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To Vieques Sound, through San Juan Passage.-From a position 4 miles northward of Port San Juan lighthouse make good a 100° true (ESE 34 E mag.) course for 19 miles to a position where Point Miquillo bears 169° true (S 5% E mag.), distant 4 miles. From this position make good a 116° true (SE by E % E mag.) course heading between the Las Cucaraches light and Cape San Juan lighthouse to a position abeam of the latter, distant 5% mile. Then steer 124° true (SE 5% E mag.) to pass 350 yards southward of the can buoy on Blake Shoal.

1. Bound to Culebra or St. Thomas. From the position southward of Blake Shoal steer 109° true (ESE mag.) to 1 mile south of Point Soldado and 1/2 mile southward of Grampus Shoal south buoy ("Grampus Shoal "). Then a 75° true (E by N mag.) course made good for 161⁄2 miles will lead nearly 111⁄2 miles southward of Sail Rock and to a position about 1 mile southward of St. Thomas Harbor entrance.

2. Bound around East Point, Vieques Island.—From Blake Shoal continue the 124° true (SE 5% E mag.) course to a position 114 miles north-northeastward of East Point.

3. Bound to Port Mulas.-From the position southward of Blake Shoal can buoy steer 156° true (S by E 34 E mag.) for 11 miles, to 3% mile eastward of Outer Peraguas Rock and 1 mile eastward of Caballo Blanco, whence anchorage may be selected according to draft. (See "Anchorages, Port Mulas," p. 54.)

To Vieques Sound through Vieques Passage. Having arrived at a point 1/4 mile northward of Arenas Bank gas buoy, steer 90° true (E 3 Smag.) for 5 miles, heading for Caballo Blanco, to a position 100 yards southward of the red buoy off the southern extension of shoals from South Chinchorro Shoal. Then proceed as directed in paragraphs below.

1. Bound for Port Mulas.-The directions following lead near or over a 27-foot spot lying 700 yards southwestward from Caballo Blanco.

Steer for Caballo Blanco on a 90° true (E % S mag.) course until 3/4 mile from it, and Martineau Hill, Vieques Island, bears 176° true (S mag.); the eastern end of the break on Corona Reef will then bear about south-southwest. Then steer for Point Mulas lighthouse on a 118° true (SE by E 1% E mag.) course, and select anchorage according to draft. (See "Anchorages," Port Mulas, p. 54.)

2. Bound to Virgin Passage, passing southward of Grampus Shoal.From a position 200 yards southward of the red buoy lying 27% miles westward from Caballo Blanco, steer 69° true (ENE 12 E mag.) for 3 miles to a position 1 mile northward of Caballo Blanco. Then make good an 80° true (E 12 N mag.) course for 15 miles to a position 1/2 mile southward of Grampus Shoals south buoy (red, Grampus Shoals "). From this position a 75° true (E by N. mag.) course made good for 161⁄2 miles will lead nearly 112 miles southward of Sail Rock and to a position about 1 mile southward of St. Thomas Harbor entrance.

Or, in passing Grampus Shoals, keep on or southward of the line of Sail Rock and Signal Hill, St. Thomas, until Palada Cays open from Cape Passage, Culebrita Island, bearing 328° true (NNW 1/2 W mag.); Grampus Shoals will then be cleared, and a course can be shaped northward through Virgin Passage.

3. Bound to Virgin Passage, passing between Grampus Shoals and Culebrita Reefs. This passage is about 3/4 mile wide and buoyed, and may be used in the daytime with good weather; with a heavy sea it is better to take the safer passage southward of Grampus Shoals.

From a position 200 yards southward of the red buoy lying 2% miles westward from Caballo Blanco, steer 69° true (ENE 1⁄2 E mag.), passing 1 mile northward of Caballo Blanco; this course made good for a little over 15 miles from the buoy should lead to a position 114 miles southeastward of Point Soldado.

