473 - ANDAMAN ISLANDS Preparis Island (14°53'N., 93°42'E.), 81m high, narrow, and wooded, slopes gradually to the sea. A shoal spit extends about 3.5 miles S from the S end of this island. Preparis Island has been reported to be a good radar target up to 24 miles and has been reported to be identifiable with charted features by radar up to 22 miles. Cow and Calf Islets (14°57'N., 93°43'E.), flat-topped, three in number, and about 23m high, lie close together about 1.8 miles N of Preparis Island. Several coral heads, with depths of 3.7m and less, lie within 1.3 miles of the SE side of Preparis Island. During the SW monsoon, anchorage can be taken off the E side of Preparis Island in depths of 21.9 to 25.6m. During the NE monsoon, anchorage can be taken on the opposite side of the island. Preparis South Channel (14°28'N., 93°33'E.), which lies between Preparis Islands and the Coco islands to the S, has depths of 199.4 to 274.3m and a width of 34 miles between the dangers on either side. Table Island (14°11'N., 93°23'E.), which is densely wooded on all except its SW side, appears as a flat, level surface with steep-to sides on all bearings. The island has been reported to be a good radar target up to 16 miles. Slipper Island (14°11'N., 93°22'E.), 34m high and grass covered, lies about 0.2 mile NW of the NW end of Table Island. A detached 11.9m patch lies about 1.3 miles NE of the island, and irregular depths which cause tide rips, extend about 4.5 miles NE from the island. During the NE monsoon, anchorage can be taken about 0.3 mile offshore in Table Bay, on the SW side of Table Island. When anchoring, care is necessary neither to be too close to the reef, nor to far out where the currents are strong. In Table Bay a small, short jetty extends from the shore close S of the lighthouse. Marshall Channel (14°10'N., 93°22'E.), which lies between Table Island and Great Coco Island to the S, has depths of 9.1 to 18.3m in the fairway seaward of the fringing reefs. Strong currents set through this channel. Great Coco Island (14°06'N., 93°23'E.), densely wooded and steep on its W side, slopes gradually to the sea on its E side. Great Coco Island has been reported to be a good radar target up to 23 miles. Jerry Island (14°03'N., 93°22'E.), 29.6m high, is connected to the S end of Great Coco Island by a reef. Rocky ground, with uneven depths, extends about 2 miles S from Jerry Island. Little Coco Island (14°00'N., 93°14'E.), densely wooded and fairly high, is separated from Great Coco Island and Jerry Island by Alexander Channel. This channel is free of dangers in the fairway, but strong currents and tiderips are encountered. Investigator Patch (13°57'N., 93°16'E.), an area of shoal, rocky ground with a least depth of 2.7m, lies about 2 miles ESE of the S end of the island. During E winds, sheltered anchorage can be taken in depths of 16.5 to 21.9m, sand and mud, in Lambert Bay on the W side of the island. The bottom on the E side of the island is rocky and foul. Coco Channel (13°47'N., 93°12'E.), which separates Little Coco Island from the Andaman Islands to the S, is wide and deep. The S side of the channel has irregular depths over a coral bottom. Landfall Island (13°39'N., 93°02'E.), 79.2m high in its N part, is fringed by a reef which extends up to 0.5 mile offshore in places. Landfall Rocks, 12.8m high, lie on the reef fringing the S end of the island. East Island lies 0.8 mile E of Landfall Island. The intervening channel has a least depth 5.5m and provides anchorage to small craft. The anchorage is approached from the S. Hickman Shoal (13°42'N., 93°59'E.), which consists of two small patches, lies about 2 miles N of the NW end of Landfall Island. Several patches, with depths of 5 to 10.1m, lie between Hickman Shoal and Landfall Island. Shoals, with depths of less than 9.1m, lie within 2 miles NW of the N end of the island. Ranger Reef (13°39'N., 93°07'E.), with a least depth of 1.8m, lies 2 miles E of the N end of East Island. Two 9.1m patches lie within 0.8 mile N of Ranger Reef. Jackson Ledge (13°39'N., 93°08'E.), with a least depth of 3.2m, lies about 3.3 miles E of the NE end of East Island and is marked by tide rips. An 11m detached patch lies 3 miles ESE of the ledge. An 8.4m patch lies 2.5 miles NE of the ledge. West Coral Bank (13°13'N., 93°31'E.), the northernmost of all the banks, lies between 15 and 23 miles W of North Andaman Island. A least depth of 11m lies on the N part of the bank about 14 miles NW of North Reef Island (13°05'N., 92°43'E.). Middle Bank (12°32'N., 92°25'E.) has a least depth of 6.9m, which lies about 38 miles SSW of North Reef Island. South Bank (12°16'N., 92°26'E.), about 8 miles in extent, lies about 18 miles SW of Flat Island (12°32'N., 92°41'E.). The central part of the bank has a least depth of 11m. Invisible Bank (11°10'N., 93°31'E.), about 37 miles long and 9 miles wide, lies centered about 46 miles E of the Cinque Islands (11°16'N., 92°43'E.). Flat Rock, 27.4m in diameter and awash, lies near the center, which is the shallowest part of the bank. North Sentinel Island (11°33'N., 92°14'E.), separated from the Labyrinth Islands by a wide, deep channel. Depths of 42.1 to 95.1m are found in this channel. North Sentinel Island has been reported to be a good radar target up to 13 miles. A dangerous wreck lies about 2.5 miles W of the S part of the island. Anchorage can be taken in a depth of 18.3m, 0.5 mile off the E side of the North Sentinel Island. Sunken dangers exist S of this fair weather anchorage. In fair weather, small vessels with local knowledge can anchor in a depth of 21.9m about 0.5 mile off an entrance through the reef. This anchorage lies about 0.8 mile W of Constance Islet. South Sentinel Island (10°58'N., 92°14'E.), 44m high to the tops of the trees and level topped, lies 15 miles NW of Little Andaman Island. Anchorage can be taken off the W