Nicobar Islands - 472

Little Andaman Island (10°42'N., 92°31'E.), the S island of the Andaman group, lies almost 28 miles S of Rutland Island. The island is well wooded. 

Jackson creek (10o 48’N, 92o 24’E), which lies about 9 miles SW of Bumila creek, can be identified by a conspicuous square clump of trees near the bank which falls abruptly to the waters edge. A reef appears to extend 0.8 miles N from the W entrance point of the bay into which the creek discharges. Anchorage has been reported available in a depth of 13.7 m about 1 mile NNW of the entrance of the creek.

Api Islet (10°39'N., 92°23'E.), a good landmark, lies close offshore about 9 miles S of Jackson Creek. A drying reef extends almost 0.8 mile offshore from the SE extremity of Little Andaman Island. The NE coast of Little Andaman Island has not been closely examined. Hut Bay indents the SE coast of the island SE of its summit.

Hut Bay (10°36'N., 92°35'E.) is an open bight on the E side of Little Andaman Island. Landing can be made through a gap in the reef close S of the village of Kwate-tu-Kwage. Two breakwaters, the one on the E being angular and longer, lie 1.3 miles ESE of the village. A light shows from the head of E breakwater. South Point, on which a beacon lies 0.3 mile E of the roof of E breakwater. Anchorage can be had in a depth of 12m, about 1.3 miles E of the N beacon or in depth of 9m about 1 mile ESE of the S beacon.9.3

Ten Degree Channel (10°22'N., 92°30'E.), which lies between Little Andaman Island and the Car Nicobar, about 77 miles to the S, is deep and clear. A depth of 7.3m was reported (1977) to lie 4 miles S of Sandy Point, the SW point of Little Andaman Island. 

Nicobar Islands (8°00’N., 93°30’E.) The Nicobar Islands are usually divided into three groups. The N group consists of Car Nicobar and Batti Malv Island. The S group consists of Great Nicobar and Little Nicobar together with their off-lying islets. The central group includes all the remaining islands of the Nicobar Islands. Nancowry Harbor, between the islands of Camotra, Nancowry, and Trinkat is perhaps the most important and best-sheltered harbor. The channels between the groups of islands and between the individual islands have irregular depths, but are for the most part deep and clear of dangers.

Car Nicobar (9°15’N., 92°46’E.), the N island of the group, lies about 77 miles SSE of Little Andaman Island. The island is densely wooded, mostly coconut trees. The island has been reported to be a good radar target up to 14 miles.

Sawi Bay (9°14’N., 92°45’E.) indents the NW coast, between Keating Point and Hog Point, about 3.5 miles to SW. Foul ground extends 1 mile N from Keating Point and 0.5 mile N from Hog Point. Sawi Village lies 0.5 mile SE of Hog Point. A light shows from a concrete tower on Hog Point. The tidal currents off Sawi Bay set NE on the flood tide. An observation spot lies on a small promontory that extends WNW from the coast about 1 mile S of Keating Point. Keating Point Light is shown from a round metal tower on the point; a racon and a radio beacon transmit from the light tower.
 	A light shows from a 9m high concrete tower on Obervation Point, 1 mile S of Keating Point. A coral patch, with a least depth of 10.1m, was reported to lie about 0.7 mile NW of the observation spot. A 9.1m patch lies 0.8 mile WNW of the same spot. Anchorage can be taken in a depth of 21.9m, rock and coral over a thin layer of sand, about 0.8 mile N of Sawi Village. Anchorage can also be taken in similar depths just over 1 mile W of the observation spot. Small vessels with local knowledge can anchor closer inshore off the observation spot.
 
Arong Village (9°09’N., 92°43’E.) lies 3 miles S of Hog Point. Anchorage can be taken about 0.5 mile W of the village in depths of 16.5 to 20.1m. Vessels should approach the anchorage with the village bearing 090°.
 
Kemois Bay (9°07’N., 92°46’E.) is a slight indentation on the S side of the island. Kemois Village, fronted by a beach, lies close W of a well-defined entrance of a creek. A reef is reported to lie about 0.2 miles offshore. The tidal currents set ESE on the flood at a rate of 3 knots at springs and in the opposite direction on the ebb. Small vessels with local knowledge can anchor in depths of 18.3 to 21.9m, about midway between the two villages.
 
