Yura (JPYUR)

Yura is a harbour of refuge with many vessels seeking shelter during the typhoon season. Arrivals and departures undertaken throughout 24 hours.

Yura is situated on the S coast of Honshu in Hidaka District of Wakayama Prefecture.

Approx 500,000t of cargo and 6 vessels handled annually.

A good berth is in a depth of about 11.0m with the N extremity of Ari Shima in line with a rock, 6m high, situated 0.35nm SSE of Kasane Yama, bearing 252°, and the E entrance point of a cove on the N side of the harbour 0.45nm ENE of Kasane Yama, bearing 336°. Small vessels can obtain shelter from all winds in the cove. Except in SW winds the harbour affords sheltered anchorage in its inner part to vessels up to 3,000t in depths of 9.0-13.0m, mud and good holding ground.

Yura Ko is approached from the SE corner of Kii Suido, the port is entered passing S of Ari Shima. Least depth is the fairway is 11.1m. Bae (33°56.0'N 135°04.0'E), 4m high, is the outermost above water rock on a shoal spit extending 0.5nm NW from a point 0.35nm NE of Oura Saki, and is the S entrance point to Yura Ko. A light, privately maintained, is exhibited from a red metal frame work tower on Ichino Bae. Leading lights: There are two pairs of privately maintained leading lights for Yura Ko. They lead through the principal channel S and E of Ari Shima to the inner part of the harbour. Katakui leading lights (metal columns, white triangular topmarks), the outer pair, stand on Katakui Saki, 0.57nm SE of Ari Shima Light tower, and in line bear 097°. Kasane Yama leading lights (metal columns, white triangular topmarks), the inner pair, stand close S of Kasane Yama, 1.25nm ENE of Ari Shima Light tower, and in line bear 041°. A light is exhibited from a red metal framework tower standing on Muronoki Hana (33°56.8'N 135°05.5'E) situated 0.6nm NE of Katakui Saki.

BA 951. Japanese W97. Admiralty Pilot NP42B.

Berthing is carried out both by day and at night.

The Berthing Master boards off Ari Shima.

Range 1.2m (springs), 0.7m (neaps).

Six tugs of up to 3,000hp are available.