471   KATCHALL AND SUMATRA

Nicobar Islands Central Group

Katchall Island (7°56´N, 93°22´E) is separated from Camorta and Nancowry islands to the by Revello Channel, which is about 3.8 miles wide and apparently free from dangers except for a detached 12.8 m patch which lies about 4.5 miles NE of the SE end of Katchall Island. The island is densely wooded and rises to a height of 254 m in its central part. Katchall Island has been reported to be a good radar target up to 18 miles. Depths off the W side of the island are very irregular. Some 16.5 to 18.3m patches lie up to 4 miles off this coast. 

West Bay (7°55'N., 93°20'E.) deeply indents the W side of the island and is foul in its inner reaches. It has been reported that a SW swell occasionally sets into the bay during the NE monsoon and that the tidal currents attain a rate of 2 knots across the entrance. A light shows from a concrete tower, 11m high, situated on the N entrance point of West Bay. Vessels with local knowledge can anchor in a depth of 16.5m about 1 mile SSW of the NW entrance point. 

South Bay (7°53'N., 93°24'E.) indents the S coast of the island close W of its S end. The bay should not be entered because of the rocks and foul ground found within its limits. It has been reported that Cape Albany, the S end of the island, had extended 0.2 mile farther S then charted. 

East Bay (7°59'N., 93°25'E.), backed by steep cliffs and Katchall Peak, indents the NE side of the island. Numerous rocks and foul ground encumber the bay and lie up to 1.5 miles off its shores. The depths in the bay range from a few feet to more than 36.6m. A light shows from a square tower, 9m high, situated on the N entrance point of East Bay. 

Hoinipoh Bay (7°58'N., 93°26'E.), a slight indentation, lies close S of the S entrance point of East Bay. Anchorage can be taken in depths of 21.9 to 23.8m with a conspicuous hut in the
village bearing 256°, distant 0.5 mile. The bay is often visited by trading vessels. 

Sombrero Channel (7°41'N., 93°36'E.) separates the central and S groups of the Nicobar Islands. The channel is 30 miles wide between Cape Albany and Sombrero Point, the N extremity of Little Nicobar Island. The depths in the channel are irregular, but there is deep water in mid-channel. Strong tidal currents set through this channel. A yellow, clay patch, with a depth of 21.9m, lies in the W approach to Sombrero Channel about 12 miles WSW of Cape Albany. Shoal patches may exist in this area. A detached coral bank, which shoals to a depth of 16.5m at
its N end about 3 miles SSE of Cape Albany, is roughly 9 miles long and 5 miles Wide. Depths elsewhere on this bank range from 20.1 to 31.1m. This bank has been reported to be extending to the W. 

Miroe Island (7°31'N., 93°32'E.), low and small, lies 10.5 miles WNW of Sombrero Point. The island has been reported to be a good radar target up to 19 miles. 

Trak Island (7°28'N., 93°37'E.) lies 5 miles WNW of Sombero Point and Treis Island lies 1 mile SE of Trak Island. Both islands are small, reef-fringed, and surrounded by sunken rocks. A rock, which has a depth of less than 1.8m, lies about midway between Treis Island and Sombrero Point. 

Little Nicobar Island (7°20'N., 93°42'E.), densely wooded, with Mount Deoban rising to a height of 413m on the central part, and the Empress Peak rising to 401m on the NE part of the island. Little Nicobar Island has been reported to be a good radar target up to 23 miles. The NW coast between Sombrero Point and Pahua, about 6 miles SW and then about 7.5 miles S to Cape Edinburg, is fringed by a reef which extends up to 0.5 mile offshore. 

