400
THE PHILIPPINES.
anchorage and shelter at all times, and at Apiton opposite Yogubanham, there is also good anchorage in both monsoons. In the S.W. monsoon there is safe anchorage between Pan de Azucar and Sobrero islands, and in the bay of Malagonoes. In the N.E. monsoon, in addition to the Estancia and Apiton, there is good anchorage under Pan de Azucar, in the small bay or indent looking S.E. At Bacauan or La Conception, is the residence of the Commandant of the district, and from hence assistance and supplies may be had, if needed, and at the place marked Apiton (Aguada) on the charts, good water is easily obtainable.
The broader channel between the islands of Panay and Negros, although apparently good, and though formerly adoptes by several ships bound to Iloilo, is now found not to be safe, there being large patches of shoal water with coral, imperfectly surveyed, extending off the Batayan and Negros shore. Vessels have occasionally touched in coming through this passage, and it should not therefore be taken.
After passing Tagubanhan and Apiton, and emerging into the broad channel between Panay and Negros, the best course is to steer direct for the highest land visible on the island of Guimarás, care being taken to clear Pepitas rocks, which lie some distance off the shore and are awash.
Leaving the Calabazas islets and Pepitas, the route after making the sınall block-house near Banate, is due south, until a group of seven remarkable rocks, which lie between the N.E. end of Guimarás and Panay shore, called the Siete Pecados, are sighted. On opening the channel between the Guimarás and Panay and getting the Siete Pecados to bear W. N., steer direct for the passage between these rocks and the Panay shore. This course will clear the Iguana Bank, lying to the S.E., of the Pecados, with 1 to 2 fathoms of water on it, and Point Dumanges to the N.E., the shoal water of which extends to a considerable distance.
The lead is a good guide through the Siete Pecados channel, giving 41, 7, 8, 11 and 15 fathoms until the Pecados are passed to the southward, when the water deepens to 18 and 19 fathoms. The channel between these rocks and Guimarás is not good. On passing the Pecados the south shore should be kept on board, to avoid the shoal water on the Panay side. When the fort, which is half-a-mile to the west of the river Iloilo, bears W.S.W., steer for it, anchoring as convenient in 10 to 12 fathoms, a little more than a quarter of a mile off shore to the eastward of the river.
Though the northern passage just described is safe and convenient in the northerly monsoon, and is always used by coasters in both seasons, strangers will probably prefer the route along the west coast of Panay, making Iloilo from the south. This route should always be adopted in the S.W. monsoon. Making the western coast of Panay from the Mindoro Straits, this coast, comprising the province of Antique, should be closed, as the westerly monson is not very regular, and does not often blow strongly between the Cuyos Island and Panay, or the north of Basiland. It may be approached with safety anywhere to the southward of the islands of Barbatan and Maralison, which latter has a reef to the east and west. Barbatan, which is very steep, affords, with Lipata (under this latter point), the only available anchorage on the Antique coast during the S.W. monsoon, but in the N.E. monsoon the harbour of San José de Buena Vista is quite safe, and affords good supplies of provisions and water, being not unfrequently visited by whalers for that purpose.
The south coast of Panay is free from dangers till near the town of Otong. The coast of Guimarás to the north of Point Balingasag, or the north of Port St. Anna, is likewise safe. This port is capable of admitting vessels of large tonnage, and affords shelter under almost any circumstances. The Bights along the coast have deep water, and vessels can work close in shore, or from point to point, with perfect safety; but generally there is no good anchorage, as the coast is steep and the holding ground not good.
In passing the S.W. point of Panay during the night, the islands of Juraojurao and Nogas should not be closed, as both have reefs round them to the southward. When clear of these islands on rounding the S.W. point of Panay, vessels may safely steer N.E. by E. 32 miles without any danger, but after running that distance they should heave-to during the night, or if the night is very clear run towards the Panay