LABIAN POINT TO SANDAKAN HARBOR

(Chart 4722)

LABIAN POINT, latitude 5°09' N., longitude 119°13′ E., the northeast point of Darvel Bay, is low and difficult to locate from seaward. From here the coast curves very gradually northeastward and northward for about 7 miles to Dent Haven. In the vicinity of Labian Point the shore is a hard sand beach, closely backed by jungle, through which, however, it is not difficult to force one's way, but as the shore curves northward toward Dent Haven it becomes swampy and fringed with mangroves.

DENT HAVEN is nearly 2 miles wide between Mangrove and Reef Points and affords good anchorage in the southwest monsoon in 3 to 4 fathoms (5.5 to 7.3 m.), sand and mud bottom, but a slight swell sometimes sets into the bay. Three brackish streams discharge into Dent Haven. The two northern are dry across their mouths at low tide; in the southern, boats can find good shelter behind the spit in deep water, the entrance being through a narrow channel in the reef. The whole coast line is but the barrier of a great swamp filled with trees, mostly dead or blasted. The southern part of the bay close inshore is foul.

Mangrove Point, the southern entrance point, is the northern end. of the mangrove-covered island lying close to the land and fringed on the northern and eastern sides by a narrow reef.

Reef Point, the northern entrance point to Dent Haven, is foul for nearly 150 yards from the shore. A sandy shoal, awash at low water, lies 600 to 1,200 yards northeastward of the point. Northward from Reef Point within the 5-fathom (9.1 m.) curve, which is about 1/2 mile from shore, the soundings are very irregular.

Hull Rock, latitude 5°17' N., longitude 119°17′ E., situated about 112 miles 68° true from Reef Point, has only 4 feet (1.2 m.) of water over it and breaks at times. It is on a long narrow tongue of hard sand, with 1 to 5 fathoms (1.8 to 9.1 m.) on it, which stretches nearly 114 miles northward and 1 mile southward from the rock.

Between the shoal ground making off from the shore and the northern end of Hull Rock Shoal there is a channel 11⁄2 mile wide with depths of 6 and 7 fathoms (11.0 to 12.8 m.), but it is obstructed by a sandy patch about 300 yards in diameter and covered by a least known depth of 3 fathoms (5.5 m.). This channel is not recommended.

A small patch of 414 fathoms (7.8 m.) with depths of 7 to 9 fathoms (12.8 to 16.5 m.) around lies 1,200 yards 255° true from Hull Rock.

Hardy Patch, a narrow coral shoal about 300 yards in extent, with a least depth of 3 fathoms (5.5 m.) on it and 6 and 10 fathoms (11.0 and 18.3 m.) around, lies in the approach to Dent Haven. The shoal is marked by strong tide rips over it, and the water is usually discolored. From it Mangrove Point bears 255° true, distant 214 miles, and Hog Point 328° true.

134368°-40-29

This shoal constitutes a danger to vessels passing Dent Haven at night or in thick weather, but it may be avoided by keeping outside of the 20-fathom (37 m.) curve, which passes 114 miles eastward

of it.

Anchorage. Between Mangrove and Reef Points the general depths are 32 fathoms (6.4 m.) over a sand and mud bottom, the deeper water and less irregularity of bottom being found in the northern part of the bay. There are two patches of 234 and 3 fathoms (5.0 and 5.5 m.), situated about 1/2 and % mile, respectively, northward from Mangrove Point.

Directions. Approaching from northward, to avoid Hull Rock and Shoal, the extreme point southward of Dent Haven should not be brought southward of 217° true until the southern end of the long sandy beach in the bay bears 255° true, when it may be steered for, giving Mangrove Point a berth of at least 1 mile and anchoring

as convenient.

Supplies.-There is no village in Dent Haven, but natives occasionally visit the place. Fish may be obtained with the seine near the beach southward of the southern stream. Bathing is dangerous on account of alligators.

Tides. The tide at Dent Haven is mainly semidiurnal; springs rise 312 feet (1.1 m.).

Tidal currents.-Between Dent Haven and Labian Point the currents run with considerable velocity, from 11/2 to 3 knots at times, flood to the north and ebb to the south, but the tidal currents are extremely variable hereabouts, and there is no certainty as to their direction. Occasionally the current was observed to run strongly in one direction for 1 or 2 days, and then in the opposite direction for a day, for no reason that could be assigned; at other times the currents changed approximately at high and low water on the shore.

In Dent Haven the tidal current begins to set northward 3 hours before high water and southward 3 hours before low water; it appears probable that this is an eddy.

THE COAST curves gradually northwestward from Dent Haven for 10 miles to Usang Point and then trends west-northwestward for 32 miles to Tambisan Island. It is densely wooded and fronted by a narrow fringe of coral which is steep-to.

Usang Point Light, latitude 5°25′ N., longitude 119°13′ E., is exhibited at an elevation of 85 feet (25.9 m.) from a white framework tower located on Trang Point, about 1/4 miles southeastward of Usang Point. The light is group flashing white, visible 14 miles.

