SUBMARINE ACTIVITY IN THE VICINITY OF THE SHIPUNSKI PENINSULA, KAMCHATKA, USSR, PHOTO SUTDY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T05439A000300210067-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 26
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 6, 2005
• Sequence Number: 67
• Publication Date: February 27, 1964
• Content Type: MF

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 27 February 1964
Copy No.
MEMORANIXJM FOR: Chief, Military Division, OCI
25X1A ATTEI' TION:
THRU:
FROM:
Chief, RG/RB/CGS
Chief, CIA/PID (NPIC)
SUBJECT: Submarine Activity in the vicinity of the Shipunski
Peninsula, Kamchatka, USSR, Photo Sutdy
REFERENCES: (a). Requirement No. C-C14-80,947 (Project No. C 66-64)
N. Requirement No. C-C13-80,815 (Project No. C 1671-63)
c). G-MB Memorandum No. 764/63 dated 20 November 1963
(d). G-MB Memorandum No. 80/64 dated 29 January 1961+
(e). H.O. 98 (formerly H.O. 122A) Sailing Directions for
the east coast of Siberia
1. In partial response to Requirement No. C-C14-80,91+7 (C 66-6+),
and in amplification of G-MB Memorandum No. 80/64 dated 29r January 1961+,
the following information is forwarded concerning submarine activity in
the Shipunski Peninsula region of Kamchatka, USSR, (53 16N-159 47E),
approximately 45 nm NNE of Petropavlovsk. The materials forwarded via
this memorandum are intended to supplement, on the most inclusive and
current basis possible, previous information derived from aerial photo-
25X1D graphy of this region taken since I Information derived from an
earlier survey of photography available on this area was forwarded via
reference (c).
2. The following significant activity was observed in the Shipunski
Peninsula area from aerial photography obtained in
25X1 D and
25X1 D
(a). Analysis L"JMissioni on reveals
that extensi ruction actifity is still continuing
on the western side of Bechevinskaya Bay-(53 16N-159 47E)
in the immediate vicinity of a large possible naval pier.
Approximately 5 buildings have been constructed near the
pier - including one multi-storied building approximately
130 ft x 50 ft and one long-building approximately 280 x
35 ft.. A s1L:ed-like structure approximately 100 x 30 ft
DECLASSIFICATION REVIEW BY NIMA / DoD
S--15(a'
25X1 D
Ci .r' 1
 TC
25X1 D
on the end of the pier approach and a probable wooded pier
extension approximately 110 feet long have been added since
As noted in reference (c) the construction of
this pier appears similar to the piers observed at the new
naval/submarine base at Pavlovskogo Bay (formerly Strelok
Straits Naval Base, Anna).
(b). The existence of previous submarine activity (observed on
25X1 D can now be verified.
Four dispersed submarines, one proba e submarine, one
probable destroyer, and one small unidentified vessel were
noted, apparently dead in the water - but headed into the bay,
approximately one mile inside the entrance to Bechevinskaya
Bay (53 13.5N-159 45.0E). No facilities of any description
were noted along either side of Bechevinskaya Bay on the
coverage. Bay ice was observed to extend approximately 1,700
feet to seaward from the subs e uent location of the possible
25X1D naval pier first observed in En - or to a position approx-
imately 2nm to the NE into the bay from the location of the
furthest penetration of the submarine activity. This
information was previously forwarded via references (c) and
(d).
25X1 D
Mission I moored alongside one another at the
anchorage loceted approximately 0.25nm from the head of
Morzhovaya Bay (53 13N-159 58E). These vessels appear to be
anchored in a manner described in H.O. 98 (formerly H.O. 122A),
page 151. 0 Mission coverage of Morzhovaya Bay in
25X1D I Irevealed two possible unidentified vessels anchored
25X1D in a similar manner in the same position. Morzhovaya Bay
appears to be completely free of bay ice throughout the winter.
No significant facilities for the berthing or support of large
vessels have been observed in this bay.
