APP TO STEWART SOUND-4255 Topography The coast between Dundas point and Craggy Island (13°13'.4N, 93°03'.75 E), 34m high, 2¾ miles S, is fringed with reefs and is densely wooded. Good anchorage may be obtained on the S side of this reef, but local knowledge is necessary. The coast in this vicinity is densely populated. Lamia Bay lies 2¾ miles S of Craggy Island. Taralait Bay (13°04'.2N, 93°02'.2 E)lies 9 miles S of craggy Island; Cadell Point, which is the N entrance point of Stewart Sound lies 3 miles SW of Taralait Bay. STEWART SOUND Position and Function Stewart Sound, a large harbour and principal port of North Andaman island, lies 06 miles SW of Sound Island, between Cadell Point(13°01'.7N, 93°00'.3 E)and Cape Vestal (12°51'.2N, 92°56'.5 E), about 11 miles SSW. This large, natural harbour is the principal port of North Andaman Island established to service the large scale forestry operations centered on Mayabunder (12°54'.40N, 92°54'.03 E).The eastern entrance to Austen Strait, which separates North and Middle Andaman Islands, lies at head of a shallow bay on the S side of the Sound. Topography Stewart Sound contains several inlets and anchorage may be obtained in almost any part of it; but Bacon Bay, in the SW part, is the only one in which anchorage can be recommended at all seasons. However, safe anchorages can be obtained in the Middle channel, about 19 cables NW of Jones Point in most part of the year, and about 13 cables SE of Brown point, in fair weather. The hills surrounding the Stewart Sound are covered with dense jungle, though several parts in the inland, West of Cadell Point, and West of Aves Point to Phoenix Point have been cleared for cultivation. Stewart Sound derives its importance from large timber-felling operation which is centered on a settlement known as Mayabunder. With exception of some outlying forest camps and villages, the population of Stewart Sound, which numbers about five thousand odd, is mainly to be found in the vicinity of Maya bunder. Sound Island, is an irregularly shaped island lying in the entrance to the Stewart Sound with Simpson Point (12° 59'.8N, 93° 00'.05E)its NE extremity, about 1.9 miles S of Cadell Point; rocks, both above water and sunken, extend about 4½ cables NE from Simpson Point. Ridges of high land traverse Sound Island in all directions and are prolonged in spurs upto the entrance point of the numerous bays, which indent the coast of the island; the coast is mostly lined by belt of mangroves and fringed by coral reefs and by a few sandy beaches. There is a conspicuous summit, 113m high about 1 mile WSW of Simpson Point. Port Service Facilities-There is a small hospital at Mayabunder. Supplies, Fresh water is available, maximum amount 10 tonnes. Provisions are available limited and in small quantities only. Direction for entering harbour (North Entrance) The N entrance to Stewart Sound lies between Cadell Point and Simpson Point; several drying and sunken rocks encumber the entrance and channel within. Elfin Patch, which lies near the middle of the N entrance, about 1 mile SE of Cadell Point, has a depth of less than 1.8m near its center. Morland Rock, about 4½ cables SW of Cadell Point, dries to 2.4m. A 4.6m shoal patch lies about 2½ cables SSE of Morland Rock. An obstruction, with a depth of 9.2m over it, lies 9½ cables NW of Simpson Point. Oliver Island (12°59'.9 N, 92°59'.4 E), 24m high, lies 1 mile W of Simpson Point and about 3 cables off the N coast of Sound Island; its N and E sides are fringed by reefs and shoal banks extend up to 1½ cables N from the island, but its SW side is steep to and there are depths of 34m in the channel which separates it from Sound Island. Sunk Rock which dries 0.6m is located at about 7½ cables WNW of Oliver Island. A group of rocks drying 