Pulo Milo (7°24'N., 93°42'E.) lies about midway between Sombrero Point and Pahua in the bight formed by these two places. Two 5.5m patches lie in the channel between Pulo Milo and the coast of Little Nicobar Island, about 0.8 mile ENE and 0.7 mile ESE of the N end of Pulo Milo. A light shows from a structure on the NE point of Pulo Milo. The channel separating Pulo Milo from Little Nicobar Island is about 0.4 mile wide, but less on the S side where the channel
has not been closely examined. Depths of less than 11m lie within 0.4 mile of Little Nicobar Island, E of Pulo Milo. A 18.3m patch lies about 13 miles W of Pulo Milo. Depths of 11.4m and 15.5m lie 2.5 and 5 miles W of Pulo Milo. Anchorage can be taken in the channel between Pulo Milo and Little Nicobar Island in depths of 16.5 to 23.8m, sand and coral. This anchorage is well sheltered. 

Ileya (7°25'N., 93°42'E.), a small village, lies on the NE coast about 1.5 miles SSE of Sombrero Point. A small drying patch lies close E of the village. 

Menchal Island (7°24'N., 93°45'E.), small in extent and reef-fringed, lies 4 miles SE of Sombrero Point and 1.3 miles off the NE coast of Little Nicobar Island. A depth of 11.9m exists in the intervening channel, but less depths may exist. Anchorage can be taken by vessels with local knowledge, during periods of fair weather, in depths of 11 to 12.8m about 0.5 mile SW of Menchal Island. The tidal currents have been reported to be strong, especially at springs. The SE coast of Little Nicobar Island, which forms the NW side of St. Georges Channel, is fairly steep-to. 

Great Nicobar Island (7°00'N., 93°49'E.), the southernmost and largest of the Nicobar Islands, is well-wooded and fertile. Its NW end lies about 4 miles SSE of Little Nicobar Island. The island rises to considerable heights throughout its length and is marked by steep-sided mountains covered by dense jungle growth. Mount Thuillier rises to a height of 642m in the NE part of the S end of the island. A second ridge extends W from this peak and a third ridge extends SW from a position near the center of the main ridge. Great Nicobar Island has been reported to be a good radar target up to 23 miles. The coast of the island appears to be reef-fringed on all sides. The edge of the submarine plateau, from which the island rises, has not been clearly defined. It  apparently extends a considerable distance W from the coast. The W coast of the island, which is fully exposed to the SW monsoon, has not been closely examined. Vessels are advised to use caution when approaching the island. A detached 18.3m shoal lies about 19 miles SW of the S end of Great Nicobar Island. A detached 17.7m patch was reported (1975) to lie about 11.8 miles SSW of the same point. The position of this latter depth is approximate. Between the NW point (7°11'N., 93°41'E.) of Great Nicobar Island and the NW entrance point of Ganges Harbor, almost 5 miles ENE, the coast is slightly indented and reef fringed. A 6.4m shoal lies 1.5 miles off the N coast of Great Nicobar Island about 1.8 miles E of the N end of Kondul Island. A 0.9m patch lies about 2 miles farther E. 

Kondul Island (7°13'N., 93°43'E.), high and rocky on its N side, rises to a height of 122m. Caution is advised when approaching Kondul Island and the adjacent coast because uncharted dangers may.exist. Less depths than charted have been reported to lie W of this island and may extend for a considerable distance offshore. A rock, with a least depth of 1.8m, lies 0.7 mile W of the S end of the island. 

Kondul Harbor (Pryce Channel) (7°12'N., 93°43'E.) is formed by the S side of Kondul Island and a bight in the NW coast of Great Nicobar Island. A radio station is situated in Mayaiya Village, about 0.3 mile N of the S part of Kondul Island. A 4.6m shoal, which has not been closely examined, lies about 0.8 mile SSE of the SE end of the island. 

Ganges Harbor (7°13'N., 93°48'E.), which lies in a bight on the N coast of Great Nicobar Island about 5 miles E of Kondul Island, is entered between two points fouled by shoals. A spit, with a depth of 6.4m at its outer end, extends almost 1 mile WSW from the E entrance point; foul round lies S of the coral head. A reef extends almost 0.5 mile NNE from the W entrance point. A coral head, with a depth of less than 1.8m, lies 1.5 miles N of the E entrance point. A shoal, which has two rocks with depths of less than 1.8m on them, lies almost midway between this shoal and the dangers extending from both entrance points. 