side of South Sentinel Island with its center bearing 101°, distant 0.9 mile. Anchorage can also be taken off the E side of the island in similar depths. Narcondam Island (13°26'N., 94°17'E.), an extinct volcano 710m high, lies about 74 miles E of the N end of North Andaman Island. Narcondam Island has been reported to be a good radar target up to 27 miles. Barren Island (12°16'N., 93°51'E.), 353m high with densely wooded cliffs rising sheer from the sea, lies about 72 miles SSW of Narcondam Island. A light is shown from a white metal tower on the NW end of the island. Barren Island has been reported to be a good radar target up to 24 miles. Anchorage can be taken in a depth of 27.4m about 0.2 miles off a beach on the SW side of the island. The currents were reported to set SE at a rate of 2.5 knots at half tide at this anchorage. Cleugh Passage (13°36'N., 93°02'E.) Cape Price (13°35'N., 93°02'E.), the N end of North Andaman Island, is densely wooded and slopes gradually to the sea. Cleugh Passage, which separates Landfall and East Islands from North Andaman Island, is available to vessels with local knowledge. Passage through it is not recommended because of the strong currents and lack of navigational aids. Cleugh Rocks (13°37'N., 92°58'E.), about 1.5 miles SSW of the SW end of Landfall Island, lie on a reef, the W part of which dries 1.8m. Passage Rock (13°36'N., 93°00'E.) awash, steep-to and marked by breakers, lies about 0.5 mile SE of Cleugh Rocks and almost in mid-channel. A shoal, with depths of 4.6 to 8.2m, lies 1 mile W of Wedge Rock. One Fathom Patch (13°36'N., 93°02'E.), which breaks in heavy weather, has a least depth of 1.8m and lies 0.6 mile N of Cape Price. Depths of 6.4 to 11.9m lie between this danger and Cape Price. A 5m patch lies about 0.5 mile W of the Cape. West Island (13°36'N., 93°54'E.), 53m high, reef-fringed, and densely wooded, lies in the W approach to Cleugh Passage about 3.5 miles NNW of Cape Thornhill. Depths of less than 9.1m lie up to 0.5 mile off the island. Several patches, with depths of 7.3 to 8.7m lie between West Island and Wedge Rock. West Coast of North Andaman Island Between Cape Thornhill (13°32'N., 92°56'E.) and Shark Islet, about 22 miles SSW, the coast is backed some distance inland by many conspicuous summits. Thornhill Island (13°32'N., 92°55'E.), 77m high, is separated from Cape Thornhill by a narrow, shallow channel. White Cliff Island (13°32'N., 92°53'E.), 33m high, lies 1.5 miles W of Thornhill Island. Cliffs, 20m high and dark colored, back the N end of the island. Reef Island (13°30'N., 92°53'E.) is 5.5m high to the tops of the trees. Shoal ground, as defined by the 6m curve, extends almost 1 mile WSW from the SW point of the island. Irregular depths of less than 18.3m lie up to 1.3 miles farther WSW. Temple Sound (13°25'N., 92°51'E.) lies between Shearme Island on the E, and Paget and Point Islands on the N and W..Shearme Island is 57m high and, except in the narrow channel separating it from the mainland to the E, is fringed by a drying reef. Paget Island (13°26'N., 92°50'E.), about 0.8 mile NW of the NW end of Shearme Island, is 76m high to the tops of the trees and fringed by a drying reef on all except part of its E side. Point Island (13°24'N., 92°50'E.), about 0.5 mile SW of Paget Island, is tree-covered. A least depth of 6.4m exists in the fairway of the channel separating Paget and Point Islands. Anchorage, sheltered from all except SW winds, can be taken in depths of 18.3 to 21.9m, mud and sand, in the middle of the sound about midway between Shearme and Point Islands. Small vessels can anchor in a depth of 14.6m, about 0.3 mile W of Oldham Rocks. The coast between Point Stuart (13°22'N., 92°51'E.) and the W entrance of Austin Strait, about 29 miles to the S, is very irregular and fronted by numerous islets, rocks and shoals. Mackey Bank (13°20'N., 92°46'E.), with a least depth of 7.3m, lies about 6 miles SW of Point Island. Vessels should give this bank a wide berth when passing. Shark Island (13°12'N., 92°46'E.), about 12.3 miles SSW of the same island, is sandy and covered with bushes about 6.1m high. A rocky reef surrounds this island. Vessels should give this island a wide berth when passing. North Reef Island (13°05'N., 92°43'E.), low, flat, wooded and marshy, lies 6.5 miles SSW of Shark Island. A reef extends about 2 miles S from the S end of the island. Latouche Island (13°05'N., 92°43'E.), lies close off the NE point of North Reef Island. A spit extends about 0.3 mile S from Latouche Island. A 3.7m patch lies about 1.5 miles SE of the E end of North Reef Island. Interview Island (12°55'N., 92°42'E.) lies 4.5 miles S of the S end of North Reef Island. The island is low at its N end, but rises gradually to a height of 113m. Foul ground extends about 2 miles NNE from the island. A light is shown from the W side of the island. South Reef Island (12°47'N., 92°40'E.) lies about 1 mile SW of Interview Island on a stony spit, as defined by the 6m curve, that extends about 3 miles S from that island. Vessels with local knowledge can anchor in depths of 11.8 to 16.4m about 2 miles E of the S end of North Reef Island. Care should be taken to avoid the shoal patches, which lie 1.5 and 2 miles ENE of the S end of the island. Austin Strait (12°53'N., 92°50'E.), which separates North Andaman Island from Middle Andaman Island, is shoal and can only be used by boats. The W entrance, which lies about 8.5 miles SE of the N end of Interview Island, is approached through Interview Sound which lies between the N part of Interview Island and the mainland. Numerous islands, rocks, and shoals lie in the sound. White Mountain (12°51'N., 92°55'E.), 361m high, lies at the N end of the E coastal range of Middle Andaman Island, about 7 miles ESE of the W entrance of Austin Strait. The W coast of the island, between Tuft Island about 6 miles SSE