Then bring Point Soldado in line with the peak of Southwest Cay, bearing 305 true (NW 12 W mag.), and Point Negra in line with the summit of the hill (100 feet) on the western end of Culebrita Island, bearing 31° true (NE % N mag.). From this position steer 74° true (E by N mag.), heading for Signal Hill, St. Thomas Island, and pass about midway between Grampus Shoals north buoy (black, No. 1) and Culebrita Reef buoy (red, No. 2). When Palada Cays are open from Cape Passage, bearing 327° true (NNW 5% W mag.), all dangers are passed and the course may be shaped as desired. Or, follow the preceding directions_until_Cape Passage is in line with Palada Cays, and then bring Point Soldado astern on an 86° true (E mag.) course; this course if made good will lead 3 mile northward of Sail Rock, and 1/2 mile southward of the islands westward of St. Thomas Harbor.

The tidal currents set diagonally across the channel between Grampus Shoals and Culebrita Reefs.

From Virgin Passage bound westward, to pass between Grampus Shoals and Culebrita Reefs. The line of Palada Cays just open from Cape Passage, bearing 327° true (NNW 5% W mag.), leads eastward of Grampus Shoals. Steer for Point Soldado on a 268° true (W 14 N mag.) course with Sail Rock astern. When Culberita Island lighthouse bears 335° true (NW by W % W mag.), steer 254° true (W by S mag.) and pass about midway between Grampus Shoals north buoy and Culebrita Reef buoy (red, No. 2). When the peak of Southwest Cay opens westward of Point Soldado, all dangers are passed.

4. Bound to Barriles Passage.-From a position 200 yards southward of the red buoy lying 2% miles westward from Caballo Blanco, steer 90° true (E 3% S mag.) for Caballo Blanco until 2 miles from it and 34 mile eastward of the red buoy, and then steer 31° true (NE % N mag.) with Mount Pirata astern. This course made good for 112 miles will lead through Barriles Passage 1/2 mile westward of Cactus Cay. From this position a 20° true (NNE % E mag.) course for 212 miles will lead 11⁄2 mile westward of The Washer.

EAST COAST OF PORTO RICO-FROM CAPE SAN JUAN TO POINT TUNA.

These directions are for daylight and clear weather, and if closely followed will lead in a least depth of 28 feet. This passage is used by steamers of as much as 21 to 22 feet draft in coasting around Porto Rico. A stranger should not attempt the passage at night.

To enter through San Juan Passage, give the north shore of Porto Rico a berth of 3 or 4 miles, and when Cape San Juan light

house bears 118° true (SE by E 1% E mag.) distance 12 to 15 miles, steer 116° true (SE by E 3 E mag.) and pass 1/4 to 1/2 mile northward of the cape, heading in midway between Las Cucaraches light and Cape San Juan lighthouse. Or to enter through Cucaraches Passage from a position 3 miles 30° true (NE by N mag.) from Cape San Juan lighthouse steer 199° true (SSW 1% W mag.) through the middle of the passage, slightly favoring the eastern side if any; this course should lead 3⁄4 mile eastward of Cape San Juan. Pass 3% to 11⁄2 mile eastward of Cape San Juan and steer 170° true (S 2 E mag.), keeping Mount Pirata, Vieques Island, midway in the opening between Pineros and Cabeza de Perro islands, and Las Cucaraches light dead astern. When abreast of Zancudo Cay, keep a little to the westward of the range, until abeam of Point Fajardo, to avoid a shoal with 24 to 25 feet on it. With Point Fajardo abeam steer 159° true (S by E 12 E mag.) heading for Cabeza de Perro gas buoy (flashing white) with Cape San Juan lighthouse dead astern, to a position with Cabeza de Perro bearing 270° true (W 3% N mag.), distant 1⁄2 mile. Then steer 180° true (S % W mag.), with Palominos Island dead astern, for 15% miles and Cabeza de Perro is on range with Cape San Juan Lighthouse. Then bring Cabeza de Perro gas buoy astern on a 224° true (SW 1/4 W mag.) course. Continue on this course until 5% mile north-northwestward of Arenas Bank gas buoy (occulting white). Then make good a 226° true (SW 12 W mag.) for 16 miles to a position 2 miles southeastward of Point Yeguas. Then steer 240° true (SW by W 34 W mag.) for about 334 miles to a position 2 miles south-southeastward of Point Tuna lighthouse.