Kokana (9°07’N., 92°48’E.), a small village, lies about 2 miles SW of the SE end of Car Nicobar.
 
Mus (9°14’N., 92°47’E.), the principal village on the island and the residence of the Assistant Commissioner, lies 0.8 mile SE of Keating Point. The Village lies at the head of a small inlet and the village of Lapate lies 1 mile farther SE. A flagstaff lies in the village of Mus. Anchorage can be taken off Mus in depths of 13.7m, about 0.4 mile offshore, with the NE extremity of Car Nicobar bearing 284°. Vessels may drag anchor because of the strong currents at springs. Vessels can anchor about 0.5 mile NE of Lapate Village in a depth of 21.9m. Tamalu and Perka are villages situated 4.8 and 5 miles SSE of Keating Point. Anchorage can be taken in a depth of 25.6m, about 0.5 mile offshore of either village.
 
Malacca Village (9°10’N., 92°49’E.) lies on the S side of a small bight about 6 miles SE of Keating Point. A small masonry jetty, which dries completely at LW, serves as a good landmark. Two groups of beehive-shaped huts lie close N and S of the jetty and lie out clearly in contrast to the jungle. A conspicuous two-storied house, painted white and green with a red roof, lies about 0.3 mile SSE of the jetty. A beacon lies close SE of the two-storied house. Two flagstaffs lie near the jetty, and two lie in the village. A dangerous reef extends offshore close N of the jetty. Stranded wrecks lie on this reef within 0.3 mile N and S of the jetty-head. 

Nicobar Islands North Group
 
Car Nicobar, the N island of the group, has been previously described. Batti Malv Island (8°50’N., 92°51’E.), which lies about 17 miles SSE of Car Nicobar, appears wedge-shaped from the offing. This very small island rises to a densely wooded peak about 73m high. The NW end of the island is low, but rocky cliffs lie on the other sides. Reefs appear to extend 0.5 mile off the NW, SW, and SE sides of the island. The 40m curve surrounding the island lies up to 5 miles SE and 2.8 miles N of the island. A light shows from a metal framework tower, 12m high, on the N side of Batti Malv. Batti Malv Island has been reported to be a good radar target up to 11 miles.
 
Chowra Island (8°27’N., 93°04’E.), which lies about 24 miles SSE of Batti Malv Island, is generally low but rises to a 104.5m high rocky pinnacle at its S end. The island looks like a hat from the offing. Sanenya, the principal village, lies on the NE coast. Chowra island has been reported to be a good radar target up to 23 miles.
 
Reefs extend about 1.5 miles from the NW side of the island. A shoal, with a least depth of 2.4m, lies between 2.5 miles NW and 4 miles NNW of the N point of Chowra Island. Depths of 16.5 to 18.3m are found between the shoal and the island reef. Anchorage can be taken in depths of 16.5 to 18.3m abreast of Sanenya Village.
 
Tillanchang Island (8°31’N., 93°38’E.) lies with Cape Winifred its S end, about 34 miles E of Chowra Island. Tillanchang Island has been reported to be a good radar target up to 17 miles.
 
Paira Rock (8°35’N., 93°36’E.), 107m high, lies 0.5 mile NNW of Cape Maud, the N extremity of the island. Several detached rocks lie up to 1 mile off the W side of the island.
 
Isle of Man (8°24’N., 93°39’E.), a detached rock 123m high, lies about 2.8 miles SE of Cape Winifred. A chain of needle-like rocks lie between this rock and the cape. Paria Rock has been reported to be a good radar target up to 19 miles. An unexamined detached shoal, with a least depth of 20.1m, lies about 9.5 miles SW of Cape Winifred.

Castle Bay (8°27’N., 93°38’E.), which lies on the SE coast of the island about 2 miles N of Cape Winifred, is deep and clear in its central part. A rock awash lies about 0.3 mile S of Castle Bay Point, the N entrance point of the bay. Foul ground, with depths of less than 9.1m, extends about 0.2 mile S from the rock. A dangerous wreck lies in shoal water about 0.3 mile SSW of Castle Bay Point. During fair weather, anchorage can be taken in depths of 25.6 to 27.4m with Castle Bay Point bearing 062°, distant a little over 0.5 mile.
 