Tambisan Island, 3 miles in length east and west by 114 in width, is about 220 feet (67 m.) in height and covered with trees. The west point is high and easily distinguished from seaward, but the east point is low; the island is fronted by a coral reef to a distance of 3⁄4 mile. A narrow channel, navigable only by small craft, separates the island from the mainland.

Tidal currents.-Between Dent Haven and Tambisan the tidal currents are strongly marked. The flood current sets northward and the ebb southward at the rate of from 2 to 3 knots per hour.

Tides. The tides at Tambisan Island are mainly diurnal.

Off-lying banks and shoals. Talantam Shoal is composed of sand and coral, the shoalest part of 5 fathoms (9.1 m.) being in

latitude 5°42' N., longitude 119°26'30" E. It is about 3 miles long northwest and southeast and 111⁄2 miles wide, with an average depth of 8 fathoms (14.6 m.) within the 10-fathom (18.3 m.) curve. A report states that the German S. S. Offenbach obtained a sounding of 41⁄44 fathoms (7.8 m.) under favorable conditions, about in the middle of the shoal. Deep-draft vessels should therefore avoid crossing it, as less depths may exist.

With wind against the current there are heavy tide rips around this bank, sometimes extending as far as the eye can see, and much resembling broken water.

Sentry Bank, the northern edge of which has not been defined, is probably about 7 miles in extent; it has a least known depth of 7 fathoms (12.8 m.) and deep water around; the shoalest spot ascertained being about 1 mile within its southwestern edge in approximately latitude 5°40′ N., longitude 119°18′ E.

Currents. During the 2 days that the British surveying vessel Egeria was at anchor on Sentry Bank (in the month of August) the current was observed to set almost constantly between northeast and southeast, varying from 0.3 to 1/2 knots an hour, but the tidal currents appeared to exercise a decided influence on the strength and direction of the current. The flood was observed to set to the south and the ebb to the north.

Normanby Bank, about 5 miles in length north and south and 212 miles in width, has depths of 6 to 10 fathoms (11.0 to 18.3 m.), coral, and very deep water around. The shoalest part lies near the southwest end, 20 miles 18° true from the highest part of Tambisan Island.

Sunday Bank, distant about 23 miles 5° true from Tambisan Island, is somewhat circular in shape and about 4 miles in diameter; it has depths of 9 to 47 fathoms (16.5 to 86 m.) upon it and very deep water around. The shoalest part known (9 fathoms (16.5 m.) coral bottom) lies near the northwest edge in approximately latitude 5°50' N., longitude 119°09′ E. The depths between this bank and Normanby Bank, 2 miles southeastward, are upward of 100 fathoms (183 m.).

Magpie Bank.-This extensive bank lies southwestward from Sunday Bank with its southeastern end about 6 miles northward of Gem Reef; within the 20-fathom (37 m.) curve it is 7 miles long in a northwest and southeast direction and 211⁄2 miles wide. With the exception of the western side of the bank, the depths increase suddenly to upward of 100 fathoms (183 m.). The center of the bank, with a depth of 10 fathoms (18.3 m.), lies 2° true, distant 171⁄2 miles from the highest part of Tambisan Island; an isolated patch of 9 fathoms (16.5 m.), the least water found on this bank, lies 11⁄2 miles southwestward of this position.

Gem Reef, situated 82 miles 10° true from the highest part of Tambisan Ísland, is a coral patch 3 miles in length northwest and southeast and nearly 2 miles in width, with a depth of 11⁄2 fathom (0.9 m.) in the center.

Between Gem Reef and Sibutu Passage frequent and sharply defined tide rips occur, which have the appearance of shoal water.

René Shoal, composed of coral and sand, is 5 miles in length northwest and southeast and 21⁄2 miles in width. From the least

depth of 3 fathoms (5.5 m.) the highest point of Tambisan Island bears about southwest, distant 41/2 miles.

From Tambisan Island the coast trends in a general west-northwest direction for 60 miles to the entrance to Sandakan Harbor. It is low and swampy and intersected by numerous streams and backed by dense jungle.

Landmarks.-Mount Hatton, rising to a height of 1,990 feet (607 m.), situated 33 miles westward from Dent Haven and 16 miles from the coast, is the most conspicuous mountain in the vicinity, appearing as a sharp peak from all directions.

Ragged Hill, 1,455 feet (443 m.) high, about 7 miles westward from Mount Hatton, appears from eastward as two cone-shaped hills. Mount Bagahak, 2,740 feet (835 m.) in height in the center of a long sloping ridge, situated northward from Darvel Bay, is seen in clear weather beyond Mount Hatton.

Notch Hill, 803 feet (245 m.) in height, about 11 miles southward of the mouth of the Kinabatangan River, is a conspicuous hill having a sharp fall near the summit.

Confusion Hill, about 10 miles westward from Notch Hill, shows a round top when seen from northeastward.

Aguja Peak, 638 feet (194 m.) high, midway between Confusion Hill and the coast, appears as a double cone when seen from eastward.