2.4m, lie in mid channel 9 cables W of Oliver Island; depths of less than 3.1m extend about 2 cables SW of the group. Oyster Island, 2m high, lies 8½ cables WSW of Oliver Island. Stewart Island (13°00'.5 N, 92°56' E), large and covered with dense jungle, is situated in a shallow bay on the NW side of Stewart Sound, its SE extremity lying about 2½ miles W of Oliver Island, its NW side is connected with the main island by a drying mud bank. Dot Island 29 m high lies between Stewart Island and N Andaman Island. Marsack Shoals are two small coral patches lying at the S end of Middle Channel, about 5 cables NW, and 8½ cables WNW respectively from Jones Point; there is a least depth of 3.8m over the E and 2.0m over the W patch. Direction for entering harbour (South Entrance) The S entrance to the Stewart Sound lies between Mitchell Point and Cape Vestal, about 5.4 miles SSW. Five fathom Patch, with a least depth of 7.1m lies nearly in the middle of the S entrance, about 2.3 miles SSW of Mitchell Point. Convict Patch, a rocky shoal with depths of less than 1.8 m, lie about 1.2 mile N of Cape Vestal. A 10m patch lies about 1½ mile ESE of Convict Patch. White Mountain(12°50'.7 N, 92°54'.7 E), 395m high, conspicuous and covered with dense jungle, lies 2 miles WSW of Cape Vestal; it stands at the end of the coastal range of Middle Andaman island. Aves Island, 23m high, on the S side of the entrance, about 1¾ miles SW of Jones Point, is easily identified from seaward side; it is connected with Aves Point about 7 cables WSW of it, by a rocky ledge which dries in places. A light Fl (2) 7s (1202.45) is exhibited from a Composite Masonry Tower (Red and White) at position (12°54'.75N, 92°56'.30E). Takla Oyster Point (12°55'.5N, 92°54' E), about 1.7 mile WNW of Aves Point, is the N extremity of promontory which forms the E side of a shallow bay, at the head of which is the E entrance to Austen Strait. A shoal with a least depth of 3.8m over it, lies about 4 cables E of Takla Oyster Point; a red beacon exhibiting light Fl R 5s exists at position 12° 55’.71 N, 92° 54’.39 E on the E side of the shallowest part of the shoal. There are number of bungalows. The Andaman Public Works Department Guest House and the stairs from there along the cliff, till a view point at the sea level is conspicuous. The settlement of Mayabunder is spread S of Takla Oyster Point. Tidal Streams Tidal streams sets N, during flooding and Sets S, during ebb. Spring rates of 1 ½ knot should be anticipated in the narrower parts of the sound. To the south of camp bay, streams attain a rate of ¼ knot during flood and 2 knot during ebb. Close N of Takla Oyster Point (12°55'.60 N, 92°53'.90 E) the flood streams sets SW, the ebb streams sets NE. Mitchell Point Mitchell Point, (12°55'.9 N, 92°59' E), The Southern extremity of the Sound Island, lies about 4.2 miles SSW of Simpson Point; a drying reef extends about 4½ cable SSW from Mitchell Point, and on the W side of the outer part of the Reef is Square Rock, 5m high, it is a good mark. A white light Fl W 15s at position (12°55'.60N, 92°58'.80E) exhibited from a Beacon standing on Square Rock. Jones Point(12°56'.4 N, 92°57'.2E), the SW extremity of Sound Island, lies about 1¾ miles WNW of Mitchell Point; a drying reef extends about 3½ cables S from the point, a rock, which dries 0.4m at its outer end. Good Landing may be affected at a small sandy bay on the E side of the island, about 1 mile N of Mitchell Point. Middle Channel, about 1 mile wide, separates Sound Island from North Andaman Island. Anchorage Anchorages may be obtained on the N side of the N entrance about 9 cable N of Oliver Island, in depth of 13m, the bottom is mud and in Middle Channel, at depths of over 12m, the bottom is mud and sand, about 2½ miles NNW of Jones Point; all these anchorages afford little shelter from NE. MAYABUNDER Description Mayabunder is the district headquarters of Middle Andaman Island and is administered by the Assistant Commissioner residing there. There is a dispensary, a police wireless station and a helipad. There is weekly steamer service between Mayabunder, Rangat, Long Island and Port Blair in the S, and a biweekly ferry service to Port Cornwallis in the N. Principal export is timber. Mayabunder town is 1.5 km from the jetty. Total population of town is approx. 