25X1 D
25X1 D
25X1 D
(c). Two probable submarines were observed in
25X1 D
25X11
(d). The unidentified circular area observed on Mission 0
on an unnamed headland (53 16N- near Ostrov
Morzhovy (Benzenger Island) can now be positively identified as
a SA-2 SAM site. No evidence of this site was noted on good
quality USAF photography dated This is
the second SAM site to be deployed in nearly inaccessible
terrain on the Shipunski Peninsula - the first is located on the
other (SW) side of the peninsula at 53 13N-159 47E, approximately
25X
CPO='P 1
Ezele'eJ ri a_f.n.fi:
 TIT
3.5nm south of the pier area in Bechevinskaya Bay noted
above.
25X1 C
3. A further description of 'significant activity noted on selected
photographic coverage of the Shipunski Peninsula is forwarded as an
enclosure to this memorandum.
1+. Specific dimensions described in the enclosed graphics to this
memorandum were performed by the Technical.Analysis Branch, TID (NPIC).
Mensural data was computed from the orbital ephemeris only and can only
be considered as approximate.
6. H.O. 98 (formerly H.O. 122A) was found to contain significant
hydrographic data for the Shipunski Peninsula region. Of particular interest
for purposes of this study were references to: (1) an established anchorage
at the head of Morzhovaya Bay; and (2) depth soundings of 23 to 28 fathoms
in the upper portion of Bechevinskaya Bay. A five page extract from this
publication will be found in the enclosed notebook.
7. All coordinates referenced in this memorandum were obtained from
the unedited proof copy of AMS Series DESPA-1, Sheet NN 57-8.
8. Forwarded for your retention is a notebook (enclosure 2) entitled
Bechevinskaya Bay, Shi unski Peninsula, Kamchatka, USSR (CIA/PID/GMB/P-600/6+,
copy number 1), containing 11 annotated photographic prints, 1 line drawing,
25X1C 5 pages containing the and 5
unclassified pages reproduced from H.O. 9 (formerly H.O. 122A). Due to the
volume of photographic coverage utilized in the course of this continuing study
it is suggested that the materials previously forwarded your office via
reference (c) might be incorporated into this larger notebook.
9. The photo analysis on this project was performed by
25X1A
tL.
CF.C_'; 1
25
21
 Tr' y'
CIA/pID/GMB, who may be contacted on
for any additional information.
10. This memo is in response to a continuing requirement and does not
complete the referenced requirement.
25X1A
Enclosures:
1. Description of Additional Activity Observed in the Shipunski
Peninsula Area, Kamchatka, USSR, from Selected Missions Dated
25X1 D
2. One notebook (CIA/PID/GMB/P-600/6+, copy number 1)
GROUP 1
 DESCRIPTION OF ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY OBSERVED IN THE SHIPUNSKI
PENINSULA AREA,KAMCHATKA, USSR, FROM SELECTED MISSIONS DATED
25X1 D
25X1 D
This mosaic represents the best and most recent satellite photo coverage
of the entire Shipunski Peninsula region. The graphic contains a key to
additional photo enlargements from 'ssion I illustrating all
areas of significant activity noted on this coverage.
(Mission
These two adjoining prints contain the latest available photo intelligence
of the inner portion of Bechevinskaya Bay (53 16N-159 47E). Additional
activity noted at the possible naval base under construction (last observed on
Mission includes the following:
Cd-). A probable wooden pier extension, approximately 110 feet in length,
has been built from the end of the pier approach. -
(b). A possible shed (approximately 100 x 30 feet) has been constructed
on the end of the pier approach.
discerned along the valley in the coverage of this area -
(c). A protrusion into the bay located approximately 500 feet SW of the
main pier - and previously labelled as a "probable pier base under
construction" - appears to have been bypassed by a new road/trail along
the shore which leads to a new man-made earthen protrusion which extends-
approximately 120 feet into the bay. This new projection is located
approximately 2,200 feet SW of the main pier.
(d). Approximately 5 new buildings, including one measuring approximately
280 x 35 feet have been constructed in the vicinity of the main pier.
(See line drawing forwarded with enclosure (2).