Kinabatangan Hills, 963 feet (294 m.) in height, situated about 15 miles northwestward from Notch Hill and about 10 miles inland, appears from seaward as a long range with a slight peak.

Abai Clump, 17 miles eastward of the entrance to Sandakan, is 185 feet (56 m.) high; when seen from eastward it makes as an island, but it is not easily distinguished from westward.

Tangusu Bay is a shallow bight southwestward from Tambisan Island.

Rock.-A rock, with 4 feet (1.2 m.) of water over it at low-water springs, lies nearly 1 mile off the shore reefs with the highest part of Tambisan Island bearing 58° true, distant 2 miles.

Marowop River. The mouth of this river, 1011⁄2 miles westward from Tambisan Island, is about 3/4 mile wide, with depths of from 3 to 5 fathoms (5.5 to 9.1 m.) between the entrance points. At the mouth of the Marowop River shoal water extends out to a considerable distance, the 3-fathom (5.5 m.) curve being found over 3 miles from the shore. There is a depth of 134 fathoms (3.2 m.) on the bar at high-water spring tides, but caution is necessary in crossing, as the sea breaks in northeast wind. From the entrance the river trends southward a distance of 3 miles to Evans Island, where it divides into numerous branches.

Segama River. The mouth of the Segama River is 9 miles northwestward from the Marowop; between the entrance points it is 11⁄2 mile wide with a depth of 21/2 fathoms (4.6 m.). From the entrance the river trends southward for about 2 miles, with an island in it; thence it splits up into several creeks, which are narrow with depths of from 2 to 3 fathoms (3.7 to 5.5 m.). The shallow flat fronting the river extends about 3 miles from the coast, the least depth over which, leading to the entrance, is 9 feet (2.7 m.) at high-water springs. Vessels entering should send a boat ahead as the tides are irregular.

The coast between Segama River and Driftwood Point is covered with jungle, bordered by a belt of grass and bushes.

Kinabatangan River. The mouth of the Kinabatangan is about 15 miles northwestward from the Segama River. Driftwood Point, latitude 5°39′ N., longitude 118°38' E., the eastern entrance point, is wooded and may be distinguished at the distance of 15 miles from the coast, making a sharp and well-defined point.

The river between the entrance points is over 1/2 mile wide, with depths of from 334 to 5 fathoms (6.9 to 9.1 m.); the bar, which extends 3 miles seaward, has a depth of 12 feet (3.7 m.) at high-water springs. Vessels drawing more than 8 feet (2.4 m.) should not attempt to cross the bar without a boat ahead, as the tides are much influenced by the winds, rendering the time of high water uncertain. From the entrance the river trends southwestward and southward for 5 miles to Dewhurst Bay, which is 3 miles long and 1 mile wide, having depths of 2 fathoms (3.7 m.) and less. The main branch turns westward at 5 miles from the mouth, from whence it was examined for a distance of 6 miles; depths of from 4 to 6 fathoms (7.3 to 11.0 m.) were found and the river at this distance was 300 yards wide, with a depth of 5 fathoms (9.1 m.). No villages were seen and but few boats; no fresh water was obtainable.

Pegasus Reef, situated 14 miles 58° true from Driftwood Point, is nearly 2 miles in length north and south by 11/2 miles in width, with a least depth of 3 feet (0.9 m.); and is composed of live coral with patches of sand. Depths of 26 to 30 fathoms (48 to 55 m.) are found at a distance of 1 mile from the shoal heads. The discolored water on the reef can be made out from the masthead. The center of the reef lies in latitude 5°46'15" N., longitude 118°50' E.

Royalist Rock, a coral shoal 800 yards long in a north-northeast and opposite direction, with a least depth of 1 fathom (1.8 m.) near its southwest end and 18 fathoms (32.9 m.) around, lies with Driftwood Point bearing about 204° true, distant nearly 5 miles.

Nymphe Reef, about 1 mile in extent, with a depth of 1 foot (0.3 m.) lies 134 miles north-northeastward from Royalist Rock, just within the 20-fathom (37 m.) curve. Patches of 534 and 7 fathoms (10.5 and 12.8 m.) lie between it and Royalist Rock. Being within the limits of discolored water from Kinabatangan River, Nymphe Reef is seldom seen, but it is marked by a slight ripple; it breaks in heavy weather.

Clearing marks.-Abai Clump, bearing 286° true, leads southward of Royalist Rock and Nymphe Reef, and the mouth of the Kinabatangan River, bearing 227° true, leads eastward of them.

Between the Kinabatangan River and Sandakan, about 30 miles northwestward, the coast is intersected by numerous streams, some of which are said to lead into the river and to be navigable for boats.

SANDAKAN HARBOR

(Chart 4720)

This magnificent harbor is 14 miles wide at the entrance between Bahala Island and the broad point opposite to the southeast. From here it gradually increases in width, forming a spacious basin north of Pulo Bai, more than 3 miles in diameter, which forms the usual anchorage.