24,000. Languages used here are Hindi, Tamil and Bangla. Connectivity Road Transport. Public transport services (government and private buses), between Mayabunder and Port Blair (via Rangat) are available daily. Inter-Island Ships/ Ferries. The schedule of ships is subjected to change based on weather conditions. Beacons at the entrance to Mayabunder: Sl. No. Name of Beacon Position (WGS 84) (a) Takla Oyster Beacon 12° 55'.69N 92° 54' .38E (b) Orchid Island Beacon 12° 56'.24N 92° 54'.26E (c) Egg Island Beacon 12° 55'.96N 92° 53'.55E Berths The Mayabunder jetty has integral tyre fenders on both inner and outer sides. Ships can only go to the western side of the jetty which is approximately 190 m long with minimum depth of about 10 m. Lay of the berth is 010-190 Facilities Vessel can obtain a maximum of 10 tons of fresh water from PWD services at Mayabunder Port. The jetty is provided with a 20 T mobile crane, 2 forklifts, 10T and 3T each on request from Port Authorities for transfer of material. No fuelling facility is available here. Pilotage and tugs facilities are not available at Mayabunder Port. Medical Facilities. There is a Government Hospital at a distance of 03 km from Mayabunder Jetty and is manned by two general duty medical practitioners, assisted by a few nurses and paramedical staff. The investigation facilities include a biochemical laboratory and a radiological unit with ultra-sonogram facilities which are handled by technicians. BERKELEY GROUP General information Berkeley Group consists of four islands – Orchid, Curlew, Egg and Dottrel Islands, located in the approaches to Bacon bay, N and NW of Takla Oyster Point. Orchid Island (12° 56'.4N, 92° 54'.2E), 33m high, is covered with tree and jungle; except for a reef extending about 1 cable SE, the island is steep-to. A light Fl G 5s is exhibited from a white square beacon. At an elevation of 27m on the SE slope of the island. Curlew Island (12° 56'.1N, 92° 53'.6E), 51m high, is very steep on its N side, has several wooden huts on it and a red roofed bungalow on its NE side; these make the island easy to identify. A small reef, which dries 2.1m, lies about 2 cables E of the E extremity of the island. Bacon Bay, is entered between Brown Point (12° 56'.8N, 92° 54'.9E), and the coast 2 miles W; it is an excellent harbour sheltered from all winds with its E side clear of dangers outside about 2 cables offshore. A 8.8m patch lies about 3 cables NW of Orchid Island. Ray Hill, 106m high, conical and conspicuous, is situated about 1.7 miles NNE of Brown Point; it is covered with dense jungle and can easily be distinguished by vessels approaching the S entrance to Stewart Sound. Egg Island (12° 55'.9N, 92° 53'.6E) ¼ miles S of Curlew Island, is 32m high and densely wooded. A light Fl G 1s is exhibited from a white square beacon at position (12°55'.84N, 92°53'.79E). Dottrel Island lies about 3 cables SW of Egg Island. Swamp Island, lies W of Dottrel Island and is densely wooded. The E entrance of Austen Strait, which separates North Andaman Island from Middle Andaman Island lies between Swamp Island and Mayabunder. Gurjon Island (12° 54'.8 N, 92° 54'.8E) lies 1 mile SE of Takla Oyster Point and is fringed by a reef. Gurjon Bay is entered between Gurjon Island and