of the S end of Interview Island, and the W entrance of Andaman Strait, is bold and precipitous. Tuft Island is sandy and about 3m high. Port Andaman (12°44'N., 92°42'E.), of little commercial importance, lies between South Reef Island and Anderson Island. This latter island lies close to and parallel with Middle Andaman Island. The water at the entrance is muddy and irregular depths exist over a rocky bottom. Port Andaman leads N to Interview Passage, which lies between Interview Island to the W and Anderson and Bennett Islands to the E. This area is dangerous and should be avoided. Rocky Point, the extremity of a promontory, lies about 4.5 miles SSW of Tuft Island. Hump Island lies about 3 miles S of Tuft Island and Flat Island lies about 6 miles farther S. A shoal, with a least depth of 11m, lies 2.5 miles W of Rocky Point. West Entrance of Andaman Strait The W entrance of Andaman Strait, which separates Middle Andaman from South Andaman, is divided into two channels by Spike Island. Fairly deep water exists in the outer part of the main entrance which lies N of the latter island. The channel is entered between the W entrance point of Foul Bay and Breaker Point, the NW end of Spike Island. The channel abreast Foul Bay is about 0.4 mile wide between the shoals on either side, but narrows to a width of 0.2 mile between the reef, extending from Steep Point, the NE end of Spike Island and Brook Point to the N. The S part of the W entrance of Andaman Strait, between Spike Island and the N end of South Andaman Island, about 0.3 mile SW, is fairly deep. This narrow, intricate channel is considered to be dangerous. Foul Bay (12°19'N., 92°42'E.), on the N side of the main entrance of Andaman Strait, is fouled by reefs. The coast between this bay and Brooke Point, about 1.8 miles SSE, is fringed by a reef, which extends about 0.3 mile offshore in places. Foul ground extends almost 1 mile S from the W point of Foul Bay. A rock, with a depth of less than 1.8m, lies near the S end of this reef. Spike Island (12°16'N., 92°43'E.), whose N side forms the S side of the entrance channel, is 136m high at its N end and 94m high at its S end. A narrow reef fringes the N coast of the island between Breaker Point and Steep Point. Taylor Patches (12°16'N., 92°42'E.), which have a least depth of 8.5m, lie about 1.5 miles SW of Breaker Point. A shoal area, with a least depth of 7.3m, lies 0.5 miles W of Long Rock. Bluff Island (12°15'N., 92°42'E.), 30m high to the tops of the trees, lies in the mouth of the S entrance channel, close N of the N end of South Andaman Island. A drying reef extends 0.3 mile W and 0.5 mile N from Bluff Island. Port Anson (12°16'N., 92°44'E.) Port Anson lies between Spike Island to the W, and Stoat, Mangrove, and Tala Kaicha Islands to the E. Depths of 12.8 to 20m exist in the central part of the bay. All of the above islands are reef-fringed. Whales Reef (12°15'N., 92°44'E.) lies about 0.8 mile NW of the S end of Tala Kaichi Island. Two small reefs lie S of this reef. Anchorage can be taken in the N part of Port Anson in depths of 16.5 to 18.3m, mud, about midway between Stoat Island and the N part of Spike Island. Andaman Strait. Vessels drawing 4m have navigated the strait. Small vessels with local knowledge should only attempt the passage during daylight hours, under favorable conditions. Cape Bluff (12°12'N., 92°40'E.) the NW end of South Andaman Island, is fronted by dangers which extend about 1 mile offshore. Port Campbell (11°57'N., 92°35'E.), almost landlocked and well-sheltered, is entered between Petrie Island and Montgomery Island, about 1.8 miles SSW. Petrie Island (11°58'N., 92°37'E.), which lies on the N side of the entrance, is joined to the N extremity of Defence Island by reefs and shoals. This latter island forms part of the E side of the port. An area of shoal ground extends 0.5 mile S from Petrie Island and a similar shoal, with some rocks awash, extends about 1 mile W from the middle part of Defence Island. Montgomery Island (11°56'N., 92°35'E.), on the S side of the entrance, is joined to the mainland by foul ground. The E side of this island is fringed by foul ground. Vessels can anchor in the entrance in a depth of 21.9m, about 0.8 mile NE of Montgomery Island. Anchorage can be taken in a depth of 23.8m a little over 1 mile SE of the same island. The coast between Montgomery Island and Palmer Point, about 15 miles to the S, has not been closely examined. A reef fringes this section of coast and an area of shoal ground extends up to 2.5 miles S from Palmer Point. A 5.5m patch lies near the S end of this shoal ground. Constance Bay (11°42'N., 92°36'E.), entered between Palmer Point and Florence Point, about 2 miles to the SE, is foul and has not been closely examined. Port Mouat (11°37'N., 92°38'E.), entered between Perseus Point and Andromeda Point about 0.8 mile S, extends about 1.5 miles E through a narrow channel to a landlocked basin. The entrance channel between the extending reefs on either side is about 0.3 mile wide, but about 1 mile to the E the channel narrows to a width of only about 91m. Small fishing vessels with local knowledge frequently use the port as an anchorage. Labyrinth Islands (11°35'N., 92°34'E.) The Labyrinth Islands, consisting of 14 islands and islets, lie off the SW side of South Andaman Island. All of these islands are rocky and fringed by reefs, which extend up to 1 mile offshore along their seaward faces. Tarmugli Island (11°35'N., 92°34'E.), the NW island of the group, is 78m high and lies with Frederick Point, its NW end, about 4.5 miles WSW of Perseus Point. A large area of foul ground extends up to 2.5 miles N from the reef, which fringes the N coast of the island. A 5.5m patch was reported to lie about 2.5 miles NE of Frederick Point. Boat Island (11°31'N., 92°34'E.), 27m high, lies on an area of foul ground about 1.8 miles