(e). At least two unidentified newly constructed traces were observed
paralleling the sides of a small river valley for approximately 2,200
yards to the north from the original barracks/support area (labelled
Area "A" in photo #10 forwarded via reference (c). No activity could be
25X1 D
- _r
25X1
25X1
25X1
 OP
25X1 D
(f). The new road observed leading SW from the pier area to the shingle
spit in has been extended for nearly 0.5nm to a position just
to the SW of the shingle spit. Several traces and many heavy earth scars
are now visible in this area which is located approximately 1.5 to 2nm
SW of the main pier area.
No significant changes appear to have occured in the vicinity of the
barracks/support area (Area "A"). A probable lighter appears anchored just
off the small finger pier which services this installation.
This is the best photography to date of the SA-2 SAM. site located near
the SE approach to Bechevinskaya Bay at 53 12 l-8N-159 146 30E. A probable
pipeline trace is visible leading toward a small rivulet on the eastern side
of the plateau on which the site is deployed. I photography reveals
25X1 D that the site was operational in A small light aircraft 'was
visible just to the north of the site on that photography.
An operational SA-2 SAM site is visible on clear photography on an
unnamed headland (53 15 30N-16o 01 1OE) by Ostrov Morzhovy (Benzenger Island).
This area is incorrectly labelled on USATC 019+-18 as "Nys Argali". A check
with the Board of Geographic Names and the NIS Gazzeteer reveals that this
headland is as yet unnamed.
This is the best coverage available of the:SE extremity of the
Shipunski Peninsula ( s hipunski - 53 06N-160 02E). Track activity and
several unidentified structures are visible on the elevated tableland that
forms the Shipunski Peninsula. The small scale of the photography precluded
the identification of this installation - other than as a possible meteorolog-
ical site. The Electronic Order of Battle Communist Forces Far East carries
a-radar station at this location (site NA 00 the Bombin Encyclopedia
carries it as a radio communications site (BE # ; and Russian
broadcasts have referred to Mys Shipunski as a collective meteorological
station.
25X1 D
off "the southernmost rivulet -- the PAC+or? shore" of Morzhovaya Bay
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
 its head. A re-examination of all previous photography of this bay failed
to reveal any firm evidence of submarine or naval activity - although two
possible vessels were noted at this identical location in I coverage
25X1D dated (Refer to text to photos 8 and 8A of this enclosure.)
25X1 D
25X1 D
25X1 D
25X1 D
Photos No. 7 & 7A (stereo pair fold-outs)
This stereo pair of contact prints of Bechevinskaya Bay is forwarded
to illustrate the naval/submarine activity present at that time. Seven
vessels - including 4 submarines, one probable submarine, one destroyer,
and one small unidentified vessel are located at the entrance to the bay
(53 14N-159 14E). Obliquity and image quality precluded the identification
of these vessels without the use of a stereoscope. By unfolding these
prints a view may be obtained looking toward the icebound Petropavlovsk
Kamchatskiy Submarine Base at Tar'ya Bay. Of additional possible interest
may be the proximity of the active volcano, Sopka Kozelskaya (53 12N-158 53E),
located approximately 33nm west of the possible naval base under construction
at Bechevinskaya Bay. J
25X1
These photographs are forwarded as evidence in an attempt to establish
a possible connection between the probable submarine activity noted at the
head of Morzhovaya_Bay in (see photo no. 6.) with any possible
previous naval activity noted in this bay. A careful study of several
different frames from 25X1 D
reveals that two possible vessels, moored alongside one
another, were positioned at the head of the bay off "the southernmost
rivulet on the eastern shore" of the bay. Whether these objects were
possible submarines could not be determined although their length-width
ratios appeared similar. It should be noted that the reproduction of these
faint images on fourth generation prints appears to have significantly reduced
their visibility; the images appear a little firmer on the second generation
DP ' s
TOM /.f y,
(' ^-- -~ ~--? Exc.. L-?a tic
 SHIPUNSKI PENINSULA
KAMCHATKA, USSR
53-o6N, 16o-o2E
USATC 0191-18
(3x enlargement)
Possible Naval Base U/C
(Photos # 2A 2B) - ..............