Aves Point (12° 54'.65N, 92° 55'.4E). Shallow Bay (12° 54'.72 N, 92° 52'.30E) lies NW of Mayabunder jetty and is an area with shallow depth. The area is accessible with shallow bottom boats/crafts and is mainly utilized by fisherman. Anchorages Anchorage may be obtained with Egg Island bearing 270° distance 14 cables in depth of about 29m or with this bearing 272° distance 5 cables in a depth of about 18m. Anchorage may also be obtained with SE of Egg Island at a distance of7 cables in a depth of 11m. The recommended anchorage berth marked on chart 4008 by symbol in position 12° 55'.87N, 92° 55'.53E and 12° 55'.87N, 92° 55'.03E is suitable for anchorage with soft mud bottom. Vessels wishing to communicate with Mayabunder settlement may obtain good anchorage in a depth of about 18m, with Egg Island bearing 272° distance 5 cables, and the SE point of Orchid Island bearing 023°. There is also anchorage in depths of 27 to 29m, mud, with Egg Island bearing 311°distance 3 cables and the SE point of Orchid Island 038°. Good anchorage may be obtained near the head of bacon Bay, in depths of 22 to 25m with Ray Hill bearing 095°about 4 cables from the E shore of the bay. Recommended anchoring positions are given below:- Ser. Position Lat long Depth (m) Type of bottom (a) 291-Egg Island-20C 12°55'.87N 092°55'.53E 18 Soft Mud (b) 291-Egg Island-19.6C 12°55'.87N 092°55'.03E 19 Soft Mud (c) 270-Egg Island-14C 12°55'.94N 092°54'.92E 29 Mud (d) 272-Egg Island-5C 12°55'.91N 092°54'.00E 18 Mud (e) 311-Egg Island-3C 12°55'.74N 092°53'.72E 18 Mud Tidal Stream Tidal streams in Stewart Sound set to N with the rising tide and S with the falling tide, attaining a rate at springs of 1½ knots in the narrow parts of the sound. To the S of Camp Bay, a small bight on the N side of the N entrance, about 1¾ miles NW of Oliver Island (13°00'N, 93° 00'E), the N going stream has a rate of ¼ knot and S-going streams a rate of 2 knots. Close of Takla Oyster Point the Stream sets SW with the rising tide and NE with the falling tide. During the strength of the SW monsoon the former stream is very weak but the latter stream attains a rate of about 3 knots. Directions Vessels approaching from N and entering by the S entrance should round Square Rock at a distance of about 6 cables and should then steer for Orchid Island on a bearing of 287°. If proceeding to the anchorage off Takla Oyster Point, vessels should steer for Egg Island when it bears 272°. Care must be taken to keep Egg Island bearing not more than 272° until well clear of 2.6m shoal about 5 cables E of Takla Oyster Point. If proceeding to the anchorage in Bacon bay, after rounding Square Rock as directed above, Orchid Island should be kept bearing 287°until the summit of Aves Island bears 133°, when it should be brought and kept astern on that bearing, which leads into Bacon bay, passing between Orchid Island and Brown Point and leaving the 13.4m patch in mid channel, about ½ cable to N. When the summit of Ray Hill bears 050°course may be shaped N for the anchorage at the head of the bay. Vessels from S should approach the S entrance keeping Ray Hill bearing 322°and slightly open SW of Jones Point until Orchid Island is seen about midway between Aves Island and Jones point and bearing about 287°. Supplies. Provisions are scare, and can only be obtained in small quantities; water is also scarce, except in the rainy season. MIDDLE ANDAMAN ISLAND – EAST SIDE Cape Vestal to Rangat Bay Between Cape Vestal and Cape Strachan (12° 42'.4 N, 92° 58'.8 E) the N entrance point of Cuthbert Bay, 9 miles SSE, the coast is irregular and high. Paikat Bay, lies between 14 cables S of Reef Point (12°48'.2 N, 92°57'.2 E), and Denison Point, 2 miles S, the coast is steep to. Mount Diavolo, 535m high, lies 3.5 miles W of Cape Strachan.