SOUTH COAST OF PORTO RICO.

A detailed description of parts of the south coast and the harbors is given under separate headings.

The mountains on the south side of the island between Cape Rojo and Jobos Harbor are 7 to 10 miles inland, and then incline toward the coast where they terminate between Cape Mala Pascua and Point Yeguas. Between the foothills of the mountains and the coast, there is generally lowland of varying widths up to 3 or 4 miles, but this does not show well from seaward until close in and the coast has generally a bold appearance. The different mountain peaks can not be easily identified by strangers, and the mountains are often obscured by clouds and haze.

On approaching or standing along the coast, however, there are numerous points which can be recognized and used for cross bearings. The best are Cape Rojo and Mariquita Hill at the southwest end of the island; Point Brea and Guanica entrance and lighthouse (see view under Guanica Harbor); Toro Hill and Point Ventana (see view under Guayanilla Harbor); a cliff 314 miles eastward of Point Guayanilla; Cardona Island lighthouse, visible 6 or 7 miles; municipal pier at Ponce; Muertos Island and lighthouse, visible about 20 miles and the best mark on the south coast; Point Petrona, Barca Islands, the twin hills near Aguirre Central, Point Ola Grande, and Point Figuras, all prominent from eastward and westward, but not from southward; Aguirre Central (sugar mill) and high light-brick stack; Cape Mala Pascua and Point Yeguas (see

view under Port Maunabo); and Vieques Island, the prominent features on which are Mount Pirata and Mount Jalobre.

At night no difficulty should be experienced by vessels approaching or standing along the south coast of the island, as the lights are numerous and can be readily distinguished. From Ponce westward to Cape Rojo and from Arroyo eastward to Port Yabucoa, the 100fathom curve extends close to the reefs and the coast in places, and the lead is of little use at night as a guide to indicate danger or distance from the shore. Safety will be insured in the daytime by giving the coast and Muertos and Berberia islands a berth of 3 miles. From Point Tuna to Point Viento the coast has fringing reefs close-to, and landing is difficult and often dangerous. A ridge, with depths of 614 to 812 fathoms, and deeper water inside, follows the coast at distances of 1 to 114 miles from Guayama Reef to Sargent Reef. This ridge forms the southern edge of the bank of soundings, and is close to the 100-fathom curve.

Point Tuna is 70 to 100 feet high, with cliffs at the water, and is marked near its end by a lighthouse (white tower on square, flat roof dwelling). The light is a group flashing white (two flashes every 120 seconds). From the point the land rises in a distance of 1/2 mile to a prominent hill, 400 feet high and with some trees near the summit, which lies about 1 mile from the mountains north of it.

Port Maunabo is a small cove on the west side of Point Tuna. Steamers occasionally stop here to discharge or load, but the port affords little shelter from the prevailing southeast wind and sea, and is a poor anchorage. The cove indents the coast about 1/4 mile, and has a depth of 24 feet, hard bottom, at its entrance, decreasing to 12 feet at 200 yards or less from its north side. There is a warehouse, with chute for loading lighters, on the eastern side at the head of the cove. There is always some swell and surf, but landing can generally be made on the sand beach southeastward of the warehouse.

Maunabo is a post village in the valley about 1 mile inland from the cove, and has communication by telegraph. There is a sugar mill a little westward of the village. There is a highway along the coast westward, and another to Yabucoa over the mountains northeastward.

