HARBOUR DESIGN
31
natural or artificial; there was simply an open roadstead on an exposed,
sandy coast, swept by storms and occasional monsoons of extreme violence,
during which vessels were far safer out at sea. In fact, even at the present
time, throughout the entire distance of 2300 miles extending round the
RISTING EAST ENTRANCE TO BECLOSED.
500'0--'
Fig. 30.— Madras Harbour.
FATtf”?.
SEARCH LICHT ENGINE HOUSE
MADRAS HARBOUR
BINNY & C9
BINNY & C?
BEST & C!
BOAT BASIN
6% ACRES
BLOCK YARD
THY* Hau/
3 DIYER'S SMED
COAL YARD
NEW NORTH ARM
rENG/HG
peninsula from Calcutta to Bombay, there exists no mainland port capable of
affording adequate shelter to shipping in times of cyclonic disturbance ; still
less of accommodating it, uninterruptedly, at the quayside.
At Madras, the unloading of vessels is carried on by lighters, or barges, of
about 10 tons capacity, which traverse the distance between ship and shore.
The transfer of cargo in the open was and could only be effected at consider-