Dongsha is a circular atoll with a diameter of around 25 kilometers. Dongsha Island, to the west of the atoll, is the only part of the atoll that is above the surface of the sea. The waters around it are three to six meters deep, there are many hidden reefs and the current is unpredictable, making it a graveyard for ships, at least 35 of which are known to have sunk in the area.

The wreckage of the vessel is scattered over an area 100 meters long and 50 meters wide in water around six meters deep. Its upper part is less than one meter below the surface at low tide. This ship sank long ago and its nationality and the year it sank are not known, however, from the size of the anchor chain it is estimated it was a 10,000 ton ship. The ship superstructure has become a home and refuge for fish and other marine creatures.

Fish species found in large numbers include:Mulloidichthys vanicolensis、Scolopsis lineate, Abudefduf sexfasciatus, Abudefduf vaigiensis, Myripristis violaceus Bleeker, Acanthurus nigrofuscus;fish with high economic value found in significant numbers include Plectorhinchus cinctus., Plectorhinchus goldmanni, Lutjanus gibbus. A large (40 cm)long red lionfish (Pterois volitans) resides in the ship, having the same regal air as its big cat namesake.

Translated by：Kevin Lax
Source：Marine Natilnal Park Headquarters