SE of the SW end of Tarmugli Island. Malay Island (11°32'N., 92°37'E.), the SE island of the group, lies 2.3 miles E of Boat Island. A rounded summit, 68m high, rises at its N end. A rocky ledge extends 0.3 mile from the S point of the island. Hobday Island (11°32'N., 92°37'E.), which lies close NE of Malay Island, has a rocky ledge extending 0.5 mile S from its SE side. A ridge, with depths of 6.4 to 8.2m, extends 0.5 mile farther S. Redskin Island (11°33'N., 92°36'E.) lies close NW of Malay Island. It has been reported that Elphinstone Passage, which leads between the W side of Redskin Island and Snob Island, 46m high, is used by local fishing craft proceeding to Port Mouat. Snob Island is 75m high and lies W of Redskin Island. Pluto Island (11°33'N., 92°38'E.), small, rounded, and 49m high, lies close E of Hobday Island. A rock, 0.6m high and said to be a useful mark at all stages of the tide, lies 0.5 mile SSE of Pluto Island. Jolly Boys Island (11°30'N., 92°37'E.), 45m high, lies 0.8 mile NW of Rutland Island. A reef, which is usually visible, fringes the island and extends about 0.8 mile SW from it. Grub Island (11°35'N., 92°36'E.), 24m high with a yellow cliff on it, lies 1.5 miles E of Tarmugli Island. Macpherson Strait (11°30'N., 92°36'E.) separates South Andaman Island and the Labyrinth Islands from Rutland Island. The recommended channel has a least depth of 7.3m and a least navigable width of 0.2 mile. The Wentrance is narrow and obstructed by reefs as are both shores of the strait. The channel between Malay Island and Jolly Boys Island, which leads from Macpherson Strait to Elphinstone Passage, is navigable by small vessels with local knowledge under favorable conditions. Peck Shoals (11°32'N., 92°38'E.), a group of coral heads on the N side of the channel, lie 1.3 miles NNE of the NE end of Jolly Boys Island. Vessels can anchor in depths of 11 to 18.3m. Rutland Island (11°25'N., 92°39'E.), the southernmost most of the Andaman Islands, consists of two parts joined together by a low neck of land. Mount Ford, 433m high, lies in the N part of the island and Mount Mayo, 227m high, lies in the S part. Woodmason Bay (11°25'N., 92°37'E.), which indents the W coast of the island, lies with its S part abreast the low neck of land. Depths in the central part of the bay, seaward of the fringing reefs, range from 14.6 to 29.3m. Investigator Rock (11°20'N., 92°37'E.), with a least depth of 5.5m and marked by rips, lies about 1 mile SSW of the S extremity of Rutland Island. A rocky shoal, with a least depth of 8.2m, lies about 0.3 mile NNE of this rock. East Side of North Andaman Island Cape Price, the NE point of North Andaman Island, has been previously described. The coast between the cape and the entrance of Gibb Creek, about 7 miles to the S, is fronted by several rocky patches. Vessels should keep at least 2.5 miles off this coast when passing. Union Ledge (13°32'N., 93°11'E.), almost awash, lies about 6.5 miles ESE of Pocock Island. It lies near the S extremity of an extensive bank on which the irregular depths are less than 36.6m. Pocock Island (13°34'N., 93°04'E.), 55m high and wooded, lies about 1.8 miles SSE of Cape Price. A drying rock lies 0.3 mile farther S. A shoal, with a least depth of 5.5m, lies about 4 miles S of Pocock Island. Beauchamp Reef (13°27'N., 93°04'E.), awash, lies almost 1 mile offshore about 6.5 miles S of Pocock Island. Cadell Bay (13°26'N., 93°04'E.), entered between the S entrance point of Gibb Creek and Colvin Point about 2.8 miles SE, provides anchorage during the SW monsoon in depths of 11 to 12.8m, mud, in the middle of the bay. Bond Harbor (13°24'N., 93°04'E.), entered about 1 mile SSE of Colvin Point, provides anchorage to small craft in depths of 12.8 to 14.6m, mud and sand. Table Islands (13°25'N., 93°07'E.) consist of Excelsior and Delgarno Islands, both tree-covered, which lie at the N and SW ends, respectively of an extensive shoal on which the depths are less than 5.5m. Excelsior Island, 29m high, lies about 1.5 miles E of the coast and is fringed by a reef which extends about 0.3 mile from its NE side. Delgarno Island (13°25'N., 93°06'E.), about 61m high, lies 0.8 mile SSW of Excelsior Island and has a clear sandy beach on its NW side and mangroves on its E and S sides. Both islands are fairly steep-to on their W sides, but foul ground extends about 1 mile SE from Smith Island (13°20'N., 93°05'E.), 131m high, has a conspicuous tree on its summit. Mangrove Point, the E end of the island, is fronted by a drying reef that extends about 0.2 mile offshore. A 10.1m patch lies about 0.8 mile S of the point. Temple Island, which forms the S entrance point of Thoroughfare Creek, lies 0.5 mile NE of the N end of Smith Island. Turtle Islands (13°22'N., 93°05'E.), two wooded islands about 46m high, lie 1.8 miles NNW of Mangrove Point. Turtle Reef, with a 1.2m high sandbank in its middle, lies 0.5 mile N of the islands. The channel between the Turtle Islands and Smith Island is clear with a fairway depth of not less than 20.1m. Port Cornwallis (13°17'N., 93°05'E.) Port Cornwallis is entered between Ross Island and Dundas Point, about 1.8 miles SSW. Ross Island, 82.6m high, is connected to Smith Island by a sandy spit and is almost entirely surrounded by a drying reef. Dundas Point, sharp and rocky, is fronted by a drying reef, which extends about 0.2m NNE from its extremity. There are considerable depths in the entrance and within the harbor. Shoal ground, as defined by the 10m curve, extends almost 0.5 mile E, and a little over 0.3 mile S from Ross Island. Atalanta Bay (13°16'N., 93°04'E.) is entered between Dundas Point and Barkely Point, about 1.3 miles WNW. Ariel Bay is shallow and lies about 1.3 miles W of Barkely Point. An L-shaped jetty extends 0.2m N, then NE from Kopi Point, the E entrance point of the bay. Chatham Island (13°19'N., 93°02'E.), 