Tarasa Island (8°18’N., 93°07’E.), roughly crescent-shaped and low in its central part, lies 6.5 miles SE of Chowra Island. It appears as two separate islands from the offing. The N end of the island is 273.4m high. Hinam Village lies 4.5 miles SSE of the N summit and is only visible from seaward on a NE bearing. Laksi Village, which consists of some huts amongst the trees, lies 4 miles SE of Hinam Village. The village is hard to identify from seaward. Bengala Village lies on the E side of the island about 2 miles S of its NE extremity. Karawa Village lies 3.5 miles farther S. Reefs extend over 1 mile from the N and S ends of the island, but less off the W coast. Tarasa Island has been reported to be a good radar target up to 25 miles. 

Anchorage can be taken by small vessels with local knowledge close off Hinam Village in depths of 11 to 25.6m. Small vessels can also anchor in a depth of 25.6m coral and coarse sand, SSW of Laksi Village, about 0.5 mile seaward of the coastal reef. Small vessels with local knowledge sometimes anchor in a depth of 45.7m, about 0.5 mile off Bengala Village, with the NE end of the island bearing 006°, the E end bearing 146°, and the N end of Bompoka Island bearing 115°. This is a fair-weather anchorage.
 
Bompoka Island (8°14’N., 93°14’E.) lies 1.8 miles NE of the SE tip of Tarasa Island and is 208m high. The intervening channel seaward of the fringing dangers is deep. Poahat Village lies on the W side of the island. Small vessels with local knowledge can anchor about 0.3 mile offshore with the village in range 040° with the N peak of the island. Seaward of this position the depths decrease rapidly and caution is advised.

Camorta Island (8°09’N., 93°29’E.), separated from Tillanchang Island to the NNE by a channel about 12 miles wide, is very irregular in shape and hilly. Mount Edgecumbe, a tree-covered hill 109m high, lies about 4.3 miles N of the S end of the island.
 
The W coast is indented by bays which form Dring Harbor and Expedition Harbor. Nancowry Island lies close S of and overlaps the S end of Camorta Island. Nancowry Harbor, a secure, land-locked inlet, lies between them. The NE coast of Camorta Island has not been closely examined. The SE side of the island is separated from Trinkat Island by Beresford Channel. The E entrance of Nancowry Harbor lies between the SE end of Camorta Island and the NE end of Nancowry Island. The approach to this entrance leads through Beresford Channel. A coral bank, with depths of 25.6 to 27.4m, lies about 6 miles ENE of Horace Point, the N extremity of Camorta Island.
 
Tides Currents. The tidal currents off the E coast of Camorta Island, between a position about 2 miles WNW of the NW end of that island and a position between the entrances of Expedition and Nancowry Harbors, set S on the flood and N on the ebb. At springs, the N current attains a rate of 3 knots about 2 to 3 miles offshore. The S current attains a rate of 0.8 to 1.3 knots. At neaps, the N current attains a rate of 0.8 to 1.3 knots and the S current a rate of 0.3 to 0.8 knot. At springs, tide rips frequently occur at various places all along the coast at variable distances offshore.
 
West Coast of Camorta Island The W coast of Camorta Island, between Horace Point and Kai-hoa Village, almost 3.8 miles SW, is.reef-fringed up to 0.5 mile offshore. From the village the coast extends SW for 1.3 miles and then S for 7.5 miles to Cave Point, the N entrance point of Expedition Harbor. Dring Harbor, which is available only to boats, is entered 2.3 miles N of Cave Point. A 22m shoal lies about 6.5 miles NW of Cave Point. The coast, between Satellite Point, the S entrance point of Expedition Harbor, and Reef Point, the S extremity of the island, is fringed by a narrow reef. This latter point is the N entrance point of the W entrance of Nancowry Harbor.
 
Perseus Reef (8°10’N., 93°27’E.) extends about 0.8 mile W from the NW end of the island. A shoal, as defined by the 20m curve, extends about 1.8 miles NW from the same point.
 
