ASSUMPTION ISLAND CHART NO. 2509 General Information Topography 9.21 1 AssUmption island (09°44.00S 46°30'.00E) consists mainly of raised coral, with a maximum elevation of about 6 m, covered with low, thick bushes. At the SE end of the island there is a chain of sand dunes and hills. Most of the coast is formed by abrupt overhanging cliffs, expect for a bay on the W side, the shore of which is a sloping sandy beach. At the S end of this bay there is an abandoned settlement among casuarina trees while a second abandoned settlement lies among similar trees at the N end of the island. Depths 9.22 1 The water around Assomption Island appear to be deep a few cables off a narrow reef which fringes the island. There are no known dangers other than a bank on the SE side of the island, described at 9.25. Tidal stream 9.23 1 Off the NW corner of Assomption Island the tidal stream sets WSW and attains a rate up to 3 kn at sorubg tides is rising. While falling, it sets ENE and attains a rate of 1 kn at neap tides. During the WSW-going stream, overfalls and eddies may be encountered off the SW end of Assomption Island. Directions Principal marks 9.24 1 Landmarks: Sand dune 35m high, at the SE end of the island. Navigation 9.25 1 The plan is sufficient guide for navigation of the waters around Assomption Island. Attention is drawn to the Area to be Avoided. Other vessels should pass seaward of : A spit which extends about 3 cables from the SW extremity of the island. A bank with depths less than 30 m, which extends 11/4 miles from the SE side of the island.In 1964, this bank appeared to have shoal water 9 cables from the shore. 2 Shoal water which extends 3 cables from the N point of the island. Useful marks: Leading beacons (9.26). Flagstaff (09°44'.07S 46°30'.04E) (9.27). Anchorages and berth West side of island 9.26 1 Leading marks. The alignment (1481/2°) of two prominent beacons (concrete, triangular topmark, about 4 m in height) situated close E of the abandoned settlement(09°44'.07S 46°30'.14E)leads to an anchorage in the S end of the bay which indents the W side of the island, indicated on the plan, in 55 m, with a flagstaff bearing 199°. This is the best berth during the South-east Trade Wind and was used without difficulty by HM Surveying Ship Vidal(length 91 m, draught 3.4 m) in 1967. Care should, however, be exercised when approaching the anchorage as it appears to be dangerously close to the LW line. It is advisable to anchor with sternway on. 9.27 1 During the South-east Trade Wind (9.4) anchorage may also be obtained in the bay for about 2 miles NNE of the abandoned settlement. Vessels should anchor about 1 cable offshore in depths of about 9 m, with the stern in deep water. Care should be exercised as described at 9.26. If a vessel swings with the tidal stream against the wind it is necessary to weigh and proceed. 2 Vessel may anchor 4 cables W of the N point of the island in Saint Thomas Anchorage (09°41'.75S 46°30'.72E),as indicated on the plan, off the second abandoned settlement (9.21). Berth. There is a pier for small craft, with a flagstaff at its inner end, opposite the abandoned settlement in the S part of the island. In 1967, the pier was in a bad state of repair and all but the inner part was unusable, except as a breakwater. East side of island 9.28 1 During the NW monsoon there is an anchorage in a depth of 29 m, about 11/4miles E of the conspicuous sand dune (9.24) in about 30 m.