Kabra Island (7°18'N., 93°51'E.), 63m high, lies almost three miles N of Murray Point, the N end of Great Nicobar Island. A 4.6m patch lies in the intervening channel, about 1.3 miles NE of Murray Point. Its position is doubtful. Anchorage can be taken off either the E or W side of Kondul Island according to the direction of the wind. The E anchorage has a depth of 12.8m about 0.5 mile offshore. Depths of 18.3 to 21.9m exist in the W anchorage, but caution is advised in its approach. Kondul Harbor provides well-sheltered anchorage in depths 21.9 to 31.1m, sand and coral, E or NE of the 4.6m shoal previously described. Ganges Harbor provides anchorage in depths of 16.5 to 29.3m, coarse sand and clay, well clear of the dangers previously described. 

St. Georges Channel (7°17'N., 93°46'E.), which lies between Little and Great Nicobar Islands, has considerable depths in the fairway over an uneven bottom. Its W entrance has a least width of 3.8 miles reduced to a navigable width of 2.8 miles by the shoals extending from both shores. The N side of the channel is free from off-lying dangers, except in the W entrance, where depths of 14 to 16.8m, about 0.4 mile apart, were reported to lie 1 mile ESE of the S end of Little Nicobar Island. A 32m shoal was reported to lie 0.7 mile S of the same point. A bank, with a depth of 20.1m, the existence of which is doubtful, was reported to lie about in the middle of the E entrance almost 3 miles NW of Kabra Island. The dangers on the S side of the channel have been previously described. The tidal currents through this channel are strong. Between the NW point of Great Nicobar Island and Teesta Point, about 10 miles to the S, the coast is high and rugged. This coast has not been thoroughly examined and less depths than charted may lie between 2 and 4.5 miles offshore. Shoal patches, having depths of 12.8m and 18.3m, lie 6.5
miles W and 4.5 miles WNW of Teesta Point. A depth of 23m lies about 8 miles NW of Teesta Point, and in 1986, it was reported that the area also covers less depth than charted. A depth of 8.2m lies 2.5 miles SSE and another depth of 6.4m lies 4.5 miles SW of Teesta Point; a report also indicates that less depth may exist in the area. Megapod Islet lies about 12.5 miles SSE of Teesta Point. A depth of 11m lies 2.5 miles WNW of Megapod Islet. 

Casuarina Bay (7°01'N., 93°41'E.), of no commercial importance, is entered close E of Teesta Point and recedes about 1 mile to the N. Between the SE entrance point of Casuarina Bay and Indira Point, about 16.5 miles SSE, the coast is indented by a number of small bays, none of which have been closely examined. The villages of Kopenheat and Tae-angha lie about 3 and 5 miles SSE of Casuarina Bay. Indira Point has been reported to be good radar target up to 21 miles; a light shows from the point and a racon transmits from the light-tower. The coast  between Teesta Point and Indira Point is fronted by shoal ground which lies between 4 miles off the former point to 2 miles off Indira Point. Less water than charted has been reported to exist along this section of coast. Vessels with local knowledge can anchor in a depth of 20.1m in Casuarina Bay, about 1 mile S of the NW entrance point. Protection is provided during the NE monsoon. Vessels with local knowledge can anchor in the entrance of a bight between the villages of Kopenheat and Tae-angha in a depth of 27.4m about 1 mile offshore. Extreme caution is advised when approaching the above anchorages, because of the numerous reports of shallow
depths. Two small villages lie at the head of a bight about 8.5 miles NNW of Indira Point. A small island lies close inshore about 6.5 miles NNW of the same point. The coast between Murray Point, the NE extremity of Great Nicobar Island, and Indira Point about 29 miles to the S, is hilly, wooded to the water's edge, and indented by several bights. Mariners are advised that this coast has not been closely examined. 
 