Sanderson Rock (8°07’N., 93°27’E.), which has a least depth of 1.5m, lies about 2.3 miles NW of the entrance of Dring Harbor. The rock lies near the W extremity of a shallow shoal that extends 10.3 miles offshore. A rocky shoal, with a least depth of 8.2m, lies 0.5 mile offshore about midway between the entrances of Dring and Expedition Harbors.
 
Temporary anchorage can be taken almost anywhere off the W coast of Camorta Island, N of Exposition Harbor in depths of 18.3 to 36.6m, poor holding ground. Vessels anchoring S of the harbor are advised to anchor in depths of 36.6m. Vessels can anchor off Kai-hoa Village in depths of 12.8 to 16.5m, about 1 mile offshore. Perseus Reef provides no protection during the SW monsoon. Anchorage can be taken in depths of 17.4m off the entrance of Dring Harbor, about 0.7 mile Wof the S entrance point, with that point bearing 089° and in line with a 64m hill near the head of the harbor. This is considered to be the best anchorage off this coast, because there is little or no current.
 
East Coast Camorta Island From the NE point of Camorta Island, about 1.5 miles E of Horace Point, the E coast of the island curves SSW and then SSE in a wide curve for about 8.5 miles and then S for 3.5 miles to Naval Point. A beacon lies about 0.8 mile N of this point. This point forms the N side of the E entrance of Nancowry Harbor. An L-shaped jetty extends from a position close WNW of Naval Point, and has a depth of about 11m at its seaward end. A reef extends up to 1 mile offshore along this entire stretch of coast except off Moshoit Village, where it lies only 0.3 mile off. The village lies about 4 miles SSW of the NE point of the island. This coastal reef is readily seen under favorable light conditions. Caution is necessary when approaching this coast between the NE end of Camorta Island and the N entrance of Beresford channel, because this area has not been closely examined.
 
Trinkat Island (8°05’N., 93°35’E.), which lies between 1.5 and 2.5 miles E of the S part of Camorta Island, is separated from that island to the W and NW by False Bay and Beresford Channel. Trinkat Island is low, level, and covered by coconut trees. An extensive reef surrounds the island. Morrel Point, the S end of the island, is marked by a beacon.
 
Beresford Channel (8°07’N., 93°33’E.) is entered from the S through False Bay. Both shores are fronted by reefs and shoals that extend almost 0.8 mile offshore. A number of shoals, with depths of 5.5 to 11m, lie in the middle of the S part of the channel. The channel on both sides of Middle Reef, which lies about 3.5 miles NNW of Morrel Point, is about 183m wide. The W channel has depths of 7.6 to 25.6m and the E channel has depths of 5.8 to 20.1m. The area N of Trinkat Island has not been closely examined.

Expedition Harbour and Grand Harbour

Expedition Harbour (8°03’N., 93°30’E.) is landlocked, and together with Grand Harbor its extension to the NE, is of considerable size. A low, narrow peninsula separates Expedition Harbour from Nancowry Harbour to the S. The entrance of Expedition Harbour lies between Cave Point and Satellite Point, about 0.3 mile SSE.
 
The S and E sides of the harbour are indented by coves, fringed by reefs and mangroves. Hoau Village lies about 0.3 mile ESE of Edgecumbe Point. The latter point lies a little over 1 mile NE of Satellite Point. The coast from Edgecumbe Point extends E and N to Edye Point, about 0.9 mile NNE, the S entrance point of Grand Harbour.
 
Wasp Point (8°03’N., 93°29’E.) lies about 0.3 mile SE of Cave Point and forms the inner entrance point of the harbour. The coast from Wasp Point extends NNE for 0.7 mile to Devils Point, then N and NE for about 1.3 miles to the N entrance point of Grand Harbour. A conspicuous palm tree lies close N of this point. Grand Harbour is entered between Edye Point, the N end of the promontory separating Grand Harbour from Expedition Harbour, and a point about 0.3 mile to the N. The harbor is about 2 miles long in a N and S direction. Two creeks indent the E shore. The bay at the N of the harbour is foul.
 
Depths Limitations. Coral patches, which dry 1.2m, lie 0.2 mile SSE of Cave Point.
 
A channel, about 91m wide and having depths of over 18.3m, forms the inner entrance of Expedition Harbour, between the reefs fringing Wasp Point and Satellite Point. The channel passes about 91m N of the latter point.
 
