'Persia Intelligence Report. May, 1946' [‎25r] (49/80)

[Part V — continued]
(B) PORTS
The best position in which to anchor is in a depth of from 7 to 9 fathoms (12 m 8 to 16 m 5) with
the beacon on Ras-al-Masheh bearing not less than 124°, distant about 3 cables. It is reported that
there is anchorage for five ships.
A convenient berth is with the light structure on Ras-al-Masheh bearing 183°, distant 3f cables.
It is reported that in the hot weather any cool wind there may be is felt and it is not laden with sand
or dust. The position is open to a strong shamdl and slight sea but the holding ground is good; it
cannot, however, be recommended during the winter months.
An H.M. cruiser reports that anchorage in 8 fathoms was obtained in position 320° 4 cables from
the flashing light on Ras-al-Masheh. In this position the holding ground is not very good (sand) but
the anchorage is well sheltered from all normal winds except the shamhl and it was found that this
anchorage was quite comfortable in moderate sham'al conditions.
When anchoring the cruiser ran in on the white hut near the conspicuous clump of trees on the
eastern shore, on a course of 090°, letting go on a bearing of the flashing light. It would not be possible
to see the hut at night, but the anchorage is easy to leave in the dark either by the south-east or south
west entrance.
Tidal streams experienced in the above anchorage between mid-October and January were east
and west at an estimated speed of 1| knots at spring tides. To the south-east of Ras-al-Masheh there
are numerous eddies and overfalls, as shown on the chart.
Prohibited Anchorages
Anchorage is prohibited south-eastward of the pecked line indicated on the chart, joining a white
stone hut, situated about half a mile south-eastward of Ras-al-Masheh, and the conspicuous stone hut
north-westward of Ras Khargu.
Anchorage is also prohibited south-westward of the pecked line indicated on the chart extending
west-north-westward from Ras-al-Masheh.
(7) Quayage, Cranage and Clearance from Quays
There is one jetty 100 yards long; it is constructed of steel which has badly corroded. It has a
good wooden deck. The depth of water at the steps at low water is 3 ft. The jetty requires re-building
but is still serviceable for boats.
Boats can also land at the north-western side of Ras A1 Masheh where the beach is moderately
steep.
(8) Accommodation
Five ships can be accommodated in the anchorage off Bandar Sharki eastwards of Ras-al-Masheh
and five at the anchorage at Bandar Gharbi to the north-westward of Ras-al-Masheh.
(11) Warehouses and Stacking Space
There is h fair-sized building, formerly a coal go-down and coolies’ quarters, in a state of disrepair,
which could be converted into a warehouse.
(12) Coal, Oil and Water
Nil.
(13) Docks, Slipways and Repair Facilities
Nil.
(15) Normal Functions of Port
There is fairly frequent casual communication with Qishm Island by dhows en route to other parts.
(b) THE TOWN
(1) General
The principal and official settlement is at Ras-al-Masheh. The controlling authority is a Lieutenant
of Police. The only other officials are the Postmaster and the Customs officials.
There is a telephone to Qishm Island.
(4) Population and Labour
Ras-al-Masheh has a population of about 80. The villages of Ghail and Henjam in the south
number about 200 each.
(6) Billeting
The Ex-Naval Officers’ Club and buildings and offices of Cable and Wireless, Ltd., formerly
used for personnel of the now disused W/T station, would provide accommodation for about 200 men.
(7) Light and Power
Nil.
(8) Water and Sanitation
There are water tanks for the collection of surface rainwater in the Ras-al-Masheh settlement;
when these are dry, which is frequent, fresh water is brought from Ghail, 3 miles distant.