61m high near its S end and 58m high near its N end, lies about 1 mile W of Perseverence Point. Stewart Sound (12°54'N., 93°00'E.), which contains several bays and inlets within its limits, lies within Sound Island between Cadell Point and Cape Vestal, about 11 miles SSW. Stewart Sound is of great extent and contains the principal port of North Andaman Island. Several lumber camps and settlements are found around the shores of the sound. Austin Strait (12°54'N., 92°53'E.), which separates North and Middle Andaman Islands, has its E entrance at the head of a shallow bay on the S side of Stewart Sound. During the strength of the SW monsoon, the SW current is very weak but the NE current attains a rate of 2 knots. Sound Island (12°58'N, 92°59'E.) is an irregular-shaped island lying in the entrance of Stewart Sound. Above and below-water rocks extend about 0.5 mile NE from Simpson Point, the NE end of the island. Mitchell Point, the SE extremity of the island, is fringed by a drying reef that extends 0.3 mile SSW from it. The N entrance of the sound lies between Cadell Point and Simpson Point. Elphin Patch, which lies near the middle of the entrance, has a depth of less than 1.8m near its center. Oliver Island (13°00'N., 93°00'E.), 59m high, lies 1 mile W of Simpson Point. There are considerable depths in the channel between it and Sound Island. Sunk Reef (13°00'N., 92°59'E.), which dries 0.6m and which has a 5.5m patch on its NW side, lies 0.8 mile NW of Oliver Island. A group of drying rocks lie about 1 mile W of Oliver Island. Oyster Island (12°59'N., 92°59'E.), 1.2m high, lies 0.8 mile WSW of Oliver Island. Stewart Island (13°01'N., 92°56'E.), which lies in a shallow bay on the NW side of the sound, is covered with jungle growth. A drying mudbank joins the NW side of the island with North Andaman Island. Aves Island (12°55'N., 92°57'E.), 63m high and conspicuous, lies about 2 miles SW of Sound Island. A drying reef connects the island to Aves Point to the WSW. Takla Oyster Point (12°55'N., 92°55'E.), about 1.5 miles WNW of Aves Point, is the N end of a promontory which forms the E side of a shallow bay. The E entrance of Austin Strait lies at the head of this bay. A shoal, with a least depth of 3.2m, lies almost 0.5 mile E of Takla Oyster Point. Berkeley Island Group (12°56'N., 92°54'E.) consists of Orchid, Curlew, Egg and Dottrel Islands, which lie in the approach to Bacon Bay to the W and NW of Takla Oyster Point. All except Dottrel Island are identifiable from abeam of Square Rock. Bacon Bay (12°57'N, 92°54'E.) is entered between Brown Point and Orchid Island, about 0.3 miles WSW. The bay is well sheltered from all winds and its E part is clear of all dangers up to within 0.2 mile of the shore. Anchorage can be taken in suitable depths in any part of Steward Sound. Anchorage can be taken in Bacon Bay in all seasons. Anchorage can be taken in depths of 14.6 to 16.5m, almost 1 mile N of Oliver Island and in the channel between Sound Island and North Andaman Island, about 2 miles N of Jones Point. These anchorages are partially open to the NE. Mayabunder Settlement (12°56'N, 92°55'E.) lies on the NW side of Takla Oyster Point. The local district administrator resides in a conspicuous white house with a red roof on the NE side of the point. A short wooden jetty, with a depth of 2.4m alongside its head, extends from the NW side of Takla Oyster Point. East Coasts of Middle Andaman Island and Baratang Island The coast between Cape Vestal and Cape Strachan, about 9 miles SSE, is high and clear of off-lying dangers. The latter projection forms the N entrance point of Cuthbert Bay. Mount Diavolo, 512m high, lies about 3.5 miles W of the same point. Rangat Bay (12°29'N., 92°58'E.) is entered between Coxon Point and Johns Point, about 0.8 mile to the S. Both points are bold and bluffy. Anchorage can be taken in depths of 6.4 to 9.1m, midway between the entrance points of Rangat Bay. Local knowledge is required because the depths shoal rapidly within the entrance points. Between Johns Point and a 117m promontory on Baratang Island, about 17 miles SSW, the coast is bordered by numerous islands and dangers and indented by many bays. Long Island (12°24'N., 92°57'E.) densely wooded and fringed by shoal ground, lies about 2.5 miles SSW of Johns Point. The islands are separated from each other, and from Middle Andaman and Baratang Islands, by fairly narrow, shoal channels. Small vessels with local knowledge can find shelter in some of these bays. Guitar Island (12°21'N., 92°55'E.) lies about 0.8 mile SSW of Long Island and is joined to Middle Andaman Island by a shallow flat. Cape Dalrymple forms the S end of an islet, 75m high, which lies close S of Guitar Island. A shoal, with a least depth of 2.7m, lies about 0.8 mile SSE of Cape Dalrymple. Nancowry Ledge (12°20'N., 92°56'E.), which has depths of less than 1.8m, lies about 1.3 miles E of Cape Dalrymple. Campbell Shoal (12°25'N., 93°04'E.) lies about 6 miles SE of the N end of Long Island and has a least depth of 5.5m, rock. It lies on the E side of an irregular bank about 2.8 miles long and 1.3 miles wide, which has depths, which range 16.5 to 36.6m. Headlam Patch (12°24'N., 92°59'E.), with a least depth of 3.7m, lies about 2.5 miles SSE of the N end of Long Island. Depths of 5.5 to 16.5m surround this danger. A detached shoal, about 1 mile in extend, lies with its shallowest depth of 3.7m, about 6.3 miles ESE of Cape Smith. North Passage Island (12°16'N., 92°56'E.), irregular in shape, high, and wooded, lies 3 miles S of Long Island. Cape Portman is the NE extremity of the island. The E side of the island is fronted by dangerous foul ground which extends up to 2 miles offshore. Strait Island (12°13'N., 92°56'E.) lies about 0.8 mile SSE of North Passage Island. The intervening passage between the two is foul. Reefs fringe the N and E sides of Strait