Half Moon Shoal Explained

Disputed:yes
Type:atoll
Half Moon Shoal
Other Names:
Hasa Hasa Shoal (Philippine English)
Buhanginan ng Hasa Hasa (Filipino)
半月礁 Bànyuè Jiāo (Chinese)
Pushpin Map:Spratly Islands relief
Location:South China Sea (West Philippine Sea)
Coordinates:8.8667°N 132°W
Archipelago:Spratly Islands
Country Admin Divisions Title:Municipality
Country Admin Divisions:Kalayaan, Palawan

Half Moon Shoal, also known as Bànyuè Jiāo and Hasa Hasa Shoal (Filipino; Pilipino: Buhanginan ng Hasa Hasa), is an atoll at the eastern edge of the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea. China, the Philippines, Taiwan (ROC) and Vietnam have competing claims over the atoll. It is located close to Northeast Investigator Shoal and 100 km from Palawan, Philippines.[1]

Notable incidents

The Chinese frigate Dongguan accidentally ran aground on the shoal during a routine patrol mission on 11 July 2012. It was later towed away by a Chinese salvage ship.[2] [3]

On 6 May 2014, Philippine police arrested 11 Chinese fishermen allegedly poaching sea turtles on board the fishing boat, Qiongqionghai, near the Half Moon Shoal.[4] [5]

On 29 August 2018, BRP Gregorio del Pillar ran aground at the shoal.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Admiralty Sailing Directions - South China Sea . 1 July 2013 . UKHO (United Kingdom Hydrographic Office) . Taunton, UK .
  2. China's Newest City Raises Threat of Conflict in South China Sea . Austin Ramzy . 2012-07-24 . 2012-07-25 . Time.
  3. Web site: China ship runs aground near Phl . https://archive.today/20130104143315/http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=827335&publicationSubCategoryId=63 . dead . 2013-01-04 . Jaime Laude . 2012-07-14 . 2012-07-25 . The Philippine Star.
  4. News: Tensions surge in S. China Sea as Philippines seizes Chinese boat . Mogato . Manuel . Blanchard . Ben . 7 May 2014 . Reuters. 7 May 2014.
  5. Web site: PH arrests 11 Chinese fishermen off Palawan.
  6. Web site: PHL Navy frigate ran aground in West Philippine Sea. GMA News . 31 August 2018 . 31 August 2018.