Page 185 - Records of Bahrain (1) (i)_Neat

The second Gulf Survey, 1857-1860 175

46. MEMOIll ON 13AI111EYN, .

The angle subtended'by two objects, set on a sextant, is, though
very seldom employed, frequently of more value in keeping a vessel out
of danger, than hand-bearings ; and thus Gnllali Tower and Psctccn High
Tree subtending an angle of 25°, seems to clear all foul ground off
Scmahi (or Arad Bluff) with this angle on, and Psctccn Tree south, you
may steer S.W. by AV. till Jibbul Dukhan comes on with the Minarets,
when steer so as to keep them in one (or nearly south) till Saiyhcc
Islet comes on with Psctccn High Tree, then steer S. by E., look­
ing out for the extreme of the rocky reef called Zirwan, which forms the
northern boundary of the inner anchorage, till Saiyhcc is seen opening
out from Dcyah Bluff (or the N.AV. extreme of Maharrag Island),
when haul in S.E. for the Shcykh’s house at Manama, and anchor in
from 3 to 2£ fins, low water spring tides, as convenient. This is
only applicable to vessels of light draught; heavier vessels would,
obviously, have to remain outside lias Zirwan, in the outer anchorage.
Bahrcyn Harbour is a most difficult place to make in hazy weather,
as the land being quite low, nothing is seen of it till shoal soundings arc
obtained, which arc useless ns a guide to the ship’s position. The tide,
too, runs strong off the mouth of the harbour about cast and west.
These things considered, it seems best to make the harbour open
from the N.E., and to that end, in coming from Bushirc, to keep on
the Persian Coast till abreast the Mutaaf (or Bcrdistan bank), and then
stretch over to the Arab side. By this means you avoid a rocky patch
with 3 fins, on it lying 50 miles north of Bahrcyn in the direct line,
to Bushirc, and make the harbour with the reefs equidistant on both
sides.
The currents in the centre of the Gulf arc very uncertain in direction,
and strong at times. On one occasion in II. M.’s Steamer S emir amis,
I. N., we were steering from Bushirc direct to Bahrcyn, and made the
head of the Fasht-cl-Yarrom several miles to the westward of the direct
line. I attribute this deviation from the course entirely to a strong
N.Wb'* set or current. This would be a most dangerous place to.
ground on, miles away from any assistance, and exposed to the whole.
fury of a N.Wr*
A survey of the Island of Bahrcyn, and Dohat Sclwnli to the south,
would be interesting; and as the present delineation of the Island and
coast has been acknowledged to be little more than an " eye sketch,” it
would present almost a new field to those engaged in it. I doubt very
much whether the inhabitants of that part of the Gulf would be found