Trinkat Champlong Bay (7°13'N., 93°52'E.) is entered between Murray Point and Kerr Point, about 1.8 miles SE. The NW shore of the bay is rocky and steep, with some coral heads extending up to 183m offshore. A sandy beach lines the S shore. Two conspicuous rocks lie about 0.5 mile W and 0.8 mile WSW of Kerr Point. The W rock is flat-sided. A coral reef, partly dry at lower water, extends about 0.2 mile offshore, NE of the W rock. Other dangers lie within the 6m curve. A shoal, as defined by the 20m curve, extends about 2 miles NE from Murray Point. A depth of 4.6m lies near the outer edge of this shoal. Trinkat Champlong Bay provides good, safe anchorage for large vessels. Protection is provided during the SW monsoon. A vessel anchored in a depth of 51.2m, coral and shells, with Murray Point bearing 310°, distant almost 0.8 mile. 

Laful Anchorage (7°10'N., 93°54'E.), a small coastal indentation, lies about 3.3 miles S of Kerr Point. A ledge, with depths of less than 9.1m and apparently steep-to, extends about.0.2 mile offshore. The coast in the vicinity is fairly steep-to. Protection is provided from W winds. The anchorage should be approached by steering 270° for the middle of the S half of the sandy beach which is a good mark. Anchorage can be taken when the coast S of the bight is almost shut in by South Point, the S entrance of the bay. Care should be taken because the depth decreases rapidly. Between South Point and Pigeon Islet, about 5.5 miles to the S, the rocky coast has no pronounced indentations except for a small bay NW of the islet, which has not been closely
examined. Good anchorage has been reported available in this bay. Depths of 31.1m have been reported to lie close off the bay shores. 

Tenlaa Bay (7°02'N., 93°56'E.), which lies 3 miles S of Pigeon Islet, is narrow and has depths of 33m near its head. The bay is well-sheltered except from NE winds. Between Tenlaa Bay and the NE of Koal-ta-pain, a promontory about 2 miles SE, the coast is rugged. The promontory forms the NE side of Campbell Bay, a bight fully exposed to SE winds and seas. The entrance of the bay is difficult because it is fouled by rocks. Cerebus Rock lies 0.4 mile S of the E entrance point of the bay. A light is shown on the SW side of Campbell Bay, close within its entrance. There is an L-shaped jetty, with a depth of 5m at its head, situated on the NE side of the bay; it is usually used only in good weather. A breakwater, marked at its nead by a light, extends SW from Man Point. Leading lights situated close together at the head of Campbell Bay and in line bearing 323.75° lead in from seaward. Between Campbell Bay and Tara Point, about 7.5 miles SSW, the coast forms a small bight which is indented at its head. 

Boat Rock (6°56'N., 93°58'E.), awash, about 1 mile SE of the N entrance of the bight, has three smaller rocks close SW of it. Mataita-anla, the southernmost indentation in the above bight, lies about 1 mile WNW of Tara Point. Small vessels with local knowledge can anchor in this indentation protected from SW winds and seas. Rocks and shoals restrict the available space. 
South Bay (6°48'N., 93°52'E.), entered between Hayward Point (6°47'N., 93°52'E.), also known as Kwangtung Point, about 3 miles SW of Tara Point and Indira Point, about 3.8
miles farther SW, provides shelter during the NE monsoon. A sandbar blocks the entrance of the Galathea River which flows into the head of the bay. Hayward Point has been reported to be a good radar target up to 20 miles. Walker Island, about 1.5 miles NNE of Indira Point, is flat,
small and rocky. Several heaps of stones lie on the island. The island is prominent from the S, but is difficult to make out from the E because of the high land behind it. A breaking rock, with a depth of less than 1.8m, lies about 0.7 mile SSE of Hayward Point. Vessels can anchor within the bay as convenient in depth of 16.5 to 18.3m. 

