Chart 4045	NORTH MIDDLE STRAIT

Andaman Strait (Godam Juru)

8.70
Andaman Strait, also known as Middle Strait, for its greater part separates Baratang Island from South Andaman Island but at its W end, it separates Middle Andaman Island from South Andaman Island. The E entrance to the strait is obstructed by a bar with a least depth of 3m. The general width of the strait varies from 2 to 3 cables but narrows to a width of 75m in places. The strait has moderate depths, except for two ridges, which span the strait over which the least depth is 5.2m. The bottom throughout is mud and sand.

A prominent rock 4m high stands on an isolated, rocky ledge ½ mile SE of the Seaward N Point  with a 2.1m detached shoal about ½ mile WSW of it. 

A coral reef, which dries in patches and extends up to about ½ mile offshore, fronts the coast between the headland and North Point 1¾ miles SW. the latter point is the N point of the inner entrance to Andaman Strait; Entrance Hill, a small conical hill 30m high and conspicuous, stands close within the point. 

On the S side of the entrance, a ledge of drying coral reefs extend ½ mile NE from Point Dorrington 2 miles SSW of seaward North Point. The coast between Point Dorrington and the S point of the inner entrance of the strait, about 1½ mile W, is bordered by foul ground, which extends upto ¼ mile offshore. 

Baratang Island light (12º 04'.9N 92º 47'.6E) is exhibited from a white metal frame work (G.I. trestle) tower, with black bands, 12m high on the 76m headland at SE end of Baratang Island.

Anchorage, can be obtained in depths of about 17m, mud, 1¼ miles NE of Point Dorrington.

Orol Kaicha (12º 10'.4 N, 92º 45'.8E), a small island midway between the E and W entrances of Andaman Strait can be passed either side. Bonlg Island and Belle Island lie 1 miles and 3.4 miles SSW respectively of Orol Kaicha, the latter rises to a height of 29m.