Island. Shoals and foul ground, with depths of less than 1.6m, extend up to 1.3 miles E of the island. A light is shown on the W side and at the S end of Strait Island close N of Cross Point. Colebrooke Island (12°14'N., 92°54'E.), of irregular shape and densely wooded, lies close W of the SW part of North Passage Island. A channel, with depths of 6.4 to 36.6m, leads between Long Island and Guitar Island to the jetties on the SW side of the former island. Homfray Strait (12°15'N., 92°52'E.), an intricate, rocky channel connecting Elphinstone Harbor with Port Anson, separates Middle Andaman Island from Baratang Islands. The channel between North Passage Island and Strait Island is shallow and foul. The channel between North Passage Island and Colebrooke Island is about 0.5 mile wide and has depths of 5.5 to 18.3m. Small vessels with local knowledge can use this passage, which is obstructed in places by reefs and shoals. Colebrooke Passage (12°13'N., 92°53'E.) is 0.2 mile wide with depths of 7.3 to 18.3m. Its N part is shallow. Anchorage can be taken in a depth of 23.8m, good holding ground, about 10.3 miles W of Cross Point. Well sheltered anchorage with good holding ground can be taken in a depth of 15.5m near the S end of Colebrooke Passage. Anchorage can be taken in Rogolochang Bay (12°09'N., 92°50'E.) in depths of 7.3 to 9.1m, about 4 miles SSW of the S entrance of Colebrooke Passage. A wooden jetty, with reported depths of 2.4 to 3m alongside, extends from the shore about 0.4 mile N of the camp. A trolley connects the two. Elphistone Harbour (12°18'N., 92°54'E.), which is formed by the N part of the channel which separates North Passage Island from the E side of Baratang Island, is entered between Cape Dalrymple and Cape Portman, about 1.8 miles SE. Depths in the entrance range from 7.9 to 25.6m, decreasing gradually to depths of 6.1 to 18.3m within the harbour. Mills Passage (12°15'N., 92°55'E.), between the S part of North Passage Island and Colebrooke Island, has a least width of 0.5 mile and depths of 5.5 to 18.3m. Numerous shoals and reefs obstruct the passage, which can only be used by small craft with local knowledge. Anchorage can be taken in a depth of 18.3m, good holding ground, off the coast of North Passage Island. Diligent Strait (12°10'N., 92°57'E.) lies between North Button, Middle Button, and the Strait Islands to the NW, and Outram, South Button, and the Wilson Islands to the SE. Depths in the fairway of the strait range from 8.5 to 53m. The shallowest depth of 8.5 lies about 1.8 miles E of the S end of Strait Island and a 9.8m patch lies about 0.5 mile farther E. North Button Island (12°19'N., 93°05'E.), 48m high and reef-fringed, lies 7.5 miles E of the NE end of North Passage Island. Shoals, as defined by the 10m curve, extend about 1 mile E and 0.3 mile W from the island. The E and W ends of the island should be given a wide berth when passing. A light is shown on the NW side of North Button Island. Small vessels with local knowledge can take Anchorage close off the reef on the S side of the island. Middle Button Island (12°17'N., 93°02'E.), 50m high, lies about 3 miles SW of North Button Island. A rocky ridge and shoal ground extends about the same distance SW from the island. A light is shown on the NE side of Middle Button Island. Small vessels with local knowledge can anchor S of Middle Button Island clear of the shoals. Outram Island, 3.5 miles S of North Button Island, will be described under Ritchies Archipelago. South Button Island (12°13'N., 93°02'E.), about 3 miles S of Middle Button Island, is 36m high and formed of large rocks, steep-to on all sides. A light is shown from South Button Island. Ritchies Archipelago (12°03'N., 93°02'E.) consists of ten islands lying between the parallels of 12°16'N. and 11°47'N, with the N end of the group being separated from Baratang Island by Diligence Strait. All of the islands are heavily wooded. Outram Island (12°15'N., 93°06'E.), the N island of the group, is reef-fringed on all except its W side and contains Outram Harbor in a deep indentation along its N coast. Shoal ground extends 0.8 mile NE from this point, and 0.6 mile NNE from East Point, the E entrance point of the harbor. Outram Harbor (12°15'N., 93°06'E.) provides good shelter from S winds. Small vessels with local knowledge can anchor in depths of 18.3m near the middle of the harbor, with the N end of Middle Button Island in line bearing 290° with West Point. Ritchies Archipelago NW Side. Charka Juru, the strait separating Outram Island from Henry Lawrence Island to the S, has considerable depths throughout its length. Shoal ground extends about 0.8 mile S from South Point, the S end of Outram Island. Once this shoal has been cleared, mid-channel course will lead through the strait. Kwangtung Strait (12°06'N., 93°04'E.), the channel between Henry Lawrence Island and John Lawrence Island, has considerable depths in the fairway. Wilson Island (12°08'N., 92°59'E.) lies W of the N part of John Lawrence Island and is separated from it by a narrow channel. Round Hill, which rises about 1 mile within the NW point of Wilson Island, is 216m high. Nicholson Island (12°06'N., 92°58'E.), separated from Wilson Island by a channel about 1 mile wide, rises to a height of 97m in its N part. A reef extends about 0.3 mile S from the S end of the island. A shoal, with a depth of 3.2m, lies close S of this reef. Sir William Peel Island (12°05'N., 93°00'E.), low and bordered by dense mangroves, lies 0.5 mile E of Nicholson Island. The intervening channel is available only to small craft with local knowledge. There is an L-shaped jetty, with a dolphin close SE of its head, situated at Jetty Point, the NE extremity of the island; there is a depth of 5.2m at its head. Tadma Juru (12°03'N., 92°59'E.), narrow and deep, separates Sir William Peel Island from Havelock Island to