ÆäÀÌÁö À̹ÌÁö
PDF
ePub

The bearings given above, with the variation marked in the chart, will place the bank a little distance outside Captain King's tracks, I think; for having no chart by me, and four years having elapsed since I marked it in the "Zebra's," I cannot speak with certainty. Some miles to the eastward of it, and in about the same latitude, a reef is placed, (marked PD,) on which the San Antonio struck. In a book of directions by Captain King, which I procured at Sydney, it is stated, that she struck during the night. I think it possible from this circumstance, the reef seen by us may be the one she got on. The bearings may be relied on, although not specified in degrees, &c., as I was most particular in taking them.

Relative to the second reef seen by us to the westward of Booby Island, I find the following remarks. October 11th, 1836.-At 6 A.M. Booby Island E. S. five miles; at 7 A.M. it bore E.b.N. twelve miles. Steered as follows,-W.S.W. 6.2 miles; W.b.S. S. thirteen miles, till 10 A.M., at which time, discoloured water was observed three points on the larboard bow, one mile and a half distant, extending in an east and west direction about one mile, and about an eighth of a mile in breadth. The east and west extremes appeared to have the least water on them. The "Zebra" passed about a mile and a half to the northward of it, and its outline was distinctly seen from the masthead :—its position was ascertained as follows:

[blocks in formation]

The variation by amplitude in the evening, with the brig's head W.b.N.N. was 1° 22′ east, which has been allowed in correcting the courses, &c.

This reef is some miles to the southward of Flinders track, and I could not help remarking, that the soundings obtained by him immediately to the northward of this position, are less than they are a few miles to the eastward and westward, as if a sub-marine ridge existed running north and south, and approaching the surface at the spot seen by us. In the Nautical Magazine for August, 1840, (p. 538,) I see mention made of a rocky islet, which is not laid down in the chart. The same islet was seen by us in the "Zebra," and as evening was approaching, we anchored in consequence. Perhaps the following extract from my remark-book, may enable you to give it an approximate place.

September 15th, 1836, 5h. 30m. P.M.-Observed a small rocky islet on with Cumberland Island, [11] which does not appear to be laid down in the chart. Came to in twenty fathoms stiff clay, the following islands visible from deck.

[k] (peak,) north 79° east,-[k] (sloping gradually,) centre north

59° 45′ east.

[k 2] Hummocky (north end,) north 26° 30' east,-three rocks north

14° east.

2

on with the east end of [1,] north 17° 40′ west.

11] (east end,) north 49° 45′ west,-[ 14 ] and [ 13 ] visible between

the two above-mentioned islands.

Prudhoe Island, (east peak,) south 11° 30′ east.

The rocky islet, not laid down, north 55° 45′ west.

Variation by amplitude, 7° 34′ east.

We afterwards passed three-quarters of a mile to the westward of this islet, but as I was looking out at the masthead at the time, no bearings were taken of it, when on with the other islands, which is a great pity, if its position is not already known at the Admiralty.

J. L. BAILEY, Master R.N.

[The remark alluded to, appears in the journal of the ship Arabian, and trivial as it seems in itself, with the foregoing bearings, (which agree remarkably well excepting that of [11], it enables us to fix the position of the rocky island on the chart, and we infer from the whole that it is in latitude 20° 57' south, and longitude 149° 25' east. This is a good instance to shew how useful remarks, however trifling they may appear, really become, when used in conjunction with others bearing on the same point. The distance of the rock south of the island [11] gives its distance from the Zebra's anchorage, on the bearing given by Mr. Bailey, and hence its position, for which there is no other authority.-ED. N.M.]

DANGERS IN THE CARIMATA PASSAGE AND STRAIT OF SUNDA.

Jerusalem Coffee House, Sept. 6th, 1841. SIR.-I beg to communicate through the medium of your valuable periodical, for the information of commanders navigating the Eastern seas, a correct statement of the loss of the ship Catherine, under my command in the Carimata Passage, on the 17th of December, 1840.

At 2h. 15m. P.M., struck on a ledge of rocks, with East Island, (the easternmost of the Montaran or Martaban Group, bearing W. & N., and Carimata Peak N. 4° W., distant from East Island eight miles. This reef which is formed of sharp pyramidal coral rocks, extends northwest and south-east a cable's length, and the least water found on it was two fathoms.

When aground had three fathoms over the stern! a quarter less three from the break of the poop on both sides; two fathoms from either fore channels; over the bows two fathoms and a half; one hundred yards ahead, seven, twelve, and eighteen fathoms; to the north-west at rather less distance from the ship four, five, seven, and nine fathoms; to the south-east a short cable's length no bottom with twenty fathoms line; at half a cable distant nine fathoms; and a boat's length nearer the ship a quarter less three fathoms.