SAILING DIRECTIONS.-From eastward.-Pass 1 mile or more southward of Point Tuna lighthouse on a 268° true (W 14 N mag.) course and when it bears about north-northeast, steer 291° true (NW by W 34 W mag.). When the high hill 1/2 mile northward of the lighthouse is in line with the second peak from the eastward of Panduras Ridge (see view) stand in on this line, course 33° true (NE 34 N mag.). On this course the warehouse at the head of the cove will be a little on the starboard bow. Anchor eastward of the range with the warehouse bearing between 21° true (NNE 14 E mag.) and 32° true (NE % N mag.), in a depth 8 to 10 feet greater than the draft. Depths of 24 to 26 feet will be found between these bearings, and 400 to 500 yards from the northeast side of the cove, with Point Tuna lighthouse bearing between 77° true (E 34 N mag.) and 82° true (E 3% N mag.).

From westward.-Pass 3 miles or more southward of Point Figuras lighthouse, and shape the course to pass about 1 mile southward of Cape Mala Pascua. When the high hill 1⁄2 mile northward of Point

Tuna lighthouse is in line with the second high peak from eastward of Panduras Ridge (see fig. 5) stand in on this line, course 33° true (NE 34 N mag.). Anchor as directed in the preceding paragraph.

Maunabo River Valley is a low depression, which makes northwestward from Port Maunabo between the mountain ridge of Cape Mala Pascua and Panduras Ridge. The latter mountain range terminates at the coast, between Toro Point and Port Yabucoa.

Cape Mala Pascua, lying 311⁄2 miles eastward of Point Viento, is the most prominent high headland on the south coast, and is formed by a mountain ridge which ends at the cape. From the water the cape rises with a steep slope to a peak 1,060 feet high, and peaks up to 1,610 feet high are found a little westward of it.

Point Viento, lying 311⁄2 miles westward from Cape Mala Pascua, is low cane land, with a fringe of cocoanut trees and mangroves near the water. A reef extends 5% mile off the southwest side of the point; it is awash and nearly steep-to on its southern and western sides, and the sea always breaks on it.

A shoal, on which 21 feet was found, lies in the entrance nearly midway between the east end of Guayama Reef and the reef at Point Viento. It is marked by a nun buoy.

Point Guilarte is on the west side of Port Patillas nearly 1 mile northeastward of Point Figuras; Guilarte Shoal, consisting of lumps with 11 to 15 feet, extends 3/4 mile east-southeastward from Point Guilarte. The southeast end of the shoal is marked by a red and black nun buoy surmounted by a ball.

Port Patillas, between Point Figuras and Point Viento, is an open bay 32 miles wide. It is not a good anchorage and of no commercial importance, and vessels rarely have occasion to enter. Considerable sea generally makes into the bay, and there is little shelter except for small craft which can anchor in 7 to 8 feet of water close to Patillas Landing. Vessels can anchor with the red bluff westward of the landing bearing 21° true (NNE 14 E mag.), distant 11⁄2 mile, and Point Viento bearing 100° true (ESE 34 E mag.) in 24 feet of water. There is a lump with 10 feet over it 600 yards south-southwestward from the red bluff.

Patillas, with a population of 1,693, is a post village 112 miles inland northward of the bay; it has communication by telegraph. Patillas Landing is a few houses on the northeast side of the bay. There are a prominent red warehouse, a small wharf, and a sugar mill with stack about 3/4 mile northward from the landing, which can not be seen when bearing westward of about north.

Point Figuras is marked by a lighthouse (white octagonal tower and flat roof dwelling), which stands about 300 yards from its southern end. The light is fixed white. The point southward of the lighthouse has low brush and mangroves, but back of the lighthouse there are extensive groves of cocoanut trees which extend eastward and westward along shore. The point and lighthouse show well in approaching from eastward, but from southward and southwestward they blend with the shore and are made out with difficulty until close in. Dangers. Guayama Reef lies from 1 to 11⁄2 miles off Point Figuras, and is nearly 3 miles long in an east-northeast and west-southwest direction. The line of Point Tuna light just open from Cape Mala

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