the S. Inglis Island (12°08'N., 93°07'E.) lies about 0.8 mile E of the wooded islet and is fringed by a drying reef on all except its NW side. This reef extends up to 0.5 mile off the NE coast where it terminates in two rocks, each about 1.2m high. Small portions of the N and S points of the island have been detached by the action of the sea and appear as islets at high tide. Inglis Shoals (12°06'N., 93°08'E.), two detached coral patches with depths of 6.9m and 8.7m, lie about 0.8 mile S and 1.8 miles SSE of the S end of Inglis Island. During NE winds, sheltered anchorage can be taken in a depth of 12.8m off a sandy bay, close NW of Wreck Point, the S extremity of Henry Lawrence Island. Tadma Bay (12°03'N., 93°02'E.) lies W of Runnymeade Point, the S end of John Lawrence Island, and between it and Sir William Peel Island. It forms the S entrance of Paranga Juru, a narrow channel separating the two islands. It also forms the E entrance of Tadma Juru, which has been previously described. Pilot Reef (12°01'N., 93°02'E.), about 1 mile S of Runnnymeade Point, has a least depth of 2.7m. Anchorage can be taken in Tadma Bay, sheltered from all except S winds. Vessels approaching Tadma Bay from the Sing the W extremity of Sir Hugh Rose Island bearing 173°, and just open E of the E extremity of Neill Island. Minerva Ledge (12°04'N., 93°09'E.), a detached rocky ledge with a least depth of 6.9m, lies about 4.5 miles ESE of Wreck Point. Vibart Shoal (11°59'N., 93°08'E.), narrow and steep-to on its E side, lies centered about 6.3 miles SE of Runnymeade Point. Depths over this shoal range from 16.4 to 18.3m. Nancowry Strait (11°52'N., 93°03'E.), between Havelock Island and Neill Island to the S, has depths of 18.2m in the fairway. A small coral patch, with a least depth of 12.8m, lies in the W part of the strait about 0.8 mile N of the NW end of Neill Island. Vessels should pass N of this danger. Neill Island (11°50'N., 93°03'E.) rises to a height of 101m at Nipple Hill, the conspicuous NE end of the island. A reef extends up to 0.5 mile off the S end of the island and is usually marked by heavily breaking seas. Sir Hugh Rose Island (11°47'N., 93°05'E.), the S island of the Ritches Archipelago group, lies about 2 miles SE of Neill Island and is densely wooded. The island has been reported to be a good radar target up to 14 miles. Vessels are advised not to use this channel because the bottom is very uneven. Andaman Strait (12°04'N., 92°47'E.), referring to the E entrance of that strait, lies between North Point, a 76m promontory forming the SE extremity of Baratang Island, and South Point, the NE extremity of South Andaman Island, about 2 mil. A small isolated, rocky ledge topped by a 4m high prominent rock on it, lies about 0.5 mile SE of the 76m promontory. A detached shoal, with a least depth of 2.7m, lies about 0.5 mile S of the promontory. Oral Kaicha (12°11'N., 92°46'E.), a small island which lies about midway between the E and W entrance of the strait, can be passed on either side but the E side is preferred. Anchorage can be taken in depths of 16.5 to 18.3m, mud, about 1.3 miles NNE of South Point. A drying reef that extends almost 0.3 mile offshore fringes the coast between South Point and Wedge Point. Smythe Rock (12°03'N., 92°48'E.), the outermost danger off this section of coast, lies about 1 mile E of South Point and has a least depth of 3.2m. A shoal, with a least depth of 1.2m, lies midway between this rock and the point Port Meadows (12°01'N., 92°46'E.) is entered between Wedge Point and Cape Persain, a little over 1 mile SW. Cape Persain is the NE extremity of a fairly high hill which lies on a promontory separated from the coast by mangroves. Duncan Island (12°01'N., 92°47'E.), 90m high and densely wooded, is connected to the shore W of Wedge Point by a drying shoal. The E and S sides of Duncan Island are fringed by above-water and sunken rocks, which extend up to 183m offshore. A two-pronged pinnacle rock, with a least depth of 5m, lies on the S side of the approach to Port Meadows about 0.7 mile SE of the summit of Duncan Island. A dangerous wreck, marked by a buoy, lies on this rock. Anchorage can be taken in depths of 16.5 to 18.3m, about 0.2 mile W of the W point of Duncan Island. Anchorage can also be taken in a depth of 14.6m in the center of the SW part of the harbor, about 0.6 mile W of Cape Persain. Kotara Anchorage (11°59'N., 92°45'E.) lies between Kotara Point and the N side of Kyd Island, about 0.8 mile to the S. Anchorage can be taken in depths of 6.4 to 7.3m, mud, about 0.5 mile SW of Kotara Point. Small vessels with local knowledge can anchor in depths of 7.3 to 8.2m, mud, in the outer part of an inlet about 1.5 miles W of Kotara Point. Shoal Bay (11°56'N., 92°47'E.) entered between the SE side of Kyd Island and Cape Masy, about 1.5 miles to the SE, is shoal over most of its area. Port Blair (11°41'N., 92°45'E.) Port Blair is entered between North Point and South Point, about 2.3 miles to the S. The port consists of an inlet 4 miles long, which is entered through two channels, one on each side of Ross Island. The port is the headquarters of the Chief Commissioner, who is representative of the Indian Government for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Port Blair Port Control may be contacted on VHF channels 10, 12, and 16 for port instructions. Depths at the anchorages range from 12.8 to 16.5m. Depths alongside the berths range from 2.1 to 5.8m. An Examination anchorage area is shown on the chart. A submarine exercise area is situated 35 miles SSE of Port Blair. A good lookout should be exercised in this vicinity. Ross Island (11°41'N., 92°46'E.) divides the entrance of Port Blair into a N and S channel. The island is roughly triangular in shape and lies about 0.4 mile NE of South Point. A reef fringes the island on all except a small part of its W side. A shoal as defined by the 6m curve, extends about 0.3 mile NW from the NW end of the island. Storm signals are displayed from the lighthouse on the NE corner of the dark stone building mentioned above. North Shore Port Blair. North Point (11°42'N., 92°46'E.) is bordered by shoal ground, as defined by the 10m curve, which extends almost 0.3 mile S from it. Semiramis Bay (11°42'N., 92°44'E.), small and deep, is entered between Lime Kilns Point and Command Point, almost 1 mile WNW. A pier extends from the head of the bay. A small jetty extends from the shore in the NW corner of the bay. South Shore Port Blair. Sesostris Bay (11°40'N., 92°46'E.) is entered between South Point and Atalanta Point, about 0.8 mile NW. The bay is almost completely fouled by reefs and shoals. 