SAM Sites
(Photos #3&4) -
Two Probable Submarines at Anchor
(Photo # 5) - ?'~
Possible Meteorological Station
(Photo # 6) - - - - - '
 TOP SECRET
BECHEVINSKAYA BAY
SHIPUNSKI PENINSULA
KAMCHATKA, USSR
(53 16N - 159 47E)
Drawing keyed to photo nos. 2A & 2B
DIMENSIONS OF PRINCIPAL BUUJDINGS AT
POSSIBLE NAVAL BASE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
BLDG #
DIMENSIONS (feet)
2
1
130% 50 (multi-storied)
3
2
65 x 60
~
Z
3
280 x 35
%
4
60 x 50
5
-
6
90 x 35
90 x 25
Trail
Road
Rivulet
Building observed in
Building constructed
500 0
FEET (APPROXIMATE)
25X1 D
TOP SECRET
25X1
 Photo -, 5
Mission I
MYS SHIPTJ TSKI
SHIPUPNSKI PE~MII SULA
FAMCHATKA, USSR
53-06rN, ito-02E
USATC 019+-18
(20 x enlargement)
 BECHEVINSKAYA BAY
KAMCHATKA, USSR
53-14N, 159-45E
USATC 0194-18
(contact print)
Approved For Release 2005/06/08 : CIA-RDP78TO5439A000300210067-6
 MORZHOVA''A BAY
SHIPUNSKI PENINSULA
KAMCHATKA, USSR
53-13Ni 159-58E
USATC o194-i8
(contact print)
Photo ;#
(part 1 of stereo pair)
25X1 D
 150 E. COAST OF KADMCHATKA FROM
point marked by a detached pillar rock about
400 yards off the point. This recess of the bay
is locally known -as Bukhta Malaya Medvezhka.
iii orthward of the cliffs is the mouth of a broad
valley wit)t Ozero Kalygirskoye (Krugloye), a
salt-water lake of considerable size separated
from the bay by a narrow, long, and low sandy
spit covered with grass and bushes. At the
northeastern end of this spit, obstructed by a
shallow bar, lies the entrance to Ozero Kaly-
girskoye. The little village Kalygir is situated
on the sandy beach near the entrance ; the in-
habitants live by fishing and hunting. The
shore eastward of the entrance is composed of
steep brown cliffs, gradually rising and extend-
ing in an east-southeasterly direction for about
miles to Days Kron'e. This section of the shore
has a uniform' appearance, but in a position
about one mile westward of My s Kron'e a sud-
den dip of the high shore marks a small semi-
circular cove fringed with a low sandy beach
through which flows a rivulet. A fishing sta-
tion stands at the mouth of the rivulet.
The northwestern part of the bay, where the-
depths 400 yards offshore do not exceed 7 fath-
oms, is the shoalest; the depths increase south-
ward and eastward toward Days Kron'e, the
bottom being sand.
Anchorages. It is reported that there is
anchorage in 0Y fathoms, sand and shell, about
600 yards off the middle part of the cliffy shore
immediately westward of Drys Kron'e; also far-
ther westward, 600 yards off the cliffs nearest to
the low-lying shore, in 83/% fathoms. The an-
chorage should be approached from south-
eastward with caution, taking soundings
continually.
:lays Sredniy is a high, rugged headland with
precipitous gray cliffs; it is fringed with above-
water rocks close inshore. ? An isolated sub-
merged rock, marked by breakers, lies 600 yards
northward of the headland; the depths 400
yards seaward of the breakers are 15 fathoms,
sand.
MYS AFRIKA TO MYS LOPATKA
6-47 Bukhta Bol'shaya Medvezhka is a
semicircular bay that recedes for about 2 miles
in a southwesterly direction, and is entered be-
tween Mys Sredniy, on the north, and an un-
named point about 3 miles south-southeastward,
on the south. The southwestern part of its
shore is a spit ridged with acciunulations of
sand and gravel ; the spit is backed by a lake
which lies in a spacious valley and extends on its
western side across the valley to the foot of the
hills. The entrance to the lake lies at the south-
eastern extremity of the spit; a few houses rnd
a fishing station stand nearby. Except for this
low section the shore of the bay is hilly and
covered with forest. This bay has not yet been
surveyed but two rocky reefs have been noticed
off the shores of this bay. One, with its end
marked by breakers, lies 1,600 yards westward
of the southern (nameless) entrance point, the
other, comprising a group of above-water rocks,
is located 11/c miles southward of Mys Sredniy.
