Lakemba Island (18°13'S., 178°48'W.) lies 16 miles SE of Nayau. The summit of the island is a double peak, which rises to heights of 210m and 219m. The island is fringed by a coral reef which extends 1 mile offshore in places; on the N side the reef dries 0.9m, but on the S side, boats can pass at half tide. The sea breaks heavily on the S point of this reef. A lagoon enclosed by a barrier reef lies with its NE extremity about 6 miles from the island. Steamer Passage, which may be found by bringing the N extremity of the island to bear 297°, is encumbered with rocks.

Location