Islands off North Coast of Sumatra

Palau Rondo (6°05´N, 95°07´E) is the N most of the islands lying off Ujung Masam Muka, the NW point. Rocky islets lie on a reef which extends about 1mile S from the islands SW side and is steep-to on its outer edge. Ocean vessels bound E pass N of Paulau Rondo. Anchorage may be obtained in a depth of 14m during the NE monsoon. There are strong tiderips off the island and upto 20 miles WNW.

Pulau Breueh  (5°45´N, 95°04´E) about 20 miles S of Pulau Rondo, is the largest of the W most islands off Ujang Masam Muka. This a rugged island with several bays, affording anchorage according to the prevailing monsoon. A light is shown from extremity of the island. Vessels approaching Pulau Breueh from the W are cautioned to give a wide berth, because of the tiderips and strong currents off Northwest Island (5°48´N., 94°58´E).

Fleurs Rock (5°45´N., 94°59´E) a rock awash lies 2miles NW of the W point of Pulau Breueh. Depths of 27.4 to 36.6m will generally be found within about 1 mile off Pulau Breueh. Vessels may find temporary anchorage during fine weather, however, the bottom is foul in most places, consisting of coral and rock. A safe anchorage maybe obtained during NE monsoon, in Balken Bay (5°43´N., 95°02´E) in depths of 14.6 to 16.5m, in SW monsoon there is considerable swell and sea.

Pulau Gepon (5°37´N, 95°03´E) is a group of four islands 0.5 miles in length, lying about 0.5 miles off the S side of Pulau Keureuse. The area has not been closely surveyed. The island may be approached close-to as all the rocks dry and are located near the shore. 

Ujung Masam Muka (5°34´N, 95°11´E), with depths of 16.5 to 49.3m. The flood current sets NE directly through the passage, and the ebb in the opposite direction, at rates of 5 to 6 knots at springs. In the narrowest part, abreast of Lumpat (5°35´N, 95°12´E), the eddies make steering difficult. Deapths from 33 to 59m were reported to lie about 3 miles N of Ujung Bau. Only power vessels should use Aroih raya because of the strong tidal currents.

Pulau We (5°50´N, 95°19´E), the NE and largest of the islands off the N coast of Sumatra, is separated from the coast by Malacca Passage (5°45´N, 95°23´E) about 9miles wide. Except in a few places, the coast is rocky and, with the exception of Karang Berduri (5°46´N, 95°20´E), situated off the S extremity of the island. Vessels can approach the island fairly close at any point. The E and W coasts are fairly straight; with deep water generally close to the N coast is indented by Lhok Perialakot and Teluk Sabang, and the S coast by Teluk Balohan. Safe anchorage can only be obtained in the innermost portion of the large bays, near the shore. There is an explosive dumping ground centered 7 miles WNW of Ujung Bau.

Teluk Sabang (5°53´N, 95°18´E), is nearly I mile in length, the entrance being about 0.4 mile wide and the depths from 20 to 40m with a bottom of sand, coral and gravel. A light is shown from the N side of the entrance of Teluk Sabang. To the S of Pulau Klah (5°53´N, 95°18´E) near the head of Teluk Sabang, is Lho Krueng Raja, a small bay about 0.5 mile long and 0.25 mile wide. It is approached by a channel less than 183m in width to the E of Pulau Klah, with depths of about 5 to 6.9m, but inside it deepens to 18.3m over mud. The E side of Teluk Sabang is fronted by a bank with depths under 5.5m to a distance of 183m.

Sabang (5°53´N, 95°19´E) (Port), is situated at the N end of the bay and is a sheltered harbour during the year. There is an oil jetty with a depth of 10m at its head. No currents are experienced in Teluk sabang or at the entrance. However, there is always a strong E current directly N of the entrance off Ujung Masam (554N, 9518E). Pilotage is compulsory. Anchorage may be obtained in Teluk Sabang about 0.3m E of Ujung Lho Me, on the N side of the bay. A depth of 36.6m, good holding ground of mud, is available.