Neither reef extends farther than 400 yards off-
shore. The depths in the entrance are from 16
to 20 fathoms.
Anchorage.-An anchorage, sheltered from,
winds from southeast, through south an& west,
to northwest, is obtainable, with local knowl-
edge, in the Bukhta Bol'shaya Medvezhka in 11
to 12 fathoms, with the southern entrance point
bearing 110?.
Mys Argali (53?19' N., 159?59' E., H. O.
Charts 5811 and 5810) is the easternmost point
of a small mountainous peninsula that projects
from the mainland in a northeasterly direction
and forms the southeastern shore of Bukhta
Bol'shaya Medvezhka. The point is formed by
a gray cliff more than 1,500 feet in height which
fronts the sea with precipice about 1,000 feet
high.
6-48 Bukhta Morzhovaya (H. 0. Chart
5808) is an extensive bay entered between bays
Argali and Ostrov Morzhovyy (Benzenes
Island), 4 miles south-southeastward. A rocky
headland, nearly 300 feet high, standing at the
 head of the bay about 4 miles-southwestward of
Ostrov Morzhovyy divides the bay into two
parts. The northern part is wide and exposed,
and the southern part is a comparatively long
and narrow arm completely sheltered from the
winds and the sea. The northern part indents
the coast for about 4 miles and is about 21/2
miles wide with nearly parallel shores. The
southern arm of the bay entered eastward of the
headland referred to extends southward for a
distance ,of nearly 2 miles and is about half a
mile wide; there is a small sand and shingle
beach at its head.
The shores of the entire bay are formed by
steep slopes of mountains that surround the bay
and rise to heights ranging from 1,500 to over
2,000 feet. With the exception of a short section
of the western shore immediately northward
of the headland referred to and a narrow ra-
vine near the middle of the northwestern shore,
the shores of the northern part of the bay are
high and cliffy. Numerous rivulets flow into
the bay.
6-49 Depths.-The depths at the entrance
to the bay are 30 fathoms, sand, decreasing
gradually to 6 fathoms, sand, about 1,200 yards
off the head of the northern part of the bay;
depths of 15 to 16 fathoms, sticky mud, pre-
vail over the northern half of the southern arm,
decreasing very gradually to 10 fathoms about
500 yards offshore at its head.
Dangers.-Some above-water rocks and sub-
merged rocks are located from 2 to 21/2 miles
south-southwestward of Mys Argali and ex-
tend 600 yards offshore. A submerged reef ex-
tending 600 yards offshore lies about half a
mile southward of Mfys Argali; the outer end
of the reef is marked by breakers and a. small
above-water rock stands on the reef close in-
shore. A shingle shoal with depths less than
9 feet extends about 300 yards off the eastern
entrance point of the southern arm. The shoal
is steep-to at its extremity. --
Anchorage, well sheltered from winds and
vaya. _ mud provides excellent holding
ground.
i water can be obtained from waterfalls
in the southern arm ar icu ar from the
sou ernmos rivulet, on the eastern shore of
the arm; a vessel may haul her stern inshore
and with a sufficiently long hose take water by
gravity ow.
1 es in Bukhta Dforzhovaya are of a mixed
type; semidiurnal tides are observed when the
moon is close to the equator. Springs rise about
5 to 51/.a feet with a diurnal tide; neaps rise,
with a semidiurnal tide about 11/4 feet. The
mean high water level is 3 hours .15 minutes.
6-50 Directions.-During thick or foggy
weather, which is very frequent during the sum-
mer, it is most difficult to make out the entrance
t4 Bukhta Morzhovaya in a calm or with gen-
tle onshore breezes; in such a case soundings
are the only guidance. With moderate south-
easterly or northeasterly winds the fog may
clear up periodically under the lee side of the
land; therefore with a southeasterly wind a
vessel should make Ostrov Morzhovyy, and with
a northeasterly wind, lfys Argali. A mid-
channel course in the bay and in the southern
arm of the bay is recommended. Ordinarily
a southeasterly wind spreads a fog over the
whole northern part of the bay, but leaves the
southern part fairly clear. Northeasterly winds
are accompanied by foul weather, and the fog
spreads over the entire bay, the fog being much
denser around the mountain tops and consider-
ably thinner closer to the shoreline.
