was unsuitable, with extreme heat making life unbearable for the operators and leading to the death of two in two years. The opposition of the tribesmen, although at times subdued, was never overcome entirely with the result that it was constantly necessary to have a gun boat in the vicinity of the island. After it was evacuated, Telegraph Island remained an important strategic point, as evidenced by the decision of the British Government in 1904 to erect flagpoles there. However, an agreement could not be reached about which flag to fly – the Union Jack or the Blue Ensign of the Royal India Marine. The former would imply sovereignty over the island, which Britain did not have, while the latter might bring responsibility on the British to defend it, which the government did not want. It was eventually decided to fly neither flag, and all the flagpoles were removed except one. The flagpole could not be seen from the open sea but is not clear whether officials in London ever appreciated this fact. Tourism The Musandam Peninsula is a popular tourist destination, with modern hotels in and around the town of Khasab and boat trips to the Elphinstone Inlet. Tourist dhows run day trips to Telegraph Island, tying up beside the island for a few hours while visitors can climb up the steps and visit the crumbling ruins of the repeater station and operators' quarters. However, changes in the tide of can make it difficult to land passengers at certain times of day. Visitors may also swim and snorkel in the surrounding waters. The inlet is calm and sheltered, and it is possible to see dolphins swimming alongside the dhows that make their way to and from Khasab. Cultural references In an episode of the fantasy television show Warehouse 13, titled "Around the Bend", aired on the Syfy Channel on 10 August 2010, a fictional military telegraph from the island is recognised by a character as causing "violent insanity". Agent Lattimer goes "around the bend" after tapping its lever. The island is featured in Telegraph Island: Jason Smiley Stewart – My Life Story, Volume 2, a novel loosely based on fact. References External links History of the Atlantic Cable & Undersea Communications Cable&Wireless Worldwide Islands of Oman Musandam Governorate