3.7m patch lies on a line joining the entrance points, about 0.3 mile SSE of Atalanta Point. Sesostris Shoal (11°39'N., 92°01'E.), which consists of two coral patches with depths of 2.4m, lies about 1 mile S of the S end of Ross Island. A 5.7m patch lies close NE of the E end and a 8.5m patch lies close S of the W end of Sesostris Shoal. Atalanta Point (11°40.4'N., 92°45.1'E.) is located 0.8 mile Wof Ross Island; the point is fringed by a reef extending 137m offshore. Blair Point (11°41'N., 92°44'E.), about 0.4 mile WNW of the W entrance point of Phoenix Bay (11°40'N., 92°45'E.), is fringed by a reef which extends about 0.1 mile offshore. Chatham Island (11°41'N., 92°44'E.), about 0.3 mile N of Blair Point, is connected to it by a conspicuous causeway. Chatham Jetty lies along the N side of the island, 0.13 mile long with varying depths from 4.8m to 7.4m alongside. Wooden Jetty is situated at the SW side of the island with depths of 1.2 to 6m alongside. Inner Port Port Blair. From Chatham Island the coast extends SW to Hood Point, and then S to Navy Point forming the E side of the inner harbor. A conspicuous radio mast and a house lie about 0.7 mile E of Navy Point. Navy Bay lies between Navy Point and Lewis Point almost 1 mile SSW. Mangrove Bay (11°41'N., 92°43'E.), which is entered between Shore Point and Dundas Point, lies directly opposite Hood Point. This shoal bay dries in its inner part. A conspicuous white tree lies on the W side of the bay, about 0.8 mile W of Shore Point. Ranger Flat (11°41'N., 92°43'E.), having depths of less than 5.5m, extends about 0.5 mile SSE and 0.5 mile E from Shore Point. There is about 347.6m of berthing space available with varying depths alongside. Jetties extend from the N and SW sides of Chatham Island. Anchorage is prohibited in the vicinity of submarine cables, which extend from Ross Island to the mainland and between Hood Point and Dundas Point. Vessels bound for the anchorage W of Ross Island should approach the S entrance channel as directed above. Chiriya Tapu (11°29'N., 92°43'E.), the S end of South Andaman Island and the NE entrance point of Macpherson Strait, is a prominent bare promontory with some caves at its base. East Coast of Rutland Island. The general aspect and the W coast of Rutland Island have been previously described. Macpherson Strait and the anchorage NW of Chiriya Tapu have also been previously described. Portman Bay (11°25'N., 92°41'E.), which is open to heavy swells during the NE monsoon, indents the E coast of the island. Rocks, both above and below-water, extend some distance off the S coast of Rutland Island. Islands Dangers Passages Between Rutland and Little Andaman Islands Manners Strait (11°20'N. 92°42'E.) lies between the SE coast of Rutland Island and the Cinque Islands, about 3 miles SE. Depths in the strait, seaward of the fringing dangers, range from 22 to 75m. Cinque Islands (11°17'N., 92°43'E.) are two hilly islands which are almost joined by a rocky ledge that dries 2.1m. North Clique Island Light shows from its N summit. Anchorage can be taken in depths of 12.8 to 18.3m, coral and sand, W of the drying ledge which almost joins the two islands, with the W point of North Cinque Island bearing 349°. Small vessels can anchor off the W side of the South Cinque Island in depths of 23.8m, with the conical hill at its S end bearing 168°, distant 1 mile. Passage Island (11°11'N., 92°41'E.), 85m high at its N end but low at its S end, lies 3.3 miles SSW of South Cinque Island. The channel between South Cinque Island and Passage Island is deep and clear, although tiderips occur during spring tides. The Sisters (11°09'N., 92°44'E.), two small islets, lie close together about 3.5 miles SE of Passage Island. A ledge connects the islets and a partly drying spit extends about 0.8 mile NW from this ledge. East Sister Island is 76m high and West Sister Island is 70.7m high. Duncan Passage (11°04'N., 92°40'E.), lies between The Sisters and North Brother Island, about 10 miles SSW, and is the main channel between Little Andaman and Rutland Islands. Depths in the fairway range from 21.9 to 36.6m. The Brothers (10°59'N., 92°40'E.), two small flat-topped islands each 27m high, lie 10 and 14.5 miles SSW of The Sisters. 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 passage between Little Andaman Island and South Brother Island has not been closely examined and should be avoided. Anchorage for small vessels with local knowledge can be taken about 0.4 mile N of the creek entrance in a depth of 14.6m, coral, with the entrance bearing 158°. This anchorage should be approached from the NW because the depths to the NE are irregular. Jackson Creek (10°48'N., 92°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. Anchorage has been reported available in a depth of 13.7m 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. 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. 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. 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. South Sentinel Island lies NW and Dalrymple Bank lies SW of Little Andaman Island.