Ostrov Morzhovyy (Denzengr), an island
that forms the southern entrance point to
Bukhta bforzhovaya, is separated from the
mainland by an obstructed narrow passage too
shallow even for small boats at low water. The
island rises to a height of 630 feet and has on
all sides grayish cliffs, which on its southern
 E. COAST OF KAMCHATKA FROM MYS AFRIKA TO MYS LOPATKA
side are higher and steeper, and which descend
to the northeastern end of the island in a series
of gently sloping terraces. On its seaward side
the island is steep-to, and depths of 30 to 35
fathoms are 400 yards off this side of the island.
Several above-water rocks and submerged rocks
lie close off the island. A small, low, above-
water rock lies 1,000 yards off shore about 600
to; depths of 40 to 45 fathoms are at a distance
of about 11/,L miles offshore. The bottom in the
vicinity of Ostrov Morzhovyy is mostly sand,
and in the vicinity of Mys Shipunskiy, mostly
-shingle-
6-52 Mys Shipunskiy (53?06' N., 160?02'
E., B. 0. Charts 5811 and 5810).-The elevated
tableland that forms the southernmost part of
yards southward of the island. the Poluostrov Shipunskiy terminates on its
6-51 Coast.-The coast approaches Ostrov
Morzhovyy by a small, steep-sided, flat-topped
headland 410 feet high. From this position the
coast trends southward, southeastward, and
eastward for a total distance of about 4 miles
and forms a small bay with sloping sides and a
shingle beach- This bay is exposed and is ob-
structed by a reef extending from its northern
shore and also by detached rocks off its shore.
From the southern entrance point of this bay
the coast trends southward for about 41/2 miles
to Mys Shteyna; along this section the moun-
tains, over 2,500 feet in height, rise steeply
from the coast, fronting the sea with grayish
and brownish precipices. Close offshore stand
several small pillar-rocks, the outermost of
which, well outside the others, stands about 800
yards offshore.
Jays Steyna, a high cliffy 'point, is the
northern limit of an elevated tableland, which
extends here to the coast. It greatly resembles
the cape, located about 3 miles southward of it,
by the name Jays Shipunskiy, which forms the
southeastern extremity of Poluostrov Ship-
unskiy.
Poluostrov Shipunskiy, a mountainous penin-
sula of considerable size, projects from the
mainland in a southeasterly direction. The in-
terior of the peninsula consists of high, steep,
craggy mountains rising to heights of 1,500 to
2,000 feet, which, however, do not extend to
its southernmost part consisting of an elevated
tableland.
The entire section of the shore between Os-
trov Morzhovyy and Drys Shipunskiy is steep-
southern side in two small projections, the east-
ern of which is Mys Shipunskiy.
A. mountain situated about 5 miles north-
westward of Mys Shipunskiy has a sharp jag-
ged summit rising to a height of 3,218 feet and
makes a very conspicuous landmark when
sighted from either eastward or westward.
A palisade-like formation of pillar-rocks ex-
tends 1,600 yards east-southeastward from Mys
Shipunskiy and terminates in a large pillar
rock, about. 75 feet high, which is in line wit,
the rest of the rocks, but is separated by about
100 yards of water from the rest of the row.
A dangerous line of rocks, both above water
and submerged, extends from the western pro-
jection in a south-southwesterly direction for
about 11/4 miles to a submerged rock marked by
breakers; thence it changes its direction and
extends east-southeastward for about 1,600
yards, terminating in a rock-islet, 12 feet high,
situated about 1YL miles south-southwestward
of Mys Shipunskiy. This rock-islet is the outer-
most danger off Mys Shipunskiy.
Both these lines of rocks are visible from
about 10 to 12 miles offshore and form a good
landmark. These rocks are steep-to ; there are
depths of 27 to 30 fathoms at a distance of less
than one-half mile southward of the outermost
rock-islet, and depths of about 49 fathoms at a
distance of 1,600 yards eastward of the eastern-
most rock. Both chains of rocks are frequented
by seals.