Though we found a very strong current setting to the southward, yet there was no appearance of broken or discoloured water; nor any indication which would cause a careful navigator to apprehend danger.

Subjoined is an extract from the log-book of the hark, Justina of Batavia, belonging to Messrs. Maclaine, Watson, and Co., agents for Lloyd's at that port; which vessel was despatched by them to the wreck.

"At 6 A.M. saw Eastern Montaran Island, bearing W.b.S. S., twelve miles off; at 9 came to in with the stream in eighteen fathoms mud; centre of Eastern Montaran Island W. N., six miles distant; a shoal W.b.S. two miles off, sent a boat to examine the shoal; about one hundred yards all round had from ten to eighteen fathoms, shoaling suddenly towards it. The boat went over it, and had very irregular soundings, from four feet to five fathoms; in the centre of the shoal, a coral rock three feet above water; all over the shoal rocky bottom. About a ship's length from this shoal, shoal-water extends from W.N.W. to E.S.E. about one mile and a half, with four to ten fathoms rocky bottom."

The first of these shoals examined by the commander of the Justina, is evidently the Discovery Bank laid down in Ross's Survey; but the last mentioned one must have grown up since that period, as it is not laid down in Horsburgh's charts. The weather was squally and unsettled, which prevented his obtaining a sight of Carimata Island for a cross bearing; nevertheless the bearing given above, places it very nearly in the same position assigned to the Discovery Bank in Horsburgh's charts of the Carimata Passage.

I have not met with any chart, Dutch or English, wherein the reef on which the Catherine struck is laid down; nor is it known to any of the commanders of country vessels of whom I enquired, though I was informed at Batavia, that a government schooner commanded by one of the then lieutenants of the guard-ship, was wrecked on this spot a few months previous to the loss of the Catherine.

The Justina appears to have anchored two miles to the westward of the reef, and southward withal: she was at anchor only four hours when the chain parted, which prevented her commander making a more particular survey.

The bearings I have given may be relied on, as the ship laid quite quiet at first, and the weather being very clear, Carimata Peak and Island were very distinctly seen. From good observations obtained at noon, I place the reef in latitude 2° 31′ south, and longitude 108° 59

east.

In conclusion, I strongly recommend all commanders not to borrow nearer East Island than four leagues, which will carry them a large league clear of this danger: but, I should prefer the passage between Sourouton Island and Ontario Reef, especially during the night, taking care to pass close round the south point of the island, by which course the dangers adjacent to the Montaran Islands and east coast of Billiton will be avoided.

I am, &c.,

CHARLES S. EVANS.

P.S. I am not aware, if it be generally known, that a rock has been discovered in the fair-way out of Sunda Straits, with eighteen feet water on it, and bearing from the Button N. E., distant two miles. An American ship struck on this rock in 1840, and a portion of it was found in her bottom when docked at Boston.

ENLARGED SERIES.-No. 10.-VOL. FOR 1841.

4 R

[ocr errors]

THE VOYAGE OF THE SHIP FLORENTIA.

[Concluded from p. 543.]

On the 10th of June we sailed from Manila with light flaws of wind from all points of the compass, and the current setting us to the southwest. The ship Canton passed us abreast the Corregidor: we left this ship in Sydney ready for sea, when we sailed. 21st. Noon, latitude 14° 17′ N.; working to windward, but unable to make any way, the swell setting the ship towards Manila Bay. 6h. 30m. tacked to the north-west, finding it impossible to proceed to weather St. Jago Point. 22d. Strong swell and current on; finding it impossible to proceed to the southward or westward, the ship deep, I determined on proceeding to the northward (as advised by Horsburgh,) and proceed through the Pacific to Pitt's Passage. 23rd. Winds south to S.S.W.; made all sail. 8 A.M. Cape Capones bore east, forty miles; agreeing with chronometer.

