1938 Admiralty Chart (No 577) of the Approaches to Durban

Admiralty Chart No. 577, Approaches to Durban, surveyed in 1926 by Lieut-Commander A.F.B. Woodhouse, R.N. and the officers of H.M. South African Surveying Ship “Protea”, depicts the coastal approaches and entrance to Durban Harbour on South Africa’s Indian Ocean coast. Published at the Admiralty in 1939, with corrections in 1941 and 1951, the chart focuses tightly on the harbour entrance, the Bluff headland, and the offshore approaches immediately seaward of Durban Bay, showing soundings in fathoms, sandbanks, reefs, and the dredged navigation channel leading into the port. Additional in-harbour soundings by the Durban Harbour Engineer up to 1944 are included, reflecting the city’s continuous port expansion during the interwar and wartime years. Issued just before the Second World War, the chart records Durban’s emergence as South Africa’s primary Indian Ocean port and strategic naval base, combining hydrographic precision with a snapshot of a rapidly modernising harbour that would play a crucial role in Allied naval operations during the 1940s.

This map is a reproduction of a historical map that is now in the public domain. It has been selected for its aesthetic appeal and historical interest and carefully restored and reproduced to preserve its original detail and character.  There may be marks and fold lines visible which add to the authentic look.  The map is printed on 230gsm heavyweight coated paper with a matte finish.  Most old maps were printed on uncoated rag or wood pulp papers and therefore a matte finish best represents the original map.