Mys Shipunskiy Light is shown from a tri-
lateral wooden pyramid, 15 :.:et high.
A radiobeacon is located at Mys Shipunskiy.
 6-53 Kamchatka currents-Between Mys
Shipunskiy and Mys Vertikalnyy the main
stream of the constant Kamchatka current flows
in a general south-southwesterly direction and
has a velocity from 0.7 to 0.9 knot; -southward
from Mys Shipnnsldy, a narrow branch of the
-main Kamchatka current flows in the direction
of Mys Nalacheva and has a velocity of 0.5 knot.
Tidal currents,-]In the vicini of Mys
Shipnnskiy the tidal currents attaM a rate of
1% to 2 knots at springs and 1 knot at neaps.
The tide wavwadvancing from the ocean divides
at Mys Shipnnsiuy, one branch setting north-
ward and the other northwestward along the
coast. The two branches of the ebb currents
meet about 10 miles southeastward of Mys Shi-
punskiy and form eddies and also a very con-
fused short sea when the wind is fresh.
6-54 Directions. very dense fogs are
prevalent in the vicinity of Mys Shipnnskiy. A
vessrl approaching Mys Shipunsidy in thick
weather should sound continually and should
navigate in depths of not less than 60 fathoms.
With smooth water the eddies will give a warn-
ing of the proximity to the cape. The bottom
shelves more steeply off the eastern side than off
the southern, and particularly the southwestern,
side of the cape. The bottom is mainly shingle,
changing to sand northward of the cape and to
rock as the cape is approached.
6-55 MYS SHIPUNSKIY TO AVA-
CHINSKAYA GUBA-Landmarks. -Sopka
Koryatskaya (Strelochnaya) is an extinct vol-
cano situated about 22% miles southwestward
of Sopka Zhupanova (see Sec. 6-34) ; its well-
shaped conical summit rising to a height of
11,546 feet makes it a very conspicuous land-
mark particularly from the Avachinskaya Guba
(Avacha Bay).
Sopka Avachinskaya, an active volcano,
stands about 5 miles southeastward of Sopka
Korystskaya; its double-crateral
summit rises
to a height of 8,960 feet and ordinarily I. idea- .
tifled by a Tight smoke rising from one of its
Khe 31
craters. There is nevet any snow near its sum-
mit owing to internal heat.
Sopka Kozel'skaya, an extinct volcano rising
to a height of 7,178 feet, stands about 2% miles
southeastward of Sopka Avachinskaya. Its
conical summit with gentle slopes is a particu-
larly excellent landmark for the approach to
Avachinskaya Ouba, because it is situated only
10 miles inland and the white stripes of snow on
its black slopes can be discerned through a light
fog that may be sufficient to obscure other peak..
6-56 Coast.-From Mys Shipanskiy the
coast trends almost in a straight line northwest-
ward to the southeastern entrance point of
Bukhta Bechevinskaya. This elevated and
bluff coast is backed by a mountain range with
numerous sharp peaks rising to heights from
1,600 to almost 2,000 feet at about 1% to 2 miles
inland.- Numerous small spurs of this moun-
tain range extend to the coast and terminate in
small slightly projecting headlands fringed
with rocks and reefs that extend a short dis-
tance offshore; these headlands are separated by
small coves with creels and sandy beaches suit-
able for landings from ships' boats.
The depths about 1,600 yards offshore range
from 14 to 16 fathoms, sand, and steadily in-
crease seaward.
Landing in small boats can be conveniently
made in either of the two small coves located re-
spectively 33/ miles and 7 miles northwestward
of Mys Shipunskdy.
Warning.-The entire water area westward
of a line commencing at the southeastern en-
trance point of Bukhta Bechevinskaya and ex-
tending approximately 229? for about 59 miles
to Mys Krutoy is dangerous for navigation.
For pilots to enter this area, am Section 6-105.
