Researchers from the Dongsha Management Station of the Marine National Park Headquarters discovered a shipwreck on the western side of Dongsha Atoll while conducting marine ecological surveys. Due to its age, the wreck has naturally transformed into an artificial reef. A preliminary survey recorded more than 30 species of fish inhabiting the site.

Dongsha Atoll is a circular coral atoll approximately 25 kilometers in diameter, formed by the accumulation of reef-building corals. Dongsha Island lies on the western side of the atoll and is the only emergent landmass in the atoll waters, surrounded by depths of approximately 3 to 6 meters. Because of the numerous submerged reefs and complex sea conditions, historical records indicate that at least 35 vessels have run aground and sunk in the waters of Dongsha Atoll.

Divers from the Dongsha Management Station conducted an underwater survey of the wreck site. The remains of the vessel are scattered across an area approximately 100 meters long and 50 meters wide, at a depth of about 6 meters. At low tide, parts of the ship’s upper structure lie less than one meter below the water surface. Owing to prolonged exposure to waves and weathering, it is no longer possible to identify the vessel’s age or nationality based on appearance alone. However, judging from the size of the anchor chain, the ship may have been of a ten-thousand-ton class. The complex structure of the wreck now provides shelter and habitat for fish and other marine organisms, turning the wreck and its surrounding waters into a haven for marine life.

According to fish surveys conducted by the Headquarters, abundant schools of species such as the Goldband Goatfish, Yellowstripe Scad, Sixline Damselfish, Striped Damselfish, Purple Squirrelfish, and Brown Surgeonfish were observed. Economically valuable species including Thicklip Grunt, Diagonal-banded Sweetlips, and Humpback Red Snapper were also present in considerable numbers. Notably, a large lionfish approximately 40 centimeters in length was seen swimming leisurely within the ship’s structure, displaying an impressive, almost regal presence.

The Headquarters stated that it will continue to carry out coral reef ecological surveys and research within the park in order to better understand and monitor the marine ecosystem of Dongsha Atoll National Park.