Eiao Island FP
Eiao Island - Landsat Image S-07-05_2000
Eiao Island - Marplot Map
Eiao Island (8˚00'S., 140˚42'W.) lies SW of Hatutu; it rises to a height of 576m. The S coast of the island is formed by a perpendicular cliff, but the NW and W coasts are indented by several small bays. Its SE point displays a noticeable rock in the shape of an obelisk. The channel separating Eiao from Hatutu should be navigated with caution. A 6.4m shoal lies in the E entrance, while a reef, which has been reported to break, lies in the middle of the passage. The current generally sets NW through the channel with some strength.
The passage between Eiao and Motu Iti, further S, reportedly contains depths of 20 to 60m, and will be described with Nuku Hiva. Banc Hinakura, with a depth of 38m, lies 13 miles WNW of Eiao. A depth of 35m was reported 12 miles SW of the S extremity of Eiao, while a depth of 27m lies about 11 miles further SSW.
One can anchor at the opening of Vaituha Bay on the NW coast, in 27m of water, sand and mud, keeping the SW point of the bay bearing 247˚ at 0.2 mile.
In Charner Bay, also to the NW of the island, there is good anchorage, in 30m, sand and gravel, but it is not well sheltered from the swell which is felt strongly there. (SD PUB-126)
This is one of the first islands I became enamoured with. It is fairly large - 12kms by 4kms and 576m high. At one time, people lived on the island. Prior to European arrival, the island was vacated. It was visited by islanders to harvest stones to make adzes. The first Europeans to venture into the Marquesas were Spanish, then French and then American. The American, a Captain Porter, claimed to have discovered the northern islands (Nuku Hiva and north). He claimed these islands (including Eiao) as US possessions. Congress never acted upon his claim, so the islands remained French possessions.
At one time the island was used as a penal colony. Apparently, a few buildings/foundations still remain. In the 1970's/80's the French military suggested that the island be used to test nuclear weapons. They would drill into the island's core, drop bombs and explode them. The idea was rejected.
Today, the island is visited, on occassions, by divers. The island is infested with feral animals - goats, pigs, sheep, cattle and cats. No concerted effort to eradicate these island biota destroyers has yet been mounted. The feral animals are a continuing threat to the island's health. If you are a French authority reading this post, please sponser an effort to eradicate these feral animals from this small island.
Enjoy!
Labels: atoll, EVS, Global Mapper, island, Landsat, map, Marplot, Marquesas, Pacific, Polynesia