6-57 Bukhta Bechevinskaya (H. 0. Chart
5810) is a bay entered between Mys Vkhod-
noy, its southeastern entrance point, lo-
cated III miles northwestward of Mys
Shipunakiy, and Mys Lonahek (mean-
ing "Caps of Traps"), located about 1% miles
 E. COAST OF KAMCHATKA FROM MYS AFRIKA TO MYS LOPATKA
farther northwestward. This bay indents the
land in a northeasterly direction for over 5
miles and has a uniform width of slightly over
1 mile. About 2 miles within the entrance of
the bay a shingle spit extends from either side
of the bay toward its middle; the spits approach
each other at almost a right angle, leaving be-
tween their extremities a narrow passage not
exceeding 80 yards in width. These spits di-
vide the area of the bay in two nearly equal
parts. The southwestern part of Bukhta
Bechevinskaya is accessible to vessels. The
western shore is high and cliffy; the eastern
shore is lower but is precipitous and fringed by
a narrow shingle and gravel beach, which in
places becomes submerged at high water. Sev-
eral rivulets flow into the bay. In 1919 the
area around the bay was uninhabited.
-6-58 Depths-Dangers.-At the entrance
to Bukhta Bechevinskaya and somewhat closer
to its northwestern entrance point the depths
are about 8 fathoms. However, it should be
noted that the entrance 'to this bay is fronted
particularly on its eastern side by an area with
an uneven bottom that has numerous patches
with least depths of 4% and even 33/4 fathoms.
Depths of 5 fathoms or greater extend for a dis-
tance of less an 1 mile inside the entrance.
The depth in the passage between the spits is
21/4 fathoms, but a narrow channel with a least
depth of 11/4 fathoms in the fairway leads to
e passage.
The northeastern half of the ba has not been
completely surveyed, but several lines of sound-
' gs show, northward of the spits, an a ost
immediate increase in depths that range
tween 23 and 28 fathoms in the greater part.
The southern side of Mys Lovushek termi-
nates in two small projections; it is fringed
with rocks and reefs that extend from it south-
ward and southwestward for a distance of 600
ti yards and terminate among depths of 7 to 8
fathoms. This point should not be approached
from southwestward. A short rocky.ledge ex-
tends -f-, .:i the southeastern entrance point in
a southwesterly dineution, and terminates in a
submerged rock 240 yards offshore.
Lights.-A light is' shown on bays Vkhod-
noy, from an unpainted wooden truncated
pyramid. Another light is shown on Mys
Lovushek from a similar structure.
Landmark.-The entrance points to Bukhta
Bechevinskaya are not conspicuous from the
offing, but grayish-yellow 'cliffs immediately
northward of Mys Lovushek stand out conspic-
uously against the generally darker back-
ground, and as there is no other place in the
vicinity with similar coloring, this is an excel-
lent landmark.
Anchorages.-Vessels with local knowledge
may anchor in the southwestern half of Bukhta
Bechevinskaya in depths from 3 to 6 fathoms,
sand. A. good position is in 5% fathoms; sand,
with the two projections of Mys Lovushek in
range, bearing 256?, and the southeastern en-
trance point bearing 175?.
6-59 Tides and tidal currents. The mean
high water interval in Bukhta Bechevinskaya
is 3 hours 6 minutes. Springs rise 41 feet;
neaps, 4 feet. The tidal currents in the ay are
almost imperceptible except in the passage
between the spits, where, with the spring tides,
the currents attain a velocity of 6 to 7 knots.
6-60 Ostrov Krasheninnikova-Dangers
(plan on H. O. Chart 5810).-Ostrov Krashe-
ninnikova, an island lying 6 miles westward of
3fys Lovushek and less than 1 mile offshore, is
precipitous and rises to a height of 679 feet.
This island is surrounded by rocks, and a de-
tached pillar-rock stands half a mile south-
southwestward of its southern extremity.
About 1 mile southward of th; isl .nd there are
even depths of 14 to 16 fatho::as, but the area
neighboring the island has not been surveyed.
The entire area no: ,,_"ward of a. line con-
necting the island with the entrance. to Bukhta
Bechevinskaya is obstructed by scattered
sunken dangers, the outermost of which is an
isolated submerged rock, only occasionally
marked by breakers at low water, located 21/z
miles east-northeastward- of the southern ex-
tremity of the island.
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