Middle Reef, an extensive drying shoal, lies in the middle of the fairway, abreast of Devils Point. A channel, about 183m wide and having depths of 12.4m, leads between the SE end of Middle Reef and the reef fringing Edgecumbe Point.
 
A drying reef extends 0.2 mile SE from Foul Point, about 0.5 mile NE of Devils Point. A channel, about 183m wide with a least depth of 23.8m, leads between the SW end of this reef and the N end of Middle Reef. Grand Harbour has depths of 7.3 to 14.6m in its middle part. Foul ground extends up to 0.3 mile off the salient points.
 
Anchorage. Vessels can anchor in 18.3m, mud, with Devils Point bearing 340°, distant 0.3 mile. Vessels intending to stay are advised to use Nancowry Harbour, because of the swarms of mosquitoes which infest this anchorage.
 
Directions. Vessels wishing to enter Expedition Harbour are advised to wait until the sun is high, and is possible to enter at LW, when all the fringing reefs and dangers are visible. Vessels approaching from the N or S should keep at least 1 mile off the coast until abeam of the entrance. When Hoare Village opens out in the entrance and bears 071°, vessels should alter course to this heading taking care to avoid the fringing dangers on both sides of the channel. When Devils Point bears 000°, course can be altered to the NNE which leads to the recommended anchorage. Vessels not having local knowledge should not proceed above Devils Point into Grand Harbor until the N end of. Middle Reef and the SW end of the drying reef fringing Foul Point are clearly visible.

Nancowry Harbor (8°01’N., 93°31’E.)

Nancowry Harbor (8°01’N., 93°31’E.) lies between the S coast of Camorta Island and the N coast of Nancowry Island. This spacious, landlocked harbor is deeply indented by several bays and inlets. The harbor can be entered by deep-draft vessels either through the E or W entrance during either monsoon to take sheltered anchorage. Both entrances are readily identified from the offing. The harbor consists of four bays, Satellite Bay and Fort Bay on the N side, and Wasp Bay and Spiteful Bay on the S side. Cross Harbour lies between Fort Bay to the N and Spiteful Bay to the S. Nancowry Harbor has been reported to be a good radar target up to 25 miles.
 
Tides Currents. The tidal currents set E on the flood and W on the ebb. These currents have considerable strength in the entrances, but are very weak within the harbour. Between Man Point and Indian Point the currents are very strong on both tides.
 
Depths Limitations. The depths in the W entrance are over 18.3m and the depths in the E entrance range from 11 to 42m. A depth of 22m exists in the three recommended anchorage areas.
 
West Entrance. The W entrance of the harbor lies between Reef Point and Man Point on the N side and Burleigh Rock and Indian Point on the S side. The latter point, which forms the NW extremity of Nancowry Island, lies NE of Burleigh Rock. The W entrance can be identified by vessels up to 5 miles offshore by the trend of the coast inland to form its S side. Reef Point can be identified by a white mark on it and would otherwise be very difficult to identify. This mark cannot be relied on. Man Point is also difficult to identify. There is a least depth of 11.9m in the fairway of the entrance which is about 183m between the dangers on each side.
 
Northbrook Patch (7°59’N., 93°29’E.), which has a least depth of 3m, lies about 0.3 mile SSW of Reef Point. Shoal patches lie between this danger and the coast to the W of the point.
 
Burleigh Rock, 7.3m high and topped by a wooded summit, is joined to the SE by a reef. Foul ground extends about 137m NW and 91m N from the rock. A patch, with a depth of 7.6m, lies 0.2 mile SSW of the rock.
 
East Entrance Approaches. The approach to the E entrance lies between Morrel Point, the S extremity of Trinkat Island to the NE, and Laire and Reid Points to the SW. The latter two points lie on the NE coast of Nancowry Island. Trinkat Island is easily distinguished from Camorta Island, which is higher and more open. A disc beacon lies on Reid Point and a similar beacon lies about 91m NNW of Morrel Point.
 
The coast between Laire Point and Reid Point is fronted by an extensive reef which extends up to 0.5 mile offshore. The edge of this reef, except at HW and on very calm days, is marked by breakers.
 
