70N, 72º38'.90 E), stands on the SE point of the island. Port Office (10º 34'.56N, 72º38'.77E), stands on the NE point of the island. Wreck MV Aparajita. A Ship Wreck of MV Aparajita is completely visual near Kavaratti light house. Lagoon. Within the lagoon depths are generally shallow and there are large areas of isolated rocks in its NW and SW parts. Two jetties are situated on the N part of the NW side of the island. There is a channel leading into the lagoon from its NE end. The channel is marked, on the W side of its entrance, by the light-beacon (described above) and by two more light-beacons (port and starboard hand, shown from September to May) situated close SE of the entrance; then to, the channel between the reef and the shoal water fringing the island is marked by light-buoys. Local knowledge of the channel is required before entry. Anchorage. Anchorage may be obtained, during the NE monsoon and in fair weather, on the shoal which extends SSW from the S end of the island, in depths of from 7 to 15 m, sand and coral, as shown on the chart. Mooring. Ten (10) mooring bouys have been erected inside the lagoon, however their position is not fixed and they are taken off during May-Sep. two mooring bouys in the north eastern side of island are not fixed. Pitti islets General information Description. Pitti (10º 47'.00 N, 72º 32'.00 E), a small islets, lies 14 miles NNW of Kavarati. The islets is low lying and has been previously observed to be without vegetation but had several stone cairns, 6 m in height, standing upon it; the N and NE sides are sandy and there is a black rock on its E side. Depths. The island lies on a bank of sand and coral, with a maximum width of 11 miles that extends 3 miles S and 24 miles NNE of it to Amini Island. Landing. Is only possible on the N side of Pitti and then is only practicable during good weather. Agatti Island Description. Agatti Island (10º 51'.00N, 72º12'.00 E) lies towards the SW end of an unnamed atoll about 20 miles WNW of Pitti. The island is about 4 miles long and narrow, and orientated NNE/SSW; a clump of coconut trees stands about 1 mile from its S end. The small uninhabited islet of Kalpitti lies close SSW of the island. The coral barrier reef extends about 2 miles offshore on the W side, surrounding Agatti and Kalpitti, and encloses a lagoon. There is a bank connects Agatti with a group of islands on the N part of this unnamed atoll. The bank has a least charted depth of 7.9 m. The principal islets of this N group are Bingaram, 6 miles NE of Agatti, with Tinnakara 1½ miles E of Bingaram. These two islets are encircled, except for the E extremity of Tinnakara, by a reef, the lagoon of which has on its W side numerous coral heads with depths of less than 1m over them and much of it dries. At the NE corner of the reef close N of the E extremity of Tinnakara lies the Parali Islets. Depths. Though there are banks, at the S and N ends of the island, where depths of less than 10 m extend 5 cables S of Kalpitti and the same distance N of Agatti, otherwise Agatti Island and its barrier reef are generally steep-to. Landmark. Agatti Island Lighthouse (white framework tower, 30 m in height) (10º 52'.50 N, 72º 12'.30 E), stands near the NE point of the island. 2 Useful mark. Tinnakara Islet Light - beacon (10º 56'.60 N, 72º 19’.00 E), stands near the SW point of the islet. Lagoon. It may be entered through a passage located 2½ miles SW of the N end of Agatti, with the clump of coconut palm trees (see above) bearing 142º; local knowledge of this entrance is considered essential as depths in the lagoon off Agatti are generally shallow. Anchorages. Anchorage can be taken in 18.3 to 22 m, coral, off the entrance to the reef surrounding Agatti Island, but it is not recommended. Good anchorage can be taken in depths of 10 m to 15 m in an area 2 miles wide between the N end of Agatti Island and the reef encircling Bingaram; this area is apparently free from dangers, but ships should proceed with caution. The recommended anchorage is with the NE extremity of Agatti Island bearing 215°, distant 1.5 miles, in a depth of 13.7 m, coral. On the W side of the atoll, near its N end, there is an entrance to the lagoon about 0.8 mile wide. Good anchorage can be obtained W of this entrance, in 10m coral, with the N point of Bingaram Islet bearing 078°, distant 3.5 miles. Landing. On a steep-to beach landing can be effected on the NW side of Agatti Island. It is also possible to land on the barren islets of Bangaram and Tinnakara. Androth Island Description. Androth (10º 48'.50N, 73º 40'.50E) is the NW Island of the southern group of Lakshadweep. Androth Island is 63 miles NE of Kavarti Island. The island is about 2½ miles long and at its widest point 8 cables wide; it is orientated E/W and is densely planted with coconut palms being the most fertile island of Lakshadweep. A coral reef surrounds the island, upon which the sea breaks heavily, particularly off its W end. The main village is situated on the N coast about 1 mile from the W end, but the population spreads along much of the entire coastline. Depths. The S side of this reef is steep-to, but from the N side a coral bank projects about 6 miles N, and has a greatest width of about 10 miles, with depths from 10.4 to 31 m. Shoals, with depths of 5 m and 5.9 m, lie about 0.6 mile SSW and 0.4 mile W, respectively, of the NW end of the island. Several isolated shoals, with depths of 10.5 and 11 m, lie up to 1.1 miles N of the N coast of the island. A detached shoal, with depth of 13.3 m over it, lies about 6½ miles ENE of the E end of the island. Landmarks: Androth Island East Lighthouse (white square masonry tower, black bands, 42 m in height) (10º 48'.91 N, 73º 42'.09 E), stands near the E end of the island. Red house (18m in height) (10º 48'.9 N, 73º 41'.8 E) Flagstaff (12 m in height) (10º 48'.9 N, 73º 40'.5 E) which stands close N of a small red-roofed mosque at the W end of the village. White house (10º 49'.05 N, 73º 41'.57 E) Androth jetty Lighthouse (10º 49'.28 N, 73º40'.70 E), 3 m in height stands near the NE end of jetty. Anchorage may be obtained in depths about 10m, sand and coral, anywhere off the N side of the island, about 0.5 mile offshore; local knowledge is necessary. Good anchorage can be obtained in 10 m, coarse sand and broken shells, about 0.7 mile N of a flagstaff on the Anchorage can also be obtained in 16.5 to 18.3 m, off the E end of the island where the bottom appears to be smoother, but local knowledge is necessary. During the NE monsoon vessels may anchor off the SW side of the island, with its NW point bearing 022º and its S point bearing 089º, in depths from 18 to 22 m; but the shelter here is limited. Shore close N of a red-roofed mosque at the W end of the village.