Green Island coral reef fractures, possibly due to earthquake, say divers
Posted on 2026-08-29 13:08:13
The coral reef at a popular diving site off Green Island has been found fractured, with local divers saying it may have been caused by an earthquake that struck the area earlier this week.
Located in the Chaikou diving area, Heimao Reef (黑毛礁) was found broken apart after local diving instructors returned there following several days of suspended water activities around Green Island due to strong winds and waves.
Diving instructor Chen Yi-hsi (陳宜禧) said there were no signs of the reef having been struck by other rocks at the site, leading him to believe the magnitude 5.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of southeastern Taiwan on Tuesday may have caused it to fracture.
The quake's intensity on Green Island measured 4 on Taiwan's 7-tier intensity scale.
Chen said Heimao Reef lies at a depth of 11 to 12 meters and attracts both first-time and regular divers.
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