A shoal, with a least depth of 4.9m lies on the edge of the shore bank, about 0.4 mile ENE of Reid Point. A 9.8m patch lies near the center of the channel about 0.5 mile NE of the same point.
 
Eastern Shoals (8°02’N., 93°34’E.), a large shoal area with depths of less than 11m, extends from 1 mile SSW to 1 mile WSW of Morrel Point. Depths of 7.6 and 8.5m lie close within the outer edge of Eastern Shoals. The dangers N of an imaginary line joining Naval and Marrel Points have been previously described under Beresford Channel.
 
East Entrance. The E entrance of Nancowry Harbour lies between Naval Point to the N, and between Reid and Mayo Points to the S. A beacon lies on Mayo Point.
 
Naval Point Light shows from a structure 0.2 mile S of Naval Point (8°02’N., 93°22’E.).
 
The entrance channel, which is about 0.2 mile wide between the fringing dangers on either side, has a least depth of 11m. Shoal ground, as defined by the 10m curve, extends up to 0.3 mile ESE and about 0.3 mile S from Naval Point. The shore bank, as defined by the 10m curve, lies between Reid and Mayo Points and extends up to 0.3 mile offshore about midway between them. A detached 7.3m shoal lies 0.3 mile NW of Reid Point, close off the above bank.
 
A white metal beacon with a ball topmark lies about 0.2 mile S of Naval Point near the edge of the reef. A similar beacon lies 1 mile N of the same point on the edge of the shore reef.

Wasp Bay (8°00’N., 93°31’E.), which forms the SW part of Nancowry Harbour, lies between the W entrance and an imaginary line drawn between Easter Point and Leda Point to the ENE. Itoe Village, which lies on the E shore of the bay about 0.5 mile S of Leda Point, serves as a good mark.
 
Wasp Bay has depths of over 18.3m in its central part, but is fouled by some dangers and irregular depths around its shores.
 
A shoal, with a least depth of 2.4m, lies 0.2 mile offshore about 0.5 mile NNE of Man Point, which lies 0.3 ENE of Reed Point. A shoal, with a least depth of 9.8m, lies about 0.7 mile NE of the same point. Foul ground, with depths of less than 11m, extends 0.3 mile SE and 0.5 mile ENE from Easter Point.
 
A drying rock lies in the E part of the bay, a little over 1 mile SSW of Leda Point and about 0.3 mile offshore. Shoals, with depths of 4.9 to 12m, lie between this rock and the shore reef.
 
Alfrey Shoal (8°01’N., 93°31’E.), having a depth of 9.7m, lies almost in mid-channel, a little over 0.5 mile SW of Leda Point.
 
Satellite Bay (8°02’N., 93°30’E.), which forms the NW part of Nancowry Harbour, is entered between Easter Point and Alfred Point, about 1.3 miles NE. Alfred Point has been reported to be a good radar target up to 21 miles.
 
A deep channel, about 0.3 mile wide, leads between the W side of Alfrey Shoal and the E side of the foul ground, which extends 0.5 mile ENE from Easter Point. Depths of 16.5 to 31.1m exist in the outer part of the bay.
 
Satellite Patch (8°01’N., 93°30’E.), which lies about 0.7 mile SW of Alfred Point, has a least depth of 4.1m. A 6.4m patch lies about 183m S of this patch, and shoal patches, with depths of 5.5 to 11m, lie between Satellite Patch and the coast to the N and NW. Shoal ground, as defined by the 11m curve, extends 0.3 mile SSW from Alfred Point and 0.3 mile NW and N from Leda Point.
 
Cross Harbour (8°02’N., 93°32’E.) is entered from the W between Alfred and Leda Points, and from the E between Naval and Mayo Points. Depths in the harbour area range from 21.9 to 53.1m, mud.
 
Fort Bay (8°02’N., 93°31’E.), entered between Alfred Point and Ray Point about 1 mile ENE, recedes about 0.8 mile NNW. The latter point can be identified by two radio masts which lie 0.2 mile to the NE. Battery Point, which lies 0.2 mile NW of Ray Point, can be identified by a conspicuous clump of casuarina trees about the same distance to the N. A flag staff lies close NE of Ray Point.
 
