'Gazetteer of Arabia Vol. II' [‎1447] (514/688)

PERIM
1447
P
PERIM—
The island of Perim is a British possession, situated in the Red Sea in the narrowest
part of the Straits of Bab-al-Mandab, only U miles from the Arabian coast and 9 miles
from the shores of Africa. It is miles long by U wide with an area of 5 square miles ;
its highest point, near the south-eastern end, is 214 feet above sea-level. The formation
is entirely volcanic, with coral and sand in the valleys and on the outskirts. There is
no natural water supply and little vegetation.
Perim was occupied by the British in 1799, subsequently abandoned, and re-
occupied in 1857 on the opening of the overland route. For many years regarded as
a place of little value, and with a small detachment of Indian troops as its only inhabi
tants, it has now become a place of considerable importance from its position as a coaling
station. In 1883 the Perim Coal Company obtained a concession on the south-western
side of the island as a site for a coaling station and by this Company the harbour has been
lighted and buoyed. Perim is a station of the Eastern Telegraph Company and also
for Lloyd's signals. Lloyd's signal station is on the highest point of the island already
referred to ; the lighthouse is on the same ridge to the northward of it. Near the west
ern end is Signal Hill, 112 feet high, on which is another signal station. The surface
of the island, which is generally flat, is grooved with watercourses and sparsely cover
ed with coarse grass and a few stunted shrubs.
Perim harbour is divided into two branches by Murray Point, on which are two white
beacons which serve as leading marks into the harbour by day and on which the leading
lights are exhibited by night. The main branch extends one mile to the north-west
ward ; the other about 7 cables in a north-easterly direction, and is much encumbered
with shoals. The bights on the eastern shore are Shand Bay, James Bay, and \\ illiam
Bay.
Telegraphi cables.—Fevim is in telegraphic communication by cable with Aden, Suez,
Obokh, Asab, Masawah, and Suakin.
Lights, Buoys, Signal stations, efc.—See Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Pilot. The
main light, exhibited at a height of 249 feet above high water, is visible 22 miles.
Coal and supplies.— Welsh coal can be obtained from the stores of the Perim Coal
'Company and put on board at from 50 to a maximum rate of 120 tons per hour A
stock varving from 5,000 to 15,000 tons, according to season, is kept m store, and from
800 to 1,000 tons is always afloat in lighters, ready for delivery m bulk by night or clay.
The Company has 18 steel lighters of from 90 to 120 tons each ; there is room for 14
lighters at one time alongside the Company's three piers and there is no liability to
interruption of coaling from bad weather.
Provisions, stores, ice, and water may also be procured ; if fresh provisions in large
quantities are required, notice should be given to the Perim Coal Company. The storage
of ice is about 25 tons ; it is supplied at about £5 a ton.
Water. —This is obtained from condensers, close to which is the water pier, with 12
feet of water alongside its head at low water springs. It has a pipe delivery both at head
and sides, and on it is a derrick to lift 7 tons. Water is sent alongside in steam or motor
tanks and pumped into vessels at from 20 to 60 tons an hour. The price is about 10/
a ton, but there are special prices for large quantities.
JRepairs. —The services of an extensive salvage plant, and of European divers, can
be had here and considerable repairs to ship and machinery can be effected. Ther ,
two small slipways with winches for lighters and launches which can haul up 100 tons
dead weight. Several small steam cranes, steam hammers, punching machines, et
besides a blacksmith's shop, are available.