27th. Latitude 18° 41′ N., longitude 119° 48'. 28th. Saw Claro Babuyan S. E.b. E. E. At 6, Calayan south, Bashee north-east, and Babuyan S.E.b E.; a strong current setting northerly. 29th. At noon Babuyan S. W., Balentang S.b.S.: a tremendous rush of current through these islands, the ship's head south-east, and going three knots, yet barely making an east course, and passing the islands very slowly. 30th. Current still the same. These islands, the Babuyan and Bashee, extend from the north coast of Luconia to the island of Formosa: all the channels among them are considered safe, there being no hidden dangers; the current sets very strong to the north-west, north, and north-east, for which a great allowance ought to be made. We had a current of full two knots between Balentang and Babuyan. Several islands are volcanic, the extinct volcano on Camiguia may be seen sixty miles off. There is a volcano on the west end of Claro Babuyan, which drove the inhabitants off it, in consequence of its violent eruptions, they are now settled at Fuga. Most of these islands are very high, and well inhabited, except Babuyan Lapurip, and the Northern Bashees. The inhabitants furnish ships with provisions very cheaply, a bullock being sold from two to four dollars. The South Bashees abound in bullocks, pigs, and poultry, and they have plantations of sugar-cane, Indian corn, sweet potatoes, and fruits of various kinds.

This season of the year, I should be convinced is the worst for making a passage to Europe quickly. When I left Manila, I found I could neither get to the southward or westward, in order to attempt a passage through the Mindoro Sea, or the Straits of Manila, and consequently I was induced by the observations and remarks of Horsburgh, (the undoubtedly first authority,) to proceed into the Pacific by way of the Bashee Islands.

From the 7th of July till the 13th, very light winds from east, southeast, and south: current strong from south-east, three-quarters of a knot per hour.

23rd. Had a sudden shift of wind, with a heavy squall from the northward, torrents of rain. The largest of the Pellew Islands, Bau

belthouap bearing east, distant about eight miles; the wind hanging so much at north-west, blowing strong with the current made it very doubtful that we should weather these islands. They are very dangerous to be near particularly at night, very extensive reefs and banks lying on their west side nearly twenty miles from them. The inhabitants were formerly very hospitable and kind to Europeans, but lately they attempted to surprise and cut off a whaler while passing the southernmost island. They were beaten off, two of the ship's company were killed, and nearly all the rest wounded, some severely.

24th. A strong gale W.S.W. and S.W.; sea getting up. Noon, latitude observed 5° 34' N., longitude 133° 57′ E. We are now in the belt of current described by Horsburgh as running from thirty to sixty miles to the eastward in twenty-four hours. 25th. Very confused sea on; ship pitching very much, the current has set us forty-two miles S.E.b.E. 26th. Current this day forty miles from W.b.N. 27th. Current set to the eastward this day thirty miles. 29th, 30th, 31st. Current from the northward. On the 31st., latitude 0° 50′ N., saw the high foreland of New Guinea, about eighty miles: a dead calm on.

On the 1st of August, towards night breeze freshened. 2nd. Blowing a fresh gale, the sea getting up very rapidly, and running very quick and irregular. 3rd. Wind increased from south-west at 7 a strong gale, a very cross sea running; clear sky; noon, moderated. 4th, 4 A.M. A calm faiut easterly breeze. 5th. Light breezes, calms and flaws; saw land very indistinct, latitude observed 0° 9′ N., longitude 132° 25′ E. In the afternoon made the land out very clear, agree ing with chronometer. At 3h. our distance from the Yowl Islands was fifty-seven miles, bearings W.N W. On the 6th, though four hands were looking out, and could discern nothing, I heard the roar of the surf on the reefs round the islands. Wore ship and stood to south-east, at dawn wore again to the north-west; and at the same time saw the Yowl Islands, their extremes bearing W. N. to S. W., about eight miles distant; steered round their north end, they are low and covered with trees, and the sea breaks high round the reef near the largest ones. The high land of Onarids or Waygiou in sight, and gives our latitude 0° 45', and longitude 131° 20′ E. by the bearings. At 10h. saw an island bearing south-west. This island is not marked on the charts or described by Horsburgh; at 11 it bore S.W. S., seen from the deck. At the same time the southern and westernmost one bore S.S.E. § E., about fifteen miles; the largest and highest island next east of it S.E.E., distant about twelve miles; and the largest northern island E.S.E. about fourteen miles. Passed this island 50m. past noon, when it bore south of us about eight miles distant. From the course

we have steered this morning, it must bear W.S.W. of the large northern Yowl Island, and is distant from it about twenty-six miles; its latitude from the observation of the day is about 0° 37′ N., it is low and covered with trees. When we were north of it only the two south-western islands could be seen, and they were very indistinct.

10th. Saw the High Island of Pulo Pisang, south-east about twelve miles. The Lawn Islands, S. W. and Pulo Kekik, S.S.W. Taking every advantage of the winds in tacking ship. These islands have a very pleasant appearance, being covered with trees, from their summit

« ÀÌÀü°è¼Ó »