Depths in the bay range from 14.6 to 23.8m in its central part, shoaling gradually to the coastal reef which fringes its shores. A wreck, with a depth of 14.6m, lies about 0.3 mile W of Ray Point.
 
Spiteful Bay (8°01’N., 93°32’E.), the SE part of Nancowry Harbour, is entered between Mayo Point and Leda Point. A village lies on the E shore of the bay about 0.3 mile S of Mayo Point.
 
A 5.5m patch lies about in the middle of the entrance, about 0.3 mile ENE of Leda Point.
 
Depths of 16.5 to 23.8m are found in the outer part of the bay, shoaling gradually to the drying flats at its head. Shoals on the W side of the bay extend up to 0.3 mile offshore.
 
Anchorage. There is an outer anchorage about 1 mile E of Naval Point (8°02’N., 93°22’E.). The depth is 21.9m and the holding ground is good. A long scope of chain is advisable as the squalls off the land are sometimes heavy. The anchorage is otherwise sheltered.
 
Excellent anchorage is provided in the outer part of Fort Bay in a depth of 21.9m, mud, with the conspicuous clump of trees previously mentioned bearing about 075°, distant 0.3 mile. The wreck previously mentioned should be given a wide berth. This anchorage is well-sheltered and little current is experienced.
 
Anchorage can be taken in the middle of the entrance of Spiteful Bay in a depth of 21.9m. This anchorage is somewhat exposed to the sea breezes.
 
Anchorage can be taken in the fairway of the E entrance of Nancowry Harbour, in convenient depths, on a line joining the stone jetty and the village of Mala about 0.2 mile SSW of Mayo Point.
 
Directions West Entrance. Vessels should approach the W entrance from the SW in order to avoid the dangers extending SSW from Reef Point and terminating in Northbrook Patch. The conspicuous clump of casuarina trees near Battery Point, midway between Man and Indian points, bearing about 039°, leads SE of Northbrook Patch. When Reef Point bears 000°, it should be steered for on that bearing until Burleigh Rock bears 090°. Then the course should be gradually altered to the NE, avoiding the foul ground which extends NW from Burleigh Rock, and course shaped to pass midway between Man Point and Indian Point. In passing between these points, vessels should have good steerage way as the currents are strong and there are many eddies.
 
After passing Man Point, the course should be altered to about 051°, and when about 0.8 mile off the village, course should be altered N, passing close W of Alfrey Shoal and E of the 4.8m shoal, about 0.3 mile W of Alfrey Shoal.
 
When Mayo Point bears about 080° and is open N of Leda Point, the course should be altered E and the radio masts NE of Ray Point should be steered for on a course of 055°. This course leads between the dangers extending from Leda and Alfred Points and into Fort Bay where anchorage can be taken as convenient.
 
Directions East Entrance. Vessels approaching the E entrance should keep Reid Point bearing 281° and in line with Alfred Point. This course leads S of Easter Point. When the right tangent of Trinkat Island bears 034°, the course should be altered N to bring Bay Point Beacon to bear 309° and kept on that bearing which leads NE of the reef fronting the coast between Laire and Reid Points.
 
When Mayo Point bears 261°, the course should be altered to 268° to pass midway between Naval Point and the N shore of Nancowry Island, about 0.5 mile S. This track passes 183m S of a shoal with 5.8m of water above, situated 0.5 mile SE of Naval Point and 0.2 mile N of another shoal with a depth of 6.7m on the S side of the entrance. When clear of Mayo Point, course can be altered to the N to clear the spit extending NW from Mayo Point. Anchorage can be taken, as convenient, in Fort Bay.
 
Nancowry Harbor (8°01’N., 93°31’E.), although providing excellent shelter for all classes of vessels, has but few facilities. The residence of the Government Agent lies about 0.3 mile WNW of Naval Point.
 
A stone jetty, 118.9m long, with wooden extension projecting about 100m SW and W from its head, lies about 0.3 mile WNW of Naval Point. There are depths of about 11m at the outer end of the jetty. The approach to the jetty requires much attention as there are shoals and rocks in the vicinity. A wooden jetty, 71.6m long and 6.1m wide, extends in a W direction from the shore about 0.2 mile SSW of Mayo Point.

Nicobar Islands Central Group
 
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

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.

Nicobar Islands South Group
 
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.