North Coast of Sumatera 

Uleelheue (5°34´N, 95°17´E) (Port) Is situated on a narrow spit of land separating a lagoon from the sea. Pilotage is not available. During the NE monsoon the sea and swell are heavy. The sea almost breaks in 5.5m. Uleelheue Road affords a good anchorage in depths of 7 to 9m over black sand and good holding ground off the pier. In order to avoid two dangerous wrecks, vessels should not anchor E of the bearing 3200 from the head of the pier.

Ujung Baka (5°39´N, 95°26´E), is the N most point of Sumatera.  The appearance of the coast changes at Ujung Baka. W of it is flat, but eastward is hilly. 

Kruengraya (Malahayati Port) (5°36´N, 95°30´E), has one concrete jetty in good condition. One vessel of 80m length and 10,000dwt with a draft of 8m can be accommodated. Pilotage is available. Anchorage is not recommended off the coast between Ujung Baka and Ujung Pidie in depths less than 15m. The bottom is mostly rocky, especially off the landheads. Teluk kruengraya (kruengraya bay) is the only anchorage on the N coast of Sumatera, as is deep and the bottom on the W of the bay is foul.

Lampanaih (5°36´N, 95°40´E) village has a white building conspicuous from seaward side. The village is 4.5 miles SE of Ujung Bateputeh.

Ujung Raya (Ujung Raja) (5°32´N, 95°11´E), is a lofty promontory rising precipitously from the sea and easily recognized from all the directions. There are depths of 21.9m at a short distance from it. A number of sunken dangers lie near the coast rendering it advisable to give it a berth of 5 to 6 miles, especially at nights.  

Teluk Kruengraba (5°28´N, 95°04´E), lying 2.5 miles S of Ujung Raya, is about 4 miles wide, the mountains on either side make it appear as a valley when being a considerable distance off and it has been mistaken for Aroih Cut (Suratte Passage) (5°32´N, 95°09´E). There is a cement-handling pier in the bay. The pier is 125m long with a depth of 10m alongside. Vessels with a maximum length of 150m and a maximum draft of 9.1m can be accommodated. The pilot boards 1.75 miles WNW of the breakwater light. Vessels can obtain anchorage in a depth of 22m, about 2 miles NW of the light.

Pulau Rusa (5°17´N, 95°12´E), 95m high and marked by a light, is a densely wooded island with a rugged coastline. In heavy sea, water for a considerable distance W of the island becomes a light green colour and gives the impression of there being a reef in the vicinity.

Raja Bay (Teluk Raya) (4°54´N, 95°22´E), entered between Ujung No and the N side of Pulau Raja, about 3 miles S, is one of the best anchorages on this coast; although it is open to the W, it has good holding ground with depths of about 14.6m. The head of the bay is fringed by a coral reef which extends a short distance, with above-water rocks on it in places.

Lho Kroeet (Port) (4°52´N, 95°24´E) is the southern most of the two villages on the shore of the bay. It is one of the most important pepper ports of the W coast of Sumatera.

Pulau Raja (4°52´N, 95°22´E) is densely wooded and about 53m high. A yellowish sandstone rock, about 0.9m high, lies on a reef, which extends about 0.2 mile NW from the W extremity of the island. Anchorage may be obtained anywhere in Raja Bay. With NW winds the best anchorage is about 0.5 mile S of the NE part of Pulau Raja, in a depth of about 14.6m, under the lee of the island. 

Ujung Gla (4°49´N, 95°24´E), about 4 miles S of Lho Kroeet, is a sparsely wooded rocky point with precipitous sides and an above-water rock off its N side.

Ujung Baro (4°39´N, 95°32´E), the SW extremity of the peninsula within which is Tweluk Rigaih, is a rocky headland rising steeply from the sea, covered with vegetation, and higher than the land within it, It is the N entrance point for Teluk Rigaih. Gillis reef, with a least depth of 3.4m, is about 46m in diameter and occasionally breaks, it lies 1.5 miles NW of Ujung Baro.