Nancowry Harbour to Great Nicobar I - 409

Nancowry Harbour (8°01'N., 93°31'E.) lies between the S coast of Camorta Island and the N coast of Nancowry Island. This spacious, landlocked harbour is deeply indented by several bays and inlets. The harbour 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 harbour 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 Harbour 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 harbour 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 4.5m, 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, 11m 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 5.6m 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 9.7 and 8.6m 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 2m, 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 4.8m, lies about 0.5 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 8.2m, 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 11 to 24.5m 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 3.7m. A 6.5m 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..9.40 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 12.5 to 27m 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 8.8m patch lies about in the middle of the entrance, about 0.3 mile ENE of Leda Point.
Depths of 14.2 to 24.5m 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 Harbour (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 16.4m 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.
Meroe 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. 
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.
Menchel 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.
Caution.-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 Harbour, 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 92m.
Caution.-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 Harbour (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 Harbour (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 ground lies S of the coral head. A reef extends almost 0.5 mile NNE from the Wentrance 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 5.5m patch lies in the intervening channel, about 0.5 miles NE of Murray Point. Its position is doubtful.
Anchorage.-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 Harbour 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 Harbour 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.
Anchorage.-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 0.5 miles NE from Murray Point. A depth of 5.8m